EU holds choral festival with UST to honour 60 Years of European Union-Philippines Diplomatic Relations

Seven choirs performed both local songs and choral pieces from the European Union to celebrate cultural diversity, cultural inclusivity, and the universal language of music.

The "Ani ng Dangal" awardee, Los Cantantes de Manila, received the "EU-Philippines Cultural Award" for their performance of the traditional Visayan song "Rosas Pandan" and the German choral song "Petrus". The all-female choir, Minstrels Rhythm of Hope received the Ambassador's Choice Award" for their performance of the Ilocano folk song "Pamulinawen" and Franz Biebl's choral masterpiece "Ave Maria".

The theme of the choral festival, "Sounds of Celebration", was a recognition of how music can transcend borders and go beyond the barrier of language.

Music is a worldwide language, and for this choral festival, music was used to celebrate the 60 years of friendship and cooperation between the European Union and the Philippines.

EU Ambassador Luc Véron congratulated the winners and all the participating choirs. He said: "Music promotes cooperation, understanding and mutual respect among people and communities and therefore contributes to a culture of peace and social unity. What we have all witnessed in this choral festival however is a unique show of talents, dynamism, vigor and appreciation and understanding for each other".

National Commission on Culture and Arts Chairperson Secretary Victorino Ino Mapa Manalo and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega graced the occasion. Distinguished musicians Professor Fidel Calalang, Jr, Dr Ed Manguiat, Mrs Anna Tabita and Ms Eunice Grace Gatdula were adjudicators in the choral festival.