Ateneo Glee Club wins top prize at choral fest in Ireland

The Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club (ACGC) was recently awarded the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy at a choral festival in Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

In a news release, the DFA said ACGC received the award during the 58th Cork International Choral Festival on May 7.

 

The Fleischmann International Trophy competition is a three-part performance where the world's best adult choirs sing:

• a piece composed before 1750,
• an original work by a living composer, and
• a work by a composer of the choir’s native country.

 

The 39-member ACGC, headed by their conductor Professor Maria Lourdes Venida-Hermo, won against other top-notch choirs from Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Slovenia, Singapore and England.

In an email to GMA News Online, the ACGC said they received the Heinrich Schütz Perpetual Trophy Special Award for their performance of Schütz's Selig sind die Toten. 

The ACGC was also awarded the PEACE Trophy.

The choir also performed Benedictio by Urmas Sisask and Koyu no Tebulul by Filipino composer Eudenice Palaruan.
 

Philippine Charge d’affaires, a.i. Hjayceelyn Quintana praised the ACGC for gracefully representing the Philippines in one of Europe’s top-tier chorale contests.

In an email to GMA News Online, senior Atenean Mikhael Llado, current president and baritone of the ACGC, said: “We are currently in our planning stage for our next projects but the ACGC is looking forward to take part in the movement to develop and promote Philippine choral culture across different communities.”

Llado recalled the cast's hard work in preparing for the 2011 and 2012 European Concert-Competition Tours.

The tour cast of the ACGC is comprised of 20 males and 19 females, 37 of whom are singing members while one is a production staff and the other is their conductor.

“Perhaps the 'wildest' and 'most surreal' chapter in this ACGC experience was the preparation for the two-consecutive European Tours -- nine hours of rehearsals a week turned into 15 hours a week as the departure date for Europe crept in,” Llado said.

 

The ACGC won at Varna, Bulgaria in 2011, catapulting them to the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing (EGP) the following year.

 

Although the EGP title was won by a Swedish choir, the ACGC still made history upon winning three awards in Ireland, including the grand prize — the Fleischmann International Trophy. 

 

Llado recalled: “Before I entered college, I never had any aspirations to become a chorister or whatsoever. Most of my high school classmates were hyped to join the ACGC, and I joined the bandwagon to satisfy my curiosity.”

 

Also known as “Gorby,” Llado recalled that he joined ACGC because he wanted to try “something new for once” and never expected to pass the auditions.

However, things shifted when the ACGC “took him down on its roller-coaster road that changed his life forever”.

 

“My ears were enlightened by the joy of singing in communion with other souls - a myriad of voices sweeping along each as chords are spontaneously formed along the way,” he recounted.

 

Asked about his message for the Ateneo community, Llado said: “After being away for quite some time, we are all excited sing our songs to you once again. We hope our achievements in Europe have made you truly proud.”
 

To other aspiring choirs, he said: “Music is destined to be shared and brought out to the larger communities. We are really proud to belong to the Philippine choral community - one that aims to showcase Filipino talent to the world yet looking inward to develop the community itself.” 

He credits Irvinne Redor, Will Tan, Miggi Angangco, along with the whole choir and Professor Hermo, for contributing to ACGC's success.

'Two Worlds, One Voice'

 

Meanwhile, the ACGC held a concert entitled “Two Worlds, One Voice,” last May 9 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin with one of the best Irish choirs, the New Dublin Voices. 

 

Among the audience were the Diplomatic Corps in Ireland, members of the Irish Parliament, and the members of the Filipino Community Network (FCN), the national umbrella group of Filipino organizations in Ireland. 

For the finale of the concert, the ACGC and the New Dublin Voices sang “Danny Boy” and “Canturog na Nonoy” an Irish folk song and a Bicolano lullaby.

 

The ACGC was also featured prominently in Ireland’s leading national newspapers — The Irish Times and the Irish Independent — for their excellent performance.

The ACGC will be rehearsing soon for their homecoming concert which is entitled “A Return to Song: The 2012 European Tour Homecoming Concert” on June 10, 2012, 7:30pm at the Philam Life Auditorium, U.N. Avenue.
- VVP/ELR, GMA News

Igorots showcase traditions in Vienna

AUSTRIA – The Igorot Austria Cordillera showcased some of its traditional, rituals, dances and ceremonies during its cultural night held in Vienna’s 15th District.

Both Filipinos and Austrians were fascinated by the colorful and beautifully-made hand-woven vests, G-strings and skirts, and were likewise delighted with the unique presentation showing the rich Igorot culture.

