MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Celebrating the 60 years of bilateral relations between the European Union and the Philippines, The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines and the University of Santo Tomas hosted “Sounds of Celebration: Sixty Years of EU-Philippines Relations.”
The event took place at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes OP Building (BGPOP), University of Santo Tomas, on April 26, featuring seven exceptional choral groups from all over the Philippines in a showcase of talent, musical diversity, and cultural exchange. The festival also coincides with the University of Santo Tomas’ 413th founding anniversary.
“Sounds of Celebration” recognized how music can transcend borders and go beyond the barrier of language. Each of the choir performed one Filipino song followed by a piece of origin from an EU country.
“Indeed, one of the fields that Filipinos have taken from Europe and made their own is choral music,” said National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo.
The “EU-Philippines Cultural Award” was awarded to Los Cantantes de Manila for highlighting the diverse cultures of the European Union and the Philippines. “The Ambassador’s Choice Award” was awarded to all-female choir Minstrels Rhythm of Hope whose performance best embodied cultural diplomacy.
“It [Music] fosters cooperation, understanding, and respect between communities; ultimately contributing to peace,” said H. E. Luc Véron, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines.
Other choirs that performed are Himig Roseña, UST Chorus of Arts and Letters, ST. Scholastica Academy Glee Club, Wesleyan University Philippines Chamber Singers, and RTU Himig Rizalia. All of which sang with “remarkable display of talent, teamwork, and a deep appreciation of each other’s culture,” added the Ambassador.
As a worldwide language, music took the center stage for the choral festival and in celebrating the 60 years of friendship and cooperation between the European Union and the Philippines.
