FINALISTS. The list of eight singing groups from different parts of the Visayas and Mindanao selected to join in the first chorale competition featuring Eastern Visayas songs. This is to promote the region’s musical heritage, organizers announced on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Department of Tourism Region 8)
TACLOBAN CITY – At least eight singing groups from different parts of the Visayas and Mindanao will join in the first chorale competition featuring Eastern Visayas songs to promote the region’s musical heritage, organizers announced on Tuesday.
The eight groups were selected from 19 entries screened by organizers last month. Some 160 singers belonging to the eight groups will showcase their singing prowess during the competition on June 11 at the People’s Center and Library here.
Their songs are from the book “Kanta Binisaya,” authored by Stephen Lagarde, associate professor of the University of the Philippines Tacloban College, who pitched the idea of holding the event.
Lagarde said they chose the best choral group based on the videos of their presentations sent by 19 interested groups from the three regions in the Visayas and nearby regions. The screening also checked their track record.
“This is to promote, disseminate, and popularize our musical heritage. These are forgotten. Our young people are not even aware of this heritage,” Lagarde told reporters in a press briefing here Tuesday.
The finalists are Calbayog Chamber Voices from Calbayog City, Samar; Cebu Normal University Chorale from Cebu City; Coro Recoleto of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos from Bacolod City; Koro Seraphim from Tagbiliran City; Southern Leyte State University Glee Club from Sogod, Southern Leyte; Surigao del Norte State University from Surigao City; University of San Carlos Choristers from Cebu City; and Vox Minore Chorum from Talisay City, Cebu.
Department of Tourism Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the competition is a boost to their tourism campaign in the region.
“This is an activity that will help promote and revive the love of Visayan songs. These are songs that should not fade away. We will be proud to see and hear that singers from outside the region are signing our folk songs,” Tiopes added.
Prizes at stake are PHP100,000 for the winner, PHP80,000 for the first runner up, and PHP60,000 for the second runner up.
Non-winners will receive a PHP20,000 cash prize. These prizes are mainly funded by the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez and the Tingog Party List.
The Leyte provincial government is also setting aside PHP20,000 in subsidies for each participating group.
Meanwhile, there are also eight groups of students who are joining the Love Eastern Visayas infomercial music video competition.
The infomercial music video showcases the unique charm and allure of local areas, becoming a catalyst for change and growth.
“With each frame, students could elevate their hometown from a mere destination to a must-see experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit,” Tiopes added.
Their output will also be shown, and the announcement of winners will be made during the chorale competition on June 11.
The competition is in partnership with the Office of the House Speaker, Tingog Partylist, Leyte Normal University, and the Leyte provincial government. (With reports from Jake C. Paguipo, OJT/PNA)
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