U.P. Singing Ambassadors win in Spain, Germany

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors (UPSA) bagged the Primer Premio (First Prize) in both Habanera and Polyphony categories in the 64th Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia (International Choral Contest Habaneras and Polyphony) held in Palacio de la Música, Torrevieja, Spain on July 28. 

Under the baton of Ed Lumbera Manguiat, the chorale group also won Premio del público (The Public Award) after receiving the highest number of public votes. Manguiat founded the group in 1980.  

The group received a total of 24,000 euros cash prize (approximately $28,122) broken down as follows: 12,000 euros (Habaneras), 10,000 euros (Polyphony) and 2,000 euros (Public Award); and trophy for each category. 

The UPSA first won in the same competition in 2005: First Prize in Polyphony Category, Best Interpretation of a Habanera and Premio del público.

The University of Sto. Tomas Singers, Habanera’s first prize winners in 2010, were invited to perform in the festival.

Competing choirs were from Ukraine, China, Serbia, Romania, Belarus, Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, Macedonia and host country, Spain.

In early July, the UPSA won the Grand Prix in the First Sing Berlin! International Choir Festival and Competition held in Georg-Friedrich-Händel Gymnasium, Germany. The singing ambassadors were also declared winners in both Sacred Music and Mixed Choirs categories.