Filipino choir mesmerises
Published on: Thursday, June 06, 2013
Kota Kinabalu: The University of Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) lived up to their reputation as one of the world's best university-based choirs when they brought a packed UMS Recital Hall audience to their feet in their debut three-hour presentation Tuesday night. Even though the show dragged on till midnight, the longer they stayed on stage, the louder became the applause.Members of choir said they picked up extra energy from a surprisingly appreciative audience.
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"All looked effortless but you should have seen the way they practised and trained for this," said Jose Danilo Silvestre, Director of the Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, at the University of Philippines. "It's one percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration," he quipped.An ecstatic Ambassador to Malaysia, Eduador Malaya, himself an economics and law graduate of the university, conceded afterwards that the 50-year-old UPCC remains "the best cultural ambassadors for the Philippines!"The Ambassador also stunned everyone with his skills on the ivory keys when he teamed up with First Secretary Maria Antonina Oblena on the flute to deliver a master-stroke rendition of "Nais Ko". Eduardo said while UPCC's debut in Sabah is to foster friendship, goodwill and partnership between the Malaysian and Filipino people, the background to it is to celebrate successful conclusion of the landmark peace deal on 15 October 2012 between the Philippine Government under Benigno Aquino and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), "thanks to the able facilitation of Malaysia".
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"At the forefront of the sounding of the trumpets of peace in celebration of the signing of the framework agreement last year (for the creation of a new region called Bangsamoro), the UP cultural performers went to Kuala Lumpur for a series of performances and the one at the Kuala Lumpur Cultural Centre was attended by Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, spouse of the Prime Minister," he said.Thereafter, the UPCC's sound of peace went to Sarawak , he said.
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"This time, it is Sabah's turn to help regenerate the rhythm of peace and good will and bilateral peace," he said.Levy Bation, an organiser from the Filipino community here said the UPCC's visit is a helpful mission to heal the damage associated with Sulu intruder incident in Lahad Datu several months ago. Not surprisingly, Prof. Janet Sabas-Aracama, Assoc. Prof. of the Conducting Department of the College of Music at the university, said she had designed a repertoire appropriate for the purpose of this historic appearance in Sabah. "We started with our inspirational songs because we believe in friendship, in peace, in love and I think this is the purpose why we are here."We also wanted to showcase songs of the Philippines to Malaysians, that we have these wonderful Filipino songs, and also because there are many Filipinos here," she said."In addition, we also did Broadway music," she said, including a favourite endearing to many fans in Sabah - 'Time to Say Goodbye' The surprise was they kept singing on after that number! " We showed Sabah also our kind of chorus does not just stand up and sing but move and sing. So that's what we did tonight (Tuesday)," Prof Janet said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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