PUB: The Urban Guide to Manila Living

Share

When the world renowned Loboc Children’s Choir started to sing at the CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, the entire audience was enthralled. It seemed as if not a single member of the crowd was eager to listen to the angelic voice of the choir, whose members all hail from Loboc, Bohol. The choir has toured all over Europe and earned Hall of Fame status in the NAMCYA (National Music Competitions for Young Artists).

Afterwards, the Pundaquit Virtuosi serenaded the audience with classical pieces. The group is composed of the leading music scholars of CASA San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales. What sets the group apart is that its members are children whose ages range from 7 to 14 and are mostly either marginalized or children of farmers and fishermen. Armed with violins and violas, and inspired by the genius of their mentor world-renowned Coke Bolipata, the kids have reaped awards from national musical competitions, like the prestigious NAMCYA, and the admiration of international audiences.

Together, the two ensembles of young music artists staged “Light a Million Mornings” last January 6 and 7 in support of Tuloy sa Don Bosco Street Children Village. The charity event hoped to benefit around 650 children from Tuloy sa Don Bosco. To some members of the audience such as me, it was more than a charity: It was a charity concert that lifted our spirits closer to heaven while at the same time reminded us that we were once children.

One could only be deeply touched by the choir’s medley of Filipino classics, such as “Habang May Buhay”, “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan”, “Batang-Bata Ka Pa” and “Ikaw” sung to the delightful accompaniment of Pundaquit’s strings. Coke Bolipata’s performance of “Cavatina” could only let one to fall in love over as she allowed her soul to be serenaded with this crowd-pleasing favorite.

Australian Pops Orchestra conductor Julian Quirit and his19-year-old daughter, solo violinist Eliza, joined the concert which culminated in an inspiring number with program host Cris Villonco.

Related posts:

1. MTV Philippines Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS 2005 MTV Philippines promoted AIDS awareness among Pinoy youths with a...
2. Rockin’ the Night at the NU Rock Awards 2005 Rock FM station NU 107 held its annual NU Rock...

This entry was posted on Monday, January 9th, 2006 at 6:44 pm and is filed under Events & Happenings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.