MANILA, Philippines - From beauty pageants to science competitions, gabfests, robotics, dance and music derbies, Filipino youth continue to show their talents to the rest of the world. In December, the Philippines will be fielding approximately 40 choirs when Sing N Joy Manila 2013, the international choral competition organized by Interkultur Germany, unfolds at the Aliw Theater Complex, with ensembles that passed the nationwide auditions of Manila Broadcasting Company expected to dominate the field.
TIP Choral Society, Kinaadman Chorale, Enharmonica Singers, Coro Amadeo, UP Manila Chorale, Pasig Catholic College, Vox Angeli, Himig Bulilit of St. Paul College Parañaque, the University of San Agustin Troubadours, St. Mary’s University Choral Society, Regina Coeli, Tabor Hill College OAD Choir, Coro San Nicoleno, Calasiao Children’s Chorus, the Ateneo Boys Choir, University of Manila Singers, Vox Amigos, Juan Luna Elementary School, the Davao Girls Choir, Lyceum of Alabang, Tining- Ang Koro ng Letran Calamba, Coro Obcento, Agoo Children’s Choir, Isabela State University Chamber Choir, Cebu Central School Children’s Choir, Central Luzon State University Maestro Singers and the SPA Music Ensemble of Oton National High School Iloilo made it to the list of choirs whose participation will be subsidized by the broadcast network.
Former MBC National Choral Competition champions Coro de Manila, Hiyas ng Pilipinas, St. Louis University Glee Club and the Laoag City Children’s Choir will also be availing of the privilege.
Other local choirs who have registered so far with Interkultur for the prestigious international choral derby include Mapua Cardinal Singers, Southern Leyte Singing Ambassadors, Coro San Benildo, South Cotabato Chorale, Adventist Glee, Olongapo Youth Choir, St. Paul College Pasig High School Chorale and Lourdes School Quezon City.
Initial material submitted by the different groups show them signing up for the different categories including mixed choruses and youth choirs, with the folkloric, pop and sacred music genres as popular choices.
Choirs from other countries in the Asia Pacific region are expected to see action when the international competition unfolds in December under the supervision of MBC, Interkultur and the Philippine Choral Directors Association, through the support of Globe Telecom.