From Cebu to the World

A standing ovation capped last Saturday night’s farewell concert of the University of the Visayas Chorale. It was a fitting conclusion to a concert that spoke of so much soul that could have only sprung from the story of their musical journey.

In one of the songs that the 26-member choir rendered, they sang about the coming of golden dreams. I’d say that last Saturday night’s concert made the audience a part of the golden dreams of UV executive vice-president Dr. Jose “Sir Dodong” Gullas to bring the UV Chorale, his brainchild, to the world. The UV Chorale is bound for Busan, South Korea after it was invited to compete in the annual International Choral Competition come November 1-3, 2207.

Sir Dodong profusely thanked sponsors and donors in attendance at the Marriott Hotel’s grand ballroom. He recalled how humbling an experience it was to ask for financial assistance, which will help pay for everything from shoes to accommodations, from friends. “The overwhelming support brought a lump to my throat. I will always be indebted to these generous people,” said Sir Dodong.

The competition should be a learning and life-changing experience for these talented college students, who are the first to say that their being part of the UV Chorale is the main motivation why they press on with their studies despite being hard up in life. If anything, the beauty of this opportunity to represent Cebu (the first chorale in the Visayas and Mindanao to do so) resonates with the lasting words of the late founder of UV, Don Vicente Gullas: those who are less in life deserve more in education.

The UV chorale has already performed overseas via a concert tour in Australia in 2004. In fact, they were the first Philippine choir asked to perform before the Australian parliament in that same year. If they have lost count of their major performances and choral competitions won here in Cebu, I wouldn’t wonder. I know of one inter-college competition, won by the UV chorale last year, which would rather have them as guests this year so as to encourage entries from other schools. In their experience, a number of groups would back out the moment they would learn that the UV chorale would join the contest. Such is their reputation.

Going by the concert, the group is all set for even the toughest of competitions. I cannot help but be effusive in praise over the rendition of their repertoire. The songs, varying from rousing to moving, were solidly delivered—but the variety of voices in harmonic union was hard to miss. Sure, I was expecting improvements since the last time I saw them. But I didn’t expect such flourish and polish. They have certainly grown a lot—in confidence, in quality and in stage presence. My favourite numbers were “Child’s Prayer,” as well as “Wade in the Water” and “Gloria in Kenya,” both of which featured male bass soloists. Other notables were the Disney theme “Under the Sea,” wherein you can hear voices sounding like water splashing and marine life in chorus. “One by One” featured voices of wildlife… try to imagine that! The sweet love song “For All We Know” brought a tear to the eyes, including that of a noted lady government official among the audience. The energy of choirmaster Anna Tabita Piquero (who was a member of the UP Madrigal Singers and is choirmaster to the award-winning UE Choir of Manila) was also captivating to watch.

During the latter part of the program, the UV Chorale recognized the full support given to them by Sir Dodong’s wife, Ma’am Nena Gullas, who is also the UV Chorale’s manager; Dr. Fe Cuenca, who has been with the group since its founding; and Piquero.

Last Saturday’s concert underscored the amazing talents we have in our midst. According to Dr. Cuenca, many are already asking for a repeat concert—or at least one that’s open to the general public. We all need this kind of entertainment, unlike others which are all gloss, but no substance. I hope that pushes through before the UV Chorale would head out of the country on Oct. 28.