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| Photo Courtesy || ubaguio.edu |
Cordillera - In a remarkable display of musical genius, the University of
Baguio (UB) snatched the championship title at the MBC National Choral
Competition held at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City last Dec. 13.
The UB Voices Chorale landed on the top spot in the open category, beating
the biggest names in choral singing. The all-male Koro Ilustrado – dubbed as
the Philippines’ best male choir – came in second.
Another force to reckon with, the Los Cantantes de Manila (former members
of the University of the East Chorale, one of the country’s most
accomplished university choirs), a world champion in Europe (considered the
seat of choir music), settled third.
Meanwhile, the Technological Institute of the Philippines Choral Society, a
gold medalist in the choral contest Sing’n’Joy Manila in 2013, finished as
fourth.
The UB Voices was also named the Best Show Choir during the event.
Dr. Bienvenido Constantino Jr., the group’s conductor and adviser,
mentioned how fierce the competition was, noting, “We went through tough
times and difficulties.”
A qualifying sing-off among over a hundred choirs was held last Sept. 28 in
Cauayan, Isabela, wherein UB took the first place.
At the semi-finals, which followed last Dec. 12, UB still ranked first
among the top 28 that competed.
Finally, during the grand finals, UB picked up the title.
The participants performed three pieces: the contest piece, a novelty
piece, and an elective.
Singer and actress Nanette Inventor graced the awarding ceremonies.
In 2012, UB won second place in the same competition, organized by the
media company Manila Broadcasting Company.
source || Ronalyn Banaken via UB website
