The Woodrose Chorale, composed of students from the PAREF Woodrose School in Muntinlupa, bested choral groups from Europe and South Africa and bagged four of the highest awards at the recent 14th International Festival for Advent and Christmas Music held in Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
The Woodrose Chorale enthralled the European judges and audience with its beautiful musical repertoire and high-caliber performance, which won for them the following highest awards: Grand Prix for Folklore, Special Award for Dramaturgy, Gold Band Award for Children’s Choir up to 16 years old and Gold Band Award for Folksong with instrumental accompaniment.
As the only delegation from the Philippines and Asia, they competed against other choral groups from Astria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Ukraine, South Africa.
They were also privileged to have a special audience with Hon. Consul Pavol Konstiak, representative of the Philippines to the Slovak Republic, who came to watch and give his full support.
The 27-member choir is composed of Mariella Samantha Adzuara, Maria Helena Esguerra, Angela Marithel Aldea, Ma. Alexandra