Cebuano choir shines in national choral scene

MANILA, Philippines - The University of the Visayas Chorale (UVC) topped the recently-held 2011 MBC Paskong Pinoy national choral competition at the Aliw Theater, bringing its Cebuano-stamped musicality and showmanship to the national choral stage.

It was a sweet and stunning comeback for the 30-member UVC, conducted by Anna Piquero, which first emerged champion in 2009 during its first try in the annual tilt celebrating the country’s rich choral tradition.

After hurdling the regional elimination round held in Cebu and the semi-final round here in Manila, the choir bested seven other finalists in the open category before an elite jury made up of choral music experts Jonathan Velasco, Prof. Fidel Calalang Jr., Arnel de Pano, Ma. Lourdes Hermo, Janet Sabas-Aracama and Nanette Inventor. The choir won a total cash prize of P200,000.

Last year’s champion, the St. Louis University of Baguio, placed second. Koro Ilustrado of Metro Manila, also conducted by Piquero, and the Colegio de San Agustin Choir of Iloilo landed third.

According to De Pano, the win is a reaffirmation of what is already known among choral music enthusiasts: That UVC is considered as one of the country’s best choirs.

De Pano, who has sat as judge of the MBC competition since its inception five years ago, said the competition has gotten tougher each year, as the crop of contestants has been stepping up the plate, infusing more gimmicks. Contrary to common perception perhaps, choirs have increasingly incorporated movement on stage, thus are more colorful and truly a delight to watch. This is not actually confined to Pinoy choirs but also extends to choirs worldwide, a trend only picked up (not originated by) and perpetuated by the likes of popular American TV series on show choirs, Glee.

And the MBC tilt does give more weight to the entertainment value as the songs should foremost appeal to the listening public, as compared to other choral contests that are more academic, classical and technical in nature. But he said that just because the performance is entertaining and fun to watch, it doesn’t mean it isn’t technically sound, referring to the performance of the UV Chorale which delivered its numbers with well-thought-out choreography, youthful exuberance and a clean sound.

In addition to its participation in the competition, early this month, the UVC was also featured at the Yuletide Evenings in Glorietta, Madz Et. Al at Philam Theater and performed at the Asian Institute of Liturgy and Music. It also joined the 1,000 voices concert of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab at the Big Dome last month. 

The UV Chorale was created to give full scholarships to vocally gifted students. When it was founded, its simple intention was to sing in church masses. But since it started being trained by Piquero, an award-winning choirmaster and former Philippine Madrigal singer, in 2007, it has pioneered Cebuano choirs competing here and abroad.

Among its past awards were winning the first CCP Choral Competition in 2009, first runner-up finish at the Busan Competition in 2007 and the gold prize at the Tomohon International Choral Competition in Indonesia. It was also chosen as the only Filipino performing group at the World Youth Day in 2008 at Sydney, Australia. This 2012, the choir taking a step higher by competing in Europe.

Cebuanos are always known to be musically-inclined; some of the country’s best singers hail from the Queen City of the South. 

According to Dr. Jose Gullas, the university’s executive vice-president and the choir’s very supportive founder and patron, these students are a testament that even with zero classical background and despite not having a music conservatory in Cebu, they can excel with hard work, passion for music and the right training.

The UVC’s goal is also to foster appreciation for Cebuano music among young people amid the onslaught of foreign popular music. It has done successful local concerts and a couple of albums with the sole purpose of reviving classic Visayan love songs. Their music and past performances can also be heard and viewed at the music-themed Halad Museum of Gullas in Cebu, which showcases memorabilia of known Cebuano artists and composers.

More importantly, the chorale is changing the life of its members, maybe not as magnified as those lives changed practically overnight in reality TV contests, but the impact is very much tangible nonetheless.

Take for example, the UVC has members who have financially-challenged backgrounds. In an interview, one of its members, Rodolfo Denolan, shared that he used to finance his schooling by working as a crew in a fastfood chain, but now many thanks to being part of the choir, he is able to continue his studies and even get to enjoy experiences that many will not even get to experience in a lifetime. For another member, Iian Villa, he is thankful that being part of a choir gave him the encouragement to leave a notorious street gang in Cebu, finding inspiration in the successes of choral idols like the Philippine Madrigal Singers as they make their time worthwhile with song and learning. Indeed, music isn’t only uplifting, it also has the power to uplift lives.