PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday recognized seven Filipino globally-acclaimed choir groups for bringing honor to the country, showcasing their world-class talents in various international competitions and promoting the Filipino culture through music.
The President, assisted by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, during the “Gintong Parangal” awarding ceremony in Malacañang, handed a total of P1.4 million, or P200,000 each, in cash incentives and certificates of appreciation to the choir champions.
The winners include the 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 the University of Santo Tomas Singers.
A red-carpet welcome at the Palace grounds was also held prior to the awarding ceremony where the winners were welcomed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and presidential sister Irene Marcos-Araneta.
The President said the choir champions deserved to be recognized for their exemplary achievements around the world so Filipinos would know of them and draw inspiration from them.
“This is a world-class international level. And Filipinos do not know about it, and they should, because every other Pinoy that will hear about this will be proud, once again. You have shown once again that very important part of the Filipino, which is music. And it is not any music that we are now promoting, it’s Filipino music,” said Marcos.
The First Couple were serenaded by the choir with the song “Kumukutikutitap” and “Ang Bayan Ko.”
Marcos acknowledged that music had played a big part of their family and he and his sisters – Sen. Imee Marcos and Irene at one point had learned to sing because of their mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
The Presidential Communications Office said the hosting of the Gintong Parangal not just celebrates the victory of the country’s young and talented choirs but also recognizes their passion and discipline which will inspire future generations of artists and performers across the Philippines.
