Pinopela is Akapela Open champion

MANILA, Philippines - A unique celebration of world-class music and talent was held recently with the second Akapela Open Finals night at the Meralco Theater.

Organized by the One Meralco Foundation (OMF), PLDT-Smart Foundation and The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab, the nationwide talent search has been a vehicle for budding musical groups to showcase their top-notch vocal skills.

“Our country is recognized internationally for our excellent choirs and Akapela Open encourages those groups to come out and be recognized. Akapela Open aims to create a community of contemporary a cappella performers and uphold the value of the human spirit,” said Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

A cappella is a style of singing performed without the accompanying instruments. It has evolved from its simple church choir phase to more modern and complex styles that include vocal percussions such as doo-wop and beat boxing.

Last year’s grand champion Acapellago was edged out by Baguio-based group, Pinopela as the 2014 Akapela Open grand champion. The Malolos-based quintet placed third while Dynamix won second.

This year’s seven other finalists were 1415, 10,000, D’Mortal Instruments, Los Cantantes De Manila, Mouthfools, Negative Four and Pop Acappella League of Singers.

“This community of contemporary a cappella singers will continue to influence more and more people across generations to give birth to new contemporary a cappella groups; and, in their own way, may they help support a thriving nation,” Cayabyab added.

According to PLDT-Smart Foundation president Esther Santos, “Through Akapela Open, we hope we can bring together a community committed to nurture talent and our culture and be leaders for the youth.”

OMF president Jeffrey Tarayao said, “We recognize the value of this competition in surfacing world-class Filipinos that will continue to put the Philippines in the global map of musical excellence. We have always been known as a country imbued with musical talent and showcasing this is our own little way to contribute to youth development and nation-building.”

The second Akapela Open was presented by One Meralco Foundation, PLDT-Smart Foundation, The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab, Metro Pacific Investments, Philpop, Philex Mining Corporation, Maynilad, FILSCAP and the Philippine Choral Directors’ Association.