Semifinal roster for 2014 MBC National Choral Competitions announced

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Broadcasting Company recently announced the roster of choirs which will compete in the semifinals of the 2014 MBC National Choral Competitions, to be held at the Aliw Theater, Star City complex, in Pasay.

In the children’s division, Himig Bulilit of St Paul Paranaque goes up against Pasig Catholic College, Beati Children’s Ensemble, and Pinyahan Elementary Schoolon Dec. 9.

For the open category, it will be Regina Coeli against TIP Choral Society, Centro Escolar University-Manila, the Lighter Side Movement of San Felipe Neri Parish, PUP Bagong Himig Serenata, EARIST Chorale, and Adamson University Chorale.

On Dec. 10 the Muntinlupa Vocal Ensemble pitting its prowess in the children’s division against Musica Paulinus, Casa del Nino Montessori, and Commonwealth Elementary School’s Himig ng Kabataan. DBTI Makati’s Boscorale — lone high school entry in the open category — will compete against Los Cantantes de Manila, Hearts in Harmony, University of Manila Singers, CEU Singers-Malolos, OMPHP Youth Ensemble V of Bauan and the ICP Charismatic Chorale.

On Dec. 11 will have an all-girls’ line-up in the children’s division, with St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina going up against Himig Rosena of Colegio de Santa Rosa, the Royal Santo Nino Children’s Choir of Kalibo, Aklan, and Children’s Integrated School of Alta Tierra, Iloilo. In the open category, Kinaadman Chorale of Iloilo competes against the New UMAK Chorale, PNU-Kalibnusan Male Vocal Ensemble of Isable, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Mt. Carmel College of Agusan del Sur, The Meistersingers, and the Magsaysay Chorale.

On Dec. 12, two-time children’s champion Laoag City Children’s Choir opens its quest to join Hiyas ng Pilipinas in the Hall of Fame when it goes up against Cauayan Messiah Christian School, Guadalupe Children’s Choir of Cebu, and Banga Central Elementary School of South Cotabato. In the open category, University of Baguio Voices Chorale competes against Koro Ilustrado, Cebu Singing Ambassadors, Voce,  Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Student Choral Society, University of Perpetual Help-DALTA, and Chorus Vocales Philippines.

Daily winners will compete for the championship at the grand finals on Dec. 13.  Showtime is at 7 p.m.

The MBC National Choral Competitions is now on its 8th year. Sponsors include Globe Telecom, Columbia Candies, Shell, M.Lhuillier, Hapee Toothpaste, Speed Detergent, Coca Cola, Jollibee, and the Philippine Choral Directors Association.

Friendship concerts will also be held on Dec. 11 and 12 at the Grand Atrium of the Shangri-La Plaza. For information, call 555-3477, 832-6125 or email siouxstar@gmail.com.