Storytellers shine at ‘Metamorphosis’’

Dr. Maria Teresa Trinidad P. Tinio, SVPAA, (standing, second from right) together with faculty from the Institute of Education and student participants of “Metamorphosis: Stories for Life” storytelling event in the UCC. 

The Institute of Education (IE) celebrated its student storytellers who brought imagination, meaning, and voice to the university-wide competition Metamorphosis: Stories for Life, which gathered talented participants from across the university, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling as a tool for reflection, learning, and human connection.

“Teaching is not only about the contents or the ‘what’ of the lesson but it is also about the ‘how’—how do we deliver the lesson in a way that is understood by the students?’ I think the delivery of the lesson matters as much as the contents of the lesson itself, if not more,” said Aliyah Monique Inocentes, one of the winners. “Storytelling made a mark on my future teaching approach as it made me want to be more confident in own my teaching space, my classroom. This will not only guide me to explain the concepts but letting the students experience them.”

Franco Piolo Pacifico, Paul Andrew Lopez, and Christian Raiven Galicia also demonstrated creativity and depth through their narratives. Their works not only entertained but also conveyed lived experiences, values, and perspectives that resonate with the evolving role of educators in today’s society.

For future educators, the ability to craft and share meaningful stories becomes essential in engaging learners, contextualizing lessons, and inspiring transformation inside and outside the classroom, participants said.

Storytelling, as emphasized in the competition, goes beyond performance; it is a pedagogical practice that nurtures empathy, critical thinking, and communication skills.

The institute extended its congratulations to all four participants for their dedication and courage in representing the academic community. Special recognition was given to Inocentes and Pacifico for their win, exemplifying excellence and the impactful use of narrative as a form of expression and education.

As IE continues to cultivate holistic and reflective educators, opportunities like Metamorphosis: Stories for Life last April 22 serve as vital platforms for students to discover their voice, an instrument they will carry into their future classrooms.