Cebuano choir is champion int Int’l Choral Competition

CEBU, Philippines - Tabor Hill College (OAD) Choir of Talamban, Cebu City emerged as grand prix champion in the recently concluded Philippine International Choral Competition dubbed "Sing 'n' Joy Manila 2013."

Conducted by Dennis Gregory Sugarol, with Ritchie Asibal as vocal coach, the chorale also emerged with a Gold-level III in the Music Sacra competition, Gold-level II in the Folklore category, and a Gold-level I in the Mixed Choirs-Difficulty Level 1 division.

Sugarol said joining the competition was a last-minute decision and that they only have two months of rigid practice.

Sugarol elaborated that because of earthquake and the Typhoon Yolanda, they had to stop their practices

Sugarol explained that the content of the winning song was about freeing from the calamities.

Dr. Mila Cañete, Dean of Tabor Hill College, said she only prayed for bronze.

"We didn't expect to win. Who we are? Di ba? That's an international competition," she said.

Sugarol said most of the members of the group are beginners in singing.

"Ang uban yabag pa og tingog (at first). Grabe ang challenge," he said.

He added that before the competition they even borrowed money to finance the group.

Members of the choir were inspired to continue the talent and learned the value of discipline.

Started twp year ago, the choir group was founded by Fr. Renel Cabag, OAD

Participants were from Singapore (one), Indonesia (eight) and Philippines 36.

University of the Philippines Manila Chorale, steered by Emmanuel de Leon, was the most awarded ensemble, capturing three category wins while earning a Gold-level V in Gospel Spirituals, a Gold-level IV in Musica Sacra, and Gold-level III in the Mixed Choirs-Difficulty level 1.

Technological Institute of the Philippines Choral Society, conducted by Joel Aquino, was named category winner for the Folklore competition, earning Gold-level 1V while also taking home a Gold level II in the Pop category and Mixed Choirs-Level-1.

Kinaadman Chorale, the resident ensemble at the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University in Iloilo earned a Gold-level III and was named category winner for Pop/Show Choirs. The group also took home a Gold-level II in the Folklore category and a Silver-level IX in the Mixed Choirs-Difficulty level 1. Conducted by Roque Magsipoc, Kinaadman also emerged as the People's Choice awardee, together with Indonesian choir Paduan Suara Mahasiswa Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta.           

St. Paul College Pasig High School Chorale under Sheila Fetalvero edged out MBC National Choral Competition Hall of Famer Hiyas ng Pilipinas for the category win in the Youth Choirs of Equal Voices division.  Both choirs had nearly identical scores to earn Gold-level II certificates.

Tining-ang Koro ng Letran Calamba, conducted by Lorenzo Gealogo, romped off with the category win among Mixed Choirs-Difficulty level 2.

2011-2012 MBC Champion Laoag City Children's choir brought home the category win in the Children's category, scoring a Gold-level IV in the process.

The International jury comprised of Kirby Shaw (USA), Dang Chau Anh (Vietnam), Tommyanto Kandisaputra (Indonesia), Ko Moe Naing (Myanmar), Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng and Jonathan Velasco (both from the Philippines) also gave out golds for various categories to Calasiao Children's Chorus, Juan Luna Elementary School, Vox Angeli, Pasig Catholic College, Coro Obcento,  Coro San Benildo, Regina Coeli, Mapua Cardinal Singers, Coro Amadeo, Cental Luzon State University Maestro Singers, University of Manila Singers, South Cotabato Chorale, Concordia Choir Univ. HKBP Nommensen of Medan, Paduan Suara Mahasiswa Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, and Ekklesia Polewali Mandar.

Earning silver certificates were Himig Bulilit, Ateneo Boys Choir, Agoo Children's Choir, Lourdes School of Quezon City Choral Society, Vox Amigos de San Isidro Labrador, S.P.A. Music Ensemble of Oton National High School, Southern Leyte Singing Ambassadors, Olongapo Youth Choir, St.Mary's University Choral Society, Coro San Nicoleno, Adventist Glee, University of Northeastern Philippines Chamber Singers, Voice of Soul, and the Ussy Pieters Choir.  Lyceum of Alabang Chorale took home a bronze certificate. 

Special awards for Outstanding Performances were given to tenor Greggy Quiocho of the UP Manila Chorale for My God is So High, Kinaadman Chorale for their rendition of  "Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas," and Paduan Suara Mahasiswa Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta for their performance in the Folklore division.

Sing 'n' Joy Manila 2013 was presented by Manila Broadcasting Company, Interkultur Germany, and the Philippine Choral Directors Association, with support from Star City, Globe Telecom, Krem-Top, 7-Eleven, M. Lhuillier, Cebu Pacific, Master Sardines, SM City Manila, Shangri-La Plaza, Kamuning First United Methodist Church, and the Department of Tourism.  (FREEMAN)