UV Chorale serenades Palma

CEBU, Philippines -   As a birthday present, the internationally-awarded homegrown talents of the University of the Visayas Chorale recently serenaded Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma at the Cebu Archbishop’s residence.

   The choir showcased some of its new, specially-arranged repertoire, which included standards, a Visayan number, as well as classic Spanish love songs, prompting Bishop Palma to profusely express his gratitude for the privilege of being given “a private concert”.

   “Two persons came to my mind when I heard you sing. Number one is the Holy Father, because this pope [Benedict XVI] is a pope who loves music. If I had a video, I would show it to him and tell him about you and I can almost imagine him enjoying your performance.” 

   “The second person is the great Jesuit poet-writer Fr. Horacio dela Costa. He had said the Philippines maybe poor but it has two jewels – our faith and our music. These are our treasures as Filipinos,” the prelate said.

It was the former Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal who introduced the choir to Bishop Palma and recommended them to offer a birthday serenade to his successor who turned 61 last March 19.   (FREEMAN NEWS)