Bukidnon choir to represent PHL in Prague competition

The Bukidnon State University chorale in Mindanao will represent the Philippines at the Prague Quadrennial 2011 to be held from June 16 to 26, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. The DFA said the choir also participated in two celebrations marking the Philippines’ 113th Independence Day in the Czech Republic. Philippine Ambassador Evelyn Austria-Garcia led the Embassy’s celebration with a diplomatic reception at the Hotel Hilton Celnice on June 10. Some 200 guests including resident ambassadors, diplomatic officials, and representatives of the Czech government and business community attended the event. High officials from the Czech government were present, including Director-General Vítězslav Grepl of the Section of Non-European Countries and Development Cooperation and Director Hana Mottlova of the Asia-Pacific Department represented the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the event. In her remarks, Garcia cited the long-standing bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, at the same time underscoring opportunities to further expand bilateral ties in other areas including trade, investment, tourism, labor, culture, education, science, and sports. On June 12, the choir performed again at a program at the courtyard of the Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague. This was preceded by a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Lancy Lewis. The program started with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the traditional salu-salo where Filipino food was served. “The Bukidnon State University Chorale also graced the occasion with a rendition of the ‘Lupang Hinirang’ and a live performance of classic Filipino songs," the DFA said. During the program, Garcia and Consul Mersole Mellejor delivered the Independence Day messages of President Benigno Aquino III and DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario, respectively. - VVP, GMA News