MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday feted champion chorale groups that have brought pride to the country for their remarkable musical prowess on the international stage.
In a ceremony in Malacañang, Manila, Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos honored seven chorale groups that dominated various international competitions and presented Filipino music to the world.
The singing groups are the University of the Philippines Manila Chorale, Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation Inc. Concert Chorus, Sola Gratia Chorale, University of Mindanao Chorale, Los Cantantes De Manila, IMUSICAPELLA, and University of Santo Tomas Singers.
All groups were handed PHP 200, 000 each and certificates of appreciation.
In his speech, Marcos bared that her sister, Irene Marcos-Araneta, was behind the “Gintong Parangal: Honoring the Champion Choirs of 2024.”
The President said he is hoping that the ceremony marks the “beginning of a resurgence of the appreciation of Filipino artists by Filipinos.”
“This is world class, international level and Filipinos do not know about it. And they should because every other Pinoy that will hear about this will be proud once again,” Marcos said.
He said that the recognition not only celebrates the victory of the country’s talented choirs but also recognizes their passion and discipline.
“I hope that tonight will be the first step where we recognize the true artists that are amongst us and the artists that have gone out and have been so committed to their art to present it to the rest of the world. And thank God, the rest of the world says it’s very, very good. You win. So congratulations to all of you,” he said. (PNA)