PHL choirs figure prominently in Vietnam intl choir tilt

The Philippines was honored on the international stage anew as several choirs figured prominently in the recent 4th Vietnam International Choir Competition.

One of the choirs, the Urdaneta City University's Music Ensemble, got to the gold diploma level in the mixed and folklore categories, GMA Dagupan reported Wednesday.

Hue Academy of Music (Vietnam) had topped the gold level in the mixed choirs (difficulty level 2) category.

In the folklore category, several Philippine choirs got to the gold level, including:

- Urdaneta City University's Music Ensemble

- Colegio de Sta. Rosa Makati Himig Roseña

- Mapúa Cardinal Singers

- Himig Sanghaya Chorale

The PVAO Chorale got to the silver diploma level in the mixed choirs category.

Another Philippine choir, the Coro San Nicoleño, topped the male choirs (difficulty level 2).

Himig Sanghaya Chorale got to the gold level in the Chamber Choirs of Mixed Voices category.

Colegio de Sta. Rosa Makati Himig Roseña topped the Youth Choirs of Equal Voices category.

Mapua Cardinal Singers and University of Asia and the Pacific  Chorale got to the gold level in the Mixed Youth Choirs category.

Coro San Nicoleño, Mapua Cardinal Singers, Anima Christi Chorale and Colegio de Sta. Rosa Himig Roseña got to the gold level of the Sacred Choir Music category.

Other Philippine choirs that competed in the tilt included:

- University of San Agustin Troubadours

- Koro de San Jose

- Teatro Para Kay Kristo Vocal Ensemble

- Philippine Youth Choir of Siniloan

- Anima Christi Chorale

It was not an easy feat for the Urdaneta choir, which prepared for six months and had to overcome many obstacles just to get to Vietnam.

"Noong nasa competition na kami, kailangan naming makauwi ng karangalan sa Pilipinas. It's our first time [na] sumabak internationally," said conductor Jonathan Lastimado.

During the preparation, the choir members followed a strict diet—but it was all worth it in the end.

"Kabado po pero masaya. It was a great experience," said singer Maureen delos Reyes.

For its part, the Pangasinan provincial government feted the choir for its contribution in giving honor to the country. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News

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