 

“We are starting this organization to promote the cultural values and traditions of the entire Cordillera region, and to promulgate its ancestral heritage bestowed to our forefathers. It is high time to talk more about us, about the revolution in the lifestyle of an Igorot, parallel to civilization,” said Leonida Ostermayer-Lunag, chairman of the Igorot Austria Cordillera.

 

In her message, Philippine Ambassador Lourdes Yparraguirre said she hopes that the group will work together to push for its common objectives.

 

“May this occasion inspire the officers and members of the Igorot Austria Cordillera to work together in goodwill to promote their common objectives, to promote unity and camaraderie with the other Filipino community in Vienna, and to always reflect in their endeavors the best of the Filipino people,” Yparraguirre said. 

 

An Austrian guest meanwhile commented that he dances and ritual were “very much in harmony with nature”.

 

“I do appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of their Igorot culture and identity although they are here in Austria,” the guest said.

 

Deputy Minister and Consul General Charlie Manangan of the Philippine Embassy thanked Igorots in Austria for preserving their identity and remaining true to their rich cultural roots--a heritage that emphasizes caring, resilience, creativity, dedication to civic duty and profound sense of community.

 

The group also turned over two books about the culture of the Igorots to the Philippine Embassy library in Vienna.

Dr. Jose Rizal statue to rise in Carson City

CARSON, California – In the next few months, the statue of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal will rise in this city that will make Filipinos around the world feel proud. 

The bronze Rizal statue will stand nearly 7 feet on top of a 6-foot tall granite base helped funded by the Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement. It is the first statue in what will be the International Sculpture Garden, which broke ground last November.

 

The Sculpture Garden is the brainchild of the City of Carson Mayor Jim Dear. He said, not only will this be a place dedicated for public art, but he envisions a walking history museum, where people can take their children to learn about heroes from around world. It just so happens that the Philippines wanted to display theirs first.

 

Dear said, “I feel it’s very important for young people to understand who these leaders were, the work they did, the changes they made in world history, and by having a sculpture garden with statues it’ll bring forth a greater educational experience for children who come here, and not just for Filipino American children, but all children.”

 

Dear said Rizal stands for everything right. Though some of his colleagues and community leaders from other ethnic groups complained at first about why a Filipino who died in 1896 should be erected first, he and fellow Councilman Elito Santarina quelled that controversy by teaching them about Rizal and the Filipino’s message.

 

Santarina said, “Dr. Jose Rizal is a man of peace, a champion of human rights, being a national hero. When they start to get to know more about Dr. Jose Rizal, they start to accept that.”

 

The theme of the garden is “Heroes of Liberation, Freedom and Justice from Around the World.”

 

Rizal was a proponent of democracy and peaceful reforms. He preached peace and justice but eventually became a martyr for his people in the Philippines.

 

There are only 8 Rizal statues in the US sculpted by Toym de Leon. This will be the first in California. Officials said they hope to complete and celebrate this project before June 19, Rizal’s birthday. 

Josie Gabuco wins Gold medal in World Women’s Boxing Tourney

Josie Gabuco beat China’s Xu Shiqui in the final of the light flyweight (48 kg) category to win the gold in the world women’s boxing championships in China.

It is the first women’s world title by the Philippines.

Gabuco who received incentives for the historic win was asked how she felt winning the gold medal in the AIBA World Women’s Boxing Championships.

“Masayang-masaya po ako (I’m very happy). Thank you,” said the 25-year-old who won the light-flyweight gold at the expense of a hometown bet.

It was the first gold medal for the Philippines in the AIBA World Championships.

Not even the male boxers have won it before with Harry Tañamor and Roel Velasco settling for the silver medals in 2007 in Chicago and in 1997 in Budapest.

Gabuco said she worked hard for the event but never expected much.

“Mahirap po kasi mag-expect ng malaki (It’s difficult to make big expectations),” said Gabuco, considering that she was up against China’s Xu Shiqi in the finals.

“Especially sa finals, alam ko na kung dikit ang laban, tagilid tayo (I knew that in a close match, we’re in trouble),” said Gabuco.

But she pulled it off against her fading opponent, and went on to score a 10-9 victory after entering the fourth and final round trailing, 8-7.

“Naging fair naman sila,” she said of the judging.

“We’re so proud of Josie,” said ABAP executive director Ed Picson who traveled with the team.

Gabuco, who won the bronze in the same tournament in 2008, stands to receive a hefty cash incentive from PLDT/Smart, the main backers of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines.

She can easily get a million pesos for it, and just the thought of it makes her so happy.

Gabuco has a five-year-old son, Mack Joseph, whom she had entrusted to her teammates at the ABAP Gym at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex while she was away.

“Gusto ko na siya makita. Para sa kanya ito (I want to see him now. This is for him),” said the two-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games.

“Kung ano man ang matanggap ko, para sa anak ko ito. Assured na ang future niya,” said Gabuco, who’s also hoping to pay the balance for the house she built in Laguna.

“Sana po mabayaran ko na din,” she said.

For her victory, Gabuco also stands to get a cash bonus from the Philippine Sports Commission under Republic Act 9064.

For quadrennial world championships, the gold is worth P2.5 million, but since the AIBA World Championships is a biennial event, the PSC said it will think of something else.

“It does not qualify with the same incentive for a quadrennial world championship. But we will think of something that will make her happy,” said PSC chairman Richie Garcia yesterday.

Jollibee named among world’s top food chains by Travel + Leisure

New York-based Travel+Leisure magazine has named Jollibee, the Philippines’ all-time favorite quick-service restaurant, as one of the “Best fast food chains in the world” in its May 2012 issue.

The homegrown fastfood chain made it to the list alongside England’s Pret a Manger, Russia’s Teremok, Taiwan’s Din Tai Fung, Puerto Rico’s El Mason Sandwiches, Japan’s Ippudo, Australia’s Chocolateria San Churro, and Brazil’s Giraffas, among others.

“Fastfood gets a Filipino twist at this quick-serve chain, which is so beloved that its mascots star in their own children’s television show,” said author Jamie Feldmar in the article.

“There are more than 700 locations across the country, serving anything from fried chicken and hamburgers to local favorites like palabok, rice noodles with meat sauce, shrimp and hard-boiled egg.”

Feldmar also recommends the “Spicy Chickenjoy, fried chicken coated with chili powder” to first-time diners.

Apart from Chickenjoy, Jollibee also became a household name in the Philippines for its Jolly Spaghetti, Palabok Fiesta, Yumburger, and Peach Mango Pie, among other treats.

Starting as a two-branch ice cream parlor in 1975, it grew into what is now the largest and most popular fast food chain in the country.

Jollibee is the largest fast food chain in the Philippines, operating a nationwide network of more than 750 stores.

The company has also embarked on an aggressive international expansion plan, and currently has 79 stores outside the Philippines – including USA, Vietnam, Brunei, Hong Kong, Qatar and Kuwait.

'American Idol' may be over but Jessica Sanchez's journey to fame continues

"American Idol" Season 11 ended on Wednesday (Thursday morning in Manila) when Indie artist Phillip Phillips was crowned winner, beating Filipino-Mexican-American Jessica Sanchez. 

 

The 21-year-old guitar player from Leesburg, Georgia, who brought an indie vibe to the top-rated TV contest, beat ballad singer Sanchez 16, of Chula Vista, California in the public vote.

Even though Sanchez lost, her fans on Twitter said great things are in store for the Filipino-Mexican-American.

Mercedes: "Jessica Sanchez isn't even sad, she knows she's going far."

 

Joseph Oliveros: "Still my heart goes out to Jessica Sanchez! That's life, we cannot question God. He has a better plan for us! :)#TiwalaLang"

 

At the 7,000-seat Nokia Theater on Wednesday (Thursday morning in Manila), the three AI judges, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson made their entrance, introduced by AI show host, Ryan Seacrest.
 

Seacrest said a world record 132 million votes were cast by phone, text and online for the two finalists.

 

He then called in Sanchez and Phillips who were both in white and seemed a bit nervous.

 

Seacrest asked, “Did you sleep well?”

 

“I got a little bit of sleep,” Sanchez replied.

 

“I got about nine hours of sleep,” said Phillips.

 

Then Phillips performed two songs — "If You Ever See The Rain" followed by "Bad Moon Rising" with John Fogerty, impressing the crowd which gave him a standing ovation.

 

Season 11’s top 3, Johua Ledet blew the crowd away after performing with “the biggest inspiration of his life” — "American Idol" Season Three winner Fantasia Barrino — when they sang an Elton John hit, “Take Me To The Pilot.” 

 

Chaka Khan then sang "I'm Every Woman" with the girls belonging to the Top 12. The boys of the Top 12, on the other hand, sang "Sweet Caroline" with Neil Diamond.]

A tribute performance for the late Robin Gibb of the ‘Bee Gees’ who passed away last May 20, 2012 was paid by the boys of the top 12 with “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” and “To Love Somebody”.
 

