Bohol hosts 1st International Choir Festival and Competition

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — The drizzle caused by low pressure area Wednesday did not dampen thousands of spectators who jam-packed the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex where the 4-day Bohol International Choir Festival and Competition was held.

The province and this city played host to the international event, which was participated by choirs of the Philippines, South Korea, Australia, Jakarta, Indonesia and Kazakhstan, along with local groups, according to the Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD) of the provincial government.

Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, South Korea's Cool Jae Huh, representative of the BICFC artistic committee, city Councilor Adam Relson Jala, who represented City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, and CCAD-Bohol's head Romulo Tagaan delivered messages during the opening program.

A total of $10,000 in prizes is now up for grabs under the different categories in the competition held in different venues here and nearby town, organizers said.

Under the Special Concert I category, the multi-awarded Loboc Children's Choir of Bohol competed against the Angelus Domini Children's Choir of South Korea.

For the Special Concert 2, the SUADE of Australia, Brown Buds and Mr. Beat Box vied in their distinct notes, while for the Special Concert 2, the University of the Philippines (UP) Singing Ambassadors, Paramadina Choir of Indonesia and Bohol Master Singers contended against each other.

South Korea's Angelus Domini Children's Choir also performed in the Competition-A1 For Children category, as well as in the Competition-B2 (mixed choir) against Tagbilaran's Holy Name University (HNU) Chorale Group, Chorus Vocales of Manila and Paramadina of Indonesia.

Under competition-B3 (senior choir), Busan Silver Choir was pitted against Yongin Cultural Center Choir of South Korea.

Competition-C1 (folk) was a contest among the HNU Chorale Group of Bohol, Alatau Youth Chorus of Almaty of Kazakhstan and Angelus Domini of South Korea.

During the opening program Tuesday afternoon, a parade was held by contesting choirs, together with the Alicia Children Bamboo Ensemble of Alicia town and Dimiao Children's Rondalla of Dimiao town.

Other performers in the March 21 concert are Edgar Manguiat for Asian folk music, Randy Stenson for contemporary music, Johan Rooze for pop and jazz and Alma Taldo, mentor of the Loboc Children's Choir. (FREEMAN)