Proving its world-class talent and cultural pride, the Saint Louis University (SLU) Glee Club won the grand championship in the Folk Song and Indigenous Music Category at the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival 2025 held on 20-24 August 2025 at Ateneo de Manila University.
The Louisian ensemble performed “Bagbagto” by Normita Bing-Rio Pablico, a traditional Cordilleran chant that tells a story of hope and resilience during a drought. Along with the melodic music of Bagbagto, Sherwin Santiago created and choreographed movements that represented this piece beautifully as it highlights the deep connection between nature, spirituality, and community in Filipino culture.
In addition to this victory, the SLU Glee Club also earned a prestigious Gold Diploma in the Mixed Choir Category, demonstrating their exceptional skill in accurately interpreting complex periodic pieces such as “All Creatures Now” by John Bennet, “Jagdlied” by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, “Bakunawa” by Ily Matthew Maniano, and the contest piece, “Umáy Gu-lai” by Ryan Cayabyab. The Mixed Choir Category is one of the most challenging categories to compete in as it represents the finest Filipino choirs nationwide. Among 16 competing choirs, the SLU Glee Club was one of the choirs that made it to the Gold Diploma bracket.
Winning at the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival was a comeback that the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) performing group has been waiting for. The group stopped competing for a time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and now, was proven ready to engage in future competitions as it has inspired them to continue pushing creative boundaries thus deepening their appreciation for the diverse musical traditions that shape their identity as individuals.
The SLU Glee Club dedicates this accomplishment to their supporters, Saint Louis University and the country with a promise to keep elevating their craft. As SLU Glee Club celebrates this milestone, they look forward to more opportunities to blossom and share their music far beyond borders. (Article by Lilianne Dominguez, SLU Glee Club | Photos by SLU Glee Club)