Then with neon lights and smoke effects, Rihanna performed with back-up dancers dressed in black tribal fashion as she sang her hit “Where Have You Been.” To the delight of the audience, Rihanna shouted after her performance, “I love you. Idol!”

 

Two "American Idol" judges also performed during the finale -- Tyler and Lopez.

“J-Lo,” Lopez wearing a silver-glittered hip-hop dance outfit and a white cap, enthralled the audience with her hip-hop moves along with Puerto Rican reggaeton stars Wisin Y Yandel.

 

On the other hand, Tyler with his band Aerosmith, rocked the house with a new single “Legendary Child” – the first new Aerosmith song in almost a decade.

 

For many Filipino fans, however, one of the highlights of the show was when Sanchez performed "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" with Jennifer Holliday.

On Twitter, Filipino fans were full of praises for Sanchez:

Judy NarraL Jessica Sanchez and Jennifer Holliday on AI sage. GOOSEBUMPS (((((((: #AmericanIdolFinale

Francheska Chan: Goosebumps!!!!! "And I'm Telling You" by Jessica Sanchez and Jennifer Holiday. Just wow.

♡ Cyrille ♡: Jennifer Holliday + Jessica Sanchez = PERFECTION!!! Ang galing!!

When Phillips was announced as the winner, many Filipino fans expressed their disappointment on Twitter but many also said Sanchez was still a winner for them and that she had a bright future ahead of her.

 @tonyatayde: "Phillip Phillips can have the title of American Idol. Jessica Sanchez is already a GLOBAL Idol."

@FrianneAslahon: "@AmericanIdol Para samen si JESSICA SANCHEZ ANG PANALO !!!!!!"

@adolfooe: "Jessica Sanchez is a global super star like Adam Lambert, #runneruppower!"

Many of her fans have also been saying on Twitter that the Philippines and Mexico have been separated by boxing but united by music.

Twitter user @MgaKasabihan said: "PHILIPPINES & MEXICO, Separated by Boxing, United by Music. That's Jessica Sanchez!"

The Philippines' foremost boxer — Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao — has been called the "Mexicutioner" after having won against many Mexican fighters.

Pacquiao attended the results night of "American Idol" to show his support for Sanchez, whose mother is a Filipina from Bataan and whose father is a Mexican.

Among "American Idol" contestants with Filipino heritage, Sanchez has so far made the best achievement.

 

Filipino-American Jasmine Trias made it to the top three of AI's Season 3, while Ramiele Malubay, another Fil-Am, placed ninth in Season 7.

 

Thia Megia, another Filipino-American, meanwhile, finished in the top 11 of last year's competition. - VVP, GMA News

Pinay in NZ awarded with Queen’s Service Medal

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipina in New Zealand has received the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for her services to the Filipino community.

Gladys Grace Stephens accepted the QSM from His Excellency Lieutenant General The Rt. Hon. Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor General of New Zealand, during the Investiture Ceremony at Government House in Auckland last month.

Stephens moved to New Zealand in 1988. She has been giving her services to refugee and migrant settlers in Hamilton since the early 1990s.

In 2002, she took the lead volunteer role as Event and Program manager for Shama Hamilton Ethnic Women’s Center Trust, where she serves to this day as a Trustee on the Shama Board. She also served as Justice of the Peace in Hamilton.

Stephens was also played a role in the establishment of the Waikato Filipino Association (WFA) that aims to preserve and promote Philippine culture in the Waikato Region, which is home to about 800 Filipinos.

Since 2005, she has directed and developed school holiday programs in Hamilton for children and helped run an eight-week Filipino language course for children between 8 and 14 years old which is held every Sunday.

Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia Benavidez described Stephens as “a shining example of a Filipina blessed with so much talent and a generous heart as she shares her time and resources to promote Filipino cultural heritage and make a difference in the lives of the Filipino community in Hamilton”.

“New Zealand's recognition of her sterling qualities and sacrificial service to both the local and Filipino communities bring much pride and honor to the Philippines and the Filipino people," she added.

The embassy also presented a Certificate of Commendation to Stephens for her active and dynamic role in enhancing the positive image of the Philippines as the home of world-class talents, and elevating the status and profile of the Filipino community as among the best migrant groups who have integrated themselves well in the local communities and contributed to development activities and programs throughout New Zealand.

The Queen’s Service Medal was instituted in New Zealand in 1975 to recognize voluntary service to the community. Recipients of the Medal may use the letters "QSM" after their name. Persons who are not New Zealand citizens or citizens of Commonwealth nations of which The Queen is head of state, may be awarded an "Honorary" Medal.