UV Chorale bags top prize in MBC nat'l choir contest

CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Visayas Chorale once again soared high after it was proclaimed the grand champion in the Manila Broadcasting Company National Chorale Competition 2009 held at the Aliw Theater in Manila the other day.

Sherwin Sulla, president of the UV Chorale, told The FREEMAN that “it was a tough competition because outstanding choral groups from various places of the Philippines joined in the tilt.”

However, the UV Chorale managed beat St. Louis University of Baguio, Core de Manila, and Tarlac State University who were among nine competing groups.

“We are very surprised when our name was announced as the grand winner, because we really didn’t expect to win as our competitors were also very, very good,” an overwhelmed Sulla shared through a phone interview yesterday.

“Nevertheless, we thank God as this serves as an early Christmas gift for us,” he added.

As grand prize winner, UV Chorale took home a total of P115,000 in cash, a trophy and a certificate.

Now, the choir is preparing for the formal launching early next year of its debut album containing a recording of classic Visayan songs like “Usahay,” “Bulan” and many more.

Likewise, the members are also busy preparing for the “Halad Sa Kinaiyang Sugbuanon”, an annual project of Dr. Jose “Dodong” Gullas, chairman of the board of The FREEMAN and founder of the world-renown UV Chorale.

“Halad…” gives recognition to old Visayan music and composers like Maning Velez, Minggoy Lopez, Ben “Iyo Karpo” Zubiri, among others. — Lagmar Lavistre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)