Saint Louis University-Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU-CCA) conducted the first-ever Light of the North Choral Festival and Competition on 30 November 2024 at Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM, CCA Theater, Saint Louis University. Fifteen choirs across the country were chosen as participants and bearers of light and music.
Judged by leading Philippine choral conductors Tristan C. Ignacio, Anthony Go Villanueva, and Chairman of the Board of Judges Mark Anthony A. Carpio, this celebration of talent provided choirs with a valuable opportunity to showcase their musical strengths while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
Light of the North Choral Festival and Competition highlights Filipino musicality and artistry
The performances of the choral collective, featuring well-crafted repertoires, showcased the exceptional musicality inherent in Filipino culture.
Representing Balanga City was Bataan Choral Artists. Led by Joven Aguirre Magbanua, the choir performed “Crixifixus for 8 Voices” by A. Lotti and “Three Kalinga Chants” by Nilo Alca.
The University of Baguio Voices Chorale, led by John Glenn Gaerlan, showcased their version of “Ili-Ili” by Ily Maniano and “Pal-so-song: 8 Laughing Voices” by Hyo-Won Woo.
The Adamson University Chorale of Metro Manila, under the baton of John Rufiel Aniceto, performed “Ave Maria” by Kevin Memley and “Marcos 10:14” by Ily Maniano.
The Baguio Central University Chamber Choir, under the direction of Jomard Calamba, also showcased their talents with renditions of “Mate Saule” by Peter Vask and “Nativitas” by John August Pamintuan.
Additionally, the Pangasinan State University Himig Ensemble, directed by Maria Cristina Cendaña-Gamo, expressed their renditions of “O Magnum Mysterium” by Tomas de Victoria and “Daluyong” by Ily Maniano.
The Bicol Voices Chorale from Legaspi City, led by Jim Rey Baloloy, serenaded the audience with “Credo” by Ralph Hoffman and “Kaisa-isa Niyan” by Nico Alcala.
Representing the City of Pines was Coro Callé, led by Reis Luke Aquino, who performed “Pater Noster” by Alejandro Consolacion II and “Cantate Domino” by Josu Elberbin.
M.E.S.S.I.A.H. from Laoag City, under Ryan Samuel Ramos, rendered their performance of “O Sapientita” by Tadje Vulc and “Tumatanginting” by Arnel De Pano.
Tarlac Männerchor, directed by Jero Anthony Buenviaje, performed “Jubilate Deo” by Mark Agpasa and “Didn’t My Lord Deliver” by Aaron Dale.
Further, the Nueva Ecija Singing Ambassadors from Cabanatuan City, led by Joshua Ysmael de Guzman Fontanilla, performed “Avinu” by Eudenice Palaruan and “Rytmus” by I. Hrusovsky.
The Far Eastern University Chorale, led by Roijin Galaruan Suarez, won the championship with their winning piece “O Magnum Mysterium” performed by Andrej Makor and “Ang Tren” by Saunder Choi.
The ELYU Chamber Singers of Bacnotan, La Union, with Danreve Leo Gamboa as their conductor, presented “Salidummay” by Bienvenido Constantino Jr. and “Kalejs Kala Dabesis” by Selga Mence.
The RTU GAAI Singers of Metro Manila, led by Christopher Ryan Roncales, delivered their performances of “Magnifikat” by Ily Maniano and “Let My Love Be Heard” by Jake Runestad.
Finally, the Light of the Nation Singers from Sta. Mesa, Manila, directed by Mark Gregory Isip, presented “Umagang Kay Ganda” by Mark Joseph Edradan and “Peace Song” by Tim Brent.
Concluding the symphonious event, the University of the Philippines Baguio Tinig Amianan, led by Emmanuel Louie Aribon, performed “Amazing Grace” by Daniel Brinsmead and “Iisang Banka” by Eudenice Palaruan.
SLU’s choral group, the SLU Glee Club under the baton of Mrs. Normita Rio-Pablico, and Ani ng Dangal Awardee The Baao Children and Youth Choir from Camarines Sur led by Mr. Emmanuel Ramos II, then graced the stage with a masterful interpretation of the diverse selection of musical pieces. Their brilliant performances left the audience spellbound.
Light of the North Choral Festival and Competition 2024 Winners
Choirs securing the top three places were as follows:
CHAMPION: Far Eastern University (FEU) Chorale
FIRST RUNNER-UP: Tarlac Männerchor
SECOND RUNNER-UP: University of Baguio Voices Chorale
Mr. Suarez, FEU Chorale conductor, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We didn’t expect to win. We are so happy that the judges appreciated our efforts. We also want to thank Saint Louis University for hosting this kind of event.”
The Light of the North Choral Festival and Competition aimed to honor the art of choral music by uniting choirs from diverse backgrounds and skill levels to perform and demonstrate their finest techniques to the choral community.
The Baao Children and Youth Choir conductor, Mr. Ramos II, affirmed the importance of this kind of event and said, “We really see different choirs from different places, and Filipinos truly come together when it comes to music, especially in choral music.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Pablico, Chairman of Light of the North Choral Festival and Competition and CCA Head, reflected on the event’s success, saying, “Honestly, I don’t know what I should feel; it’s a mix of nervousness and anxiety. You don’t know what choirs are coming and their caliber, but at the end of the day, it boils down to one coming together as one; it feels like there’s no competition.”
The inaugural Light of the North Choral Festival and Competition was a resounding success for the Louisian community and, more importantly, for the broader Filipino choral community.
This event not only promoted music education and created opportunities for skill development (SDG 4), but it also fostered inclusivity and aimed to reduce inequalities (SDG 10) by encouraging diverse communities to share their music and talents. Additionally, the festival strengthened cultural exchange and collaboration among choirs nationwide, building valuable partnerships that support cultural and artistic initiatives (SDG 16 and 17). (Article by: Arnmari Dela Cruz | UIO Intern, Photos by: Agnes Dela Pena | UIO Intern)
