World class … The Baao Children’s Choir is a community and
church – based choir of children ages 11 to 18 years old from different public
and private schools in the Municipality of Baao, CamSur.
By SARAH GRUTAS
Photo by BEMBOT BRIONES
BAAO, Camarines Sur: Who would’ve thought that an unknown choir
from a 4th class municipality in Camarines Sur would emerge as the champion in
the recently concluded 18th Certamen International Juvenil de Habaneras y
Polifonia in Torrevieja, Spain.
The Baao Children’s Choir under the baton of Virgilio Briones,
himself a Baaoeño, bested 40 other groups from around the world during the
elimination, and beat eight choirs during the competition proper last April
27-29, 2012, taking home the coveted Golden Trophy and the €3,000 cash prize.
Translated as the 18th Junior Habaneras and Polyphony
International Contest, this competition was organized by the local government
of Torrevieja and aims to promote and spread the Habanera, a Latin traditional
music, amongst young singers worldwide.
But the road to the choir’s victory in Spain wasn’t easy, says
Francisco Bulalacao, Jr, DepEd Region 5 Supervisor and guardian of the choir.
“The competition in Spain wasn’t just a celebration of the
children’s artistic talents, it was also a celebration of the Pinoy spirit –
resilient, hard-working, and optimistic.
“We had limited budget and there were times when the kids felt
insecure about themselves, especially when they were with the other
contestants.
“The choir was aware that it was the only group in the
competition that is from a relatively poor country – from a town no one’s even
heard of – but they always kept a positive vibe.”
Jojie Badilla, the choir’s road manager, relates that the Baao
Children’s Choir is the first Asian choir to participate in the said
international competition.
This is also their first time to compete outside Southeast Asia,
and despite being in competition with other veteran groups, the Baao Children’s
Choir still managed to emerge victorious, beating Soilare Children’s Choir (in
2nd place, from Latvia) and Antara Korai Children’s Choir (in 3rd place, from
Spain).
“During the contest, the Filipino group received a standing
ovation and the longest applause from the audience!” Badilla adds.
“I wish there was
government support, but we couldn’t impose,” says Francisco Bulalacao, Jr when
asked if the provincial government of Camarines Sur contributed to the choir’s
journey to Spain.
“Thankfully, Mayor Gaite (of Baao) was there to support us. We
also thank the people of Baao who played a big part in the choir’s success,”
adds Bulalacao.
Before their departure for Spain, the Baao Children’s Choir held
a series of concerts in Baao and other parts of Camarines Sur and Metro Manila
to gather resources that will support their roundtrip airfare and accommodation
abroad.
In addition, Bulalacao relates that Filipinos in Spain were generous
to the Philippine delegation as well, with some OFWs even hosting dinner for
them.
The choir owes much of its success to its conductor.
He is Virgilio Briones, who is regarded as the Bicol region’s
most awarded choral conductor.
In a statement released by road manager Jojie Badilla, it was
learned that Briones is the only Filipino conductor who has won five national
championships in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), a
program carried out by DepEd and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Under his tutelage, the Baao Children’s Choir (with members from
11 to 18 years old) remains to be the undefeated chorale in the NAMCYA.
The Baao Children’s Choir (also known as the Barlin Angelics)
had its First International Tour in December 2011 when they represented the
Philippines in the 2011 International Children Arts and Culture Festival in
Malaysia, relates Badilla.
“The group has won the hearts and drew raves from the public
including Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib and First Lady Datin
Seri Rosmah Mansor, Her Royal Highness Queen Sultanah Kalsom,” Badilla adds. –
Bicol Mail
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