Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
November 24, 2024
Celebrating the triumphs showcasing the artistry and unique talent of Filipino chorale groups, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized seven (7) of the country’s finest vocal ensembles during the Gintong Parangal: Honoring the Champion Choirs of 2024 in Malacañan Palace.
“What you have participated in are amongst the most coveted and rigorous in the entire world, drawing only the finest vocal on songs to their ranks. To emerge victorious in these arenas is to have achieved a distinction reserved for the most exceptional,” President Marcos Jr. said in his keynote message.
He noted the immense challenges and sacrifices extending beyond musical excellence that each member of the choir experiences and will continue to undertake toward achieving an extraordinary milestone and global acclaim.
“Not only because you have achieved such greatness in the international arena but because you have – in doing so, you have shown once again that very important part of the Filipino culture, which is music. And it is not any music that we are now promoting. It’s Filipino music. Of course, we are influenced by all of those who have come to the Philippines in our past history. But still, when you hear a song, when you hear a Kundiman, that’s Filipino…And it’s just as good as any music that you can hear anywhere in the world. And that is why this tonight is so important to us,” he emphasized.
The President and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos awarded cash incentives of PhP200,000 and plaques of appreciation to each of the seven (7) choirs, namely University of the Philippines Manila Chorale, Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation, Inc. Concert Chorus, Sola Gratia Chorale, University of Mindanao Chorale, Los Cantantes De Manila, IMUSICAPELLA and University of Santo Tomas Singers.
“So, congratulations to all of you. I hope that tonight will be the beginning of a resurgence of the appreciation of Filipino artists by Filipinos,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his remarks.
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