MANILA, Philippines - A bemedalled children's choir from Cubao, Quezon City bagged the top awards in a musical festival held in North Wales, United Kingdom, besting several other groups from various countries.
Hail Mary the Queen Children's Choir (HMtQCC), the official and sole representative of the Philippines, won first place in the children's folk choir category of the 67th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Children's Choir Festival, which runs from July 9 to 14.
The HMtQCC from the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in Cubao obtained a total score of 95.0 to defeat 10 other groups from Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Cymru, Germany, England, Canada and Estonia.
The Philippines' Hail Mary The Queen Children's Choir wins GOLD in the Children's Folk Choir category! Mabuhay! http://t.co/J6UfQRvdLz
— PHL Embassy London (@philemblondon) July 10, 2013
Landing on second place was the Saskatoon Children’s Choir from Canada (90.3) while the Diocesan Boys’ School Choir from Hong Kong was adjudged third (89.7).
The HMtQCC also won a special prize, the inaugural Children's Choir of the World Award, a post on the music festival's Facebook account said.
Some Filipino netizens flooded the message board of music festival's livestreaming website with praises and congratulatory remarks for members of the Cubao choral group.
"Truly, you are our inspiration Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, Tikya and Jude. Congratulations and we are so proud of you. We love you all!" said Christopher Avendano from Los Angeles, California.
"We are so proud of you, Jboy and the whole choir. You are blessed with heavenly voices. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the whole world. Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you and keep you safe," said Cynthia Basaldua.
According to the choral group's website, the HMtQCC started in 1999 with founders Ulan and Dinna Sarmiento armed with the goal of "preserving the heritage of sacred music through Latin, English and Filipino repertoire."
The website said the choir has been active in both local and international chorale scenes, traveling extensively for performances and competitions.
Among several other accomplishments, the group was crowned World Choir Olympic Champion – Music of the Religions Category, in the 3rd World Choir Games in Bremen, Germany, in July 2004.
Watch the performance of the HMtQCC that won them the Children's Choir of the World award