UP Cebu Serenata lends voice to abused women, children

CEBU, Philippines - The UP Cebu Serenata seemingly “hit many birds with one stone” during its concert performance heldlast March 7 at the Cenewof Theater, Marcelo Fernan Press Center. The University of the Philippines Cebu College’s official choir, UP Cebu Serenata proved that there is more to singing than what meets the eye.

More than just an avenue to showcase the vocal talents of the UP Cebu Serenata Chorale, the UP Serenata: Live in Concert was a fund-raising activity to benefit the Immaculate Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries (IMQHM), whose mission is rescuing women and children victimized by prostitution.

During the concert, the 30-member choir delivered a mixed repertoire. They sang like choirs of angels as they opened the concert with religious songs, namely: “Ave Verum,” “I Believe” and “The Prayer.”

They segued to the next set in red-and-white outfits with popular songs like “Close to You,” “Can’t Smile,” “I Write the Songs,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” “From a Distance” and “Seasons of Love.”

Expressing love for country, they capped the musical evening with their own rendition of local Tagalog and Cebuano songs. Among them were “Ugoy ng Duyan,” “Bato sa Buhangin,” “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal,” “Ilo-Ilo ng Banwa,” “Langit ug Yuta,” and “Musikang Binisaya.” In between sets, quartets and solo violins played classical music for the audience.

Its choirmaster, Dr. Catherine Rodel, said that it has been two years since UP Cebu Serenata staged its last concert and having one this year gives them great fulfillment.

“It’s tiring but it’s okay. Next year, we’re going to have another one, this time, for an orphanage. All songs will be in Cebuano,” she said.

Having been its choirmaster for nine years now, Dr. Rodel said that it’s the passion and hard work of the students that make up the UP Cebu Serenata.

She added that what makes the chorale different is that “we’re singing fine music in acapella. And we’re specializing in Cebuano music.”

Behind the Scenes

While everyone congratulated the UP Cebu Serenata, the efforts of the production team behind the choir concert have to be credited as well.

UP Serenata: Live in Concert was organized by OnSite Events (UP Cebu Management 172 Advertising Class) and the UP Cebu Campus Ministry.

UP Cebu Campus Ministry’s Twinkle Denoyo said that the event was also in line with the women’s month celebration as the beneficiaries from IMQHM were women who are victims of prostitution.

Likewise, OnSite Events project head Francis Sullano was amazed at how things turned out. After all, what started out as a class project unexpectedly grew into a major event.

“Advertising and organizing the event was great. Having to work with responsible teammates uplifted my self-esteem because you know that they will not put you down,” Sullano shared.

Sister Lucia Baul, MQHM of the Immaculate Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries couldn’t be more thankful of what the group has done for them.

“We’re thankful because they have chosen us as beneficiary of this wonderful concert. God manifested His love through these generous people who will help us regain the dignity of these women and children of God,” she said.

Whether it was for the UP Cebu Serenata, Immaculate Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries, OnSite Events, or UP Cebu Campus Ministry, those birds had been hit surely well with just one stone via a concert that served its purpose well. (THE FREEMAN)