UCC ENGLISH-CHINESE STUDENT, NHOEL GUTIERREZ, WINS FIRST PLACE IN ENGLISH MONTH SONG WRITING CONTEST

Nhoel Gutierrez joined English Month with the theme "Conquering Challenges through Speech, Reading, and Writing in the New Normal" when he exhibited his own composed song entitled "The Burning Torch," on November 28, 2021.

Burning Torch," on November 28, 2021. Competition is and will always be a part of a student's life, and is a component that regularly affects their life experiences as an individual. Competitors will always be motivated by the idea of winning, to get something, to accomplish and to beat others. In spite of having various competition and commitment as a first year student of English-Chinese Department, Nhoel Gutierrez fearlessly joined the Off Mute: Song Writing Competition — one of the eight competition in the College of Education English Month celebration with the theme "Conquering Challenges through Speech, Reading, and Writing in the New Normal”. The English Department managed the competition and held it on November 28, 2021. The aim of the program is to expose the talents of the English majors students in distinct categories and to showcase how their English literacy skills were enhanced during the pandemic. 

The Off Mute: Song Writing Competition is exclusively for English and English- Chinese majors of all year levels in the University of Caloocan City. Every participant is allowed to use an existing tune or beat of a song as long as the participant will acknowledge the original artist of the song but the competitors must compose the original song lyrics that express the theme in a new way. Through composing original song lyrics, it is a challenge to showcase the student's English literacy and creativity in making an exceptional piece. 

Gutierrez's winning song entitled "The Burning Torch" was inspired by the challenges faced by aspiring educators during the pandemic. To create the song, Gutierrez asked his classmates about their struggles and sources of inspiration. He then used their words to craft a moving anthem about overcoming adversity and guiding the future generations by lighting their ways. 

Among the six entries in the English Month Songwriting Competition the song "The Burning Torch" was a standout. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of Nhoel Gutierrez during these difficult times, as well as the power of creativity to uplift and inspire other students. “After overcoming every obstacle that came along the way, the absolute efforts and hard work to win this competition turned into great results that no amount of awards can compare with," Gutierrez said.

The achievement of Nhoel Gutierrez in winning first place in the The Song Writing Competition is a proud moment for the BSE- English- Chinese Department as he proudly represents his section in the English Month Celebration. As everyone continues to navigate the challenges of the new normal, just look-up to Gutierrez and other young advocates’ intelligence and talent as beacons of hope and inspiration.