RP choir snags top prize in Spain competition

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Normal University (PNU) Chorale showed the world that Filipinos are among the best singers in the world by winning first prize in one of five categories in the Internacional de Musica de Cantonigros in Spain last week. The PNU Chorale won the folkloric category with the Visayan song Nonot Kamo Kanako, besting 23 other countries from Asia, Europe and Latin America, GMA News' Balitanghali reported on Thursday. Placing second in the category was Cuba’s Coro De Cámara Vocal Leo, while Indonesia’s Paramabira – Binus University Student Choir shared third place with Aurin Female Choir of Hungary. "Out of 23 choirs, kami po yung (we were) number one, kami ang (we were) first place, so it really means a lot to us, itong pagkapanalo po nito (this win)," Jade Guerrero, a member of the PNU Chorale. Even though it was PNU’s first time to enter the said contest, they also won third place in the mixed choirs category, making them winners in two out of the five categories. Cuba’s Coro Vocal Leo won the top prize, followed by Indonesia’s Paramabira Binus University Choir. Hungary’s Esterhazy Chamber Choir shared the third spot with the Philippines. They also showcased original Filipino music with a rendition of Manila in the opening ceremonies of the festival in Spain. The Himig Singers of Southern Mindanao, another Filipino chorale group, also entered the competition. Ukraine’s Shkolnye captured the top spot in children’s choir, Poland’s Skowrnki Girl’s Choir topped the female category, and Serbia’s Raska Folk Dance Group won in the folk dance contest. According to Internacional de Musica de Cantonigros’ website, the organizers aim to achieve “a deeper knowledge of other cultures" and “strengthen friendly links among all the countries of the world" through the competition. - KIMBERLY JANE TAN, GMANews.TV