By Kate Giordan Flores and Carla Adeline Via
In an astonishing back-to-back feat, Silliman University Medical School Association (SUMSA) third-year students Isabele Iris Garsuta and Alriz Joseph Gonzales charted two gold titles in the Sillimanians Got Talent and Silliman Idol 2025, respectively.
Gonzales bested four other contenders in the heated three rounder finals night of Silliman Idol last Aug. 25 at the Hibalag grounds.
Accompanied by the Ruiz Audio band, he performed an acoustic version of “What You Want To Do For Love” by Bobby Caldwell, a jazz rendition of Eraserheads’ “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” and his winning OPM piece, “Araw Gabi” by Regine Velasquez.
According to Gonzales, he chose “Araw Gabi” upon learning this year’s Hibalag theme, “Hinabing Alon: Woven Tide of Heritage,” and linked it to his desire to honor his heritage as someone who grew up abroad.
“I really wanted to put out a piece that I could be happy with, but I could also pay homage to my heritage. I actually would struggle [to sing in] Tagalog, but I think that this was the best that I could do and [hope] that I could put some peace with that performance,” he said.
Gonzales shared he grew up in Australia and recently moved back to the Philippines two years ago where he rekindled his love for singing.
“It’s like regardless of how far we go in the seas, […] they always bring you back to shore. I’m really glad that I could come back here and find my passion for singing again and find somewhere […] I could truly call home,” he added.
Meanwhile, Isabele Garsuta outshined six other acts in the annual Sillimanians Got Talent last Aug. 22.
Garsuta took inspiration from the American violinist-songwriter Lindsey Stirling with her violin performance of Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars.”
“I could say unique jud siya kay ako lang man ga-play ug musical instrument. But everyone did well pud, everyone did their best,” she said.
While it was her first time competing in the annual segment, Garsuta stated she has long been joining in multiple contests in both her hometown in Bohol and within the university.
She was also one of the finalists of the 2025 Valentine Songwriting Competition last February.
Shared struggles
Ahead of the competition, Gonzales recalled losing his voice as one of his biggest hurdles during his preparation for the final night.
“I prayed and I was lucky enough to get my voice back today and just put on a performance that I could be proud of. So regardless of whatever challenges that I did have, I’m glad that I could just overcome them and be happy,” Gonzales said.
When asked about her preparation for the competition, Garsuta also shared her struggles with managing her time as both a participant and a student.
“I feel very happy [and] very grateful because last minute ra jud ko naka-decide to join, because it’s our bi-mothly exam week and I was kind of skeptical at first kay wala koy practice,” she explained.
She added, “I just prayed to God na bisan dili ko ingana ka-prepared, I will give a good performance and I will make the people proud.”
Both Gonzales and Garsuta brought home cash prizes, trophies, and certificates after winning their respective titles.
Silliman Idol is an annual campus-based singing competition hosted by the Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators, while the Sillimanians Got Talent is organized by the SU Student Government Advocacy Committee.
