44 choirs vie in the MBC National Choral contest

MANILA, Philippines - What do Nanette Inventor, Gary Valenciano, Arnel Ignacio, Heber Bartolome, Audie Gemora and Ryan Cayabyab have in common?

They have all made names for themselves in show business.

They have carved their own niche and identity as performers.

They all started as choristers.

Nanette, Arnel, Heber and Mr. C were at certain points in their individual lives as members of the world-renowned UP Concert Chorus. Gary V. was spotted by Pilita Corrales while singing for La Salle Greenhills’ Kundirana. And Audie Gemora was literally plucked from the hallways by his high school US history teacher, asked to perform in a play, and supplemented his forays onstage by singing with the A’Capella choir at the International School.

All of them used their training with their respective choirs as springboard for careers in music. They have very fond memories of their lives as choristers, which afforded them the opportunities to travel and meet people from all walks of life. But they also look back at the invaluable lessons in life their experiences brought.

For the UPCC alumni, taking part in music festivals overseas was a chance to carry the Philippine colors by showing the world that a local university choir could be at par with some of the world’s best. Gary acknowledges that the real measure of Kundirana’s success is the happiness they have brought people everywhere through music, be it in schools, orphanages or retirement homes. Audie, in turn, extols the discipline and flexibility he developed amid a spirit of camaraderie with students in other parts of the country, such as what he experience while trampling through Sagada’s unpaved roads back in the late ’70s.

Today, the Philippines is respected by the international music festival circuit for fielding an abundance of choral ensembles that exhibit a high degree of vocal proficiency and performance savvy. European countries, in particular, have time and again honored choirs from the University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila, University of the East, and Philippine Normal University with top prizes in their annual competitions. Local children’s choirs have also captured gold medals at no less than the World Choir Games.

But it is the discovery of even more choirs throughout the country that are equally deserving of recognition that is most heart-warming. And in the annual MBC National Choral Competition, a bigger net has been cast, which will come to fruition when 44 choirs from Metro Manila and the provinces come together today unti Dec. 10 at the Star Theater to determine the best of the best.

For details, call 832-6125 or log on to http://manilabroadcasting.multiply.com