Bohol choir joins Phl ID celebration in Cambodia

MANILA, Philippines – The Loboc Children’s Choir stunned Cambodians during the celebration of the Philippines’ 118th Independence Day in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh on Friday and Saturday.

The group flew to Cambodia on the invitation of Ambassador Christopher Montero to perform before diplomats and local officials.

The children sang Filipino classics, folk songs and even Khmer tunes in concerts and gatherings organized by the Philippine embassy and snack food manufacturer Liwayway Marketing Corp.

Among the crowd’s favorites were the choir’s renditions of two Cambodian songs, Arappiya and Phnom Penh, the latter composed by the Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

The choir also sang Filipino folk songs such as Kruhay, Kalesa and Balut Penoy as well as medleys of original Pilipino music, Disney and Broadway tunes.

They performed during the flag-raising ceremonies at the new embassy chancery yesterday, and will sing at a diplomatic reception tonight.

Montero said this was not the first time that Filipino music was prominently featured in Cambodia. In 1872, King Norodom I brought a group of Filipino musicians to his country to form the Royal Brass and Reed Band.

The Loboc Children’s Choir showcased Filipino artistry and talent and the Independence Day celebration served as a great opportunity to feature Filipino artists, said businessman Carlos Chan, chairman emeritus of Liwayway Marketing Corp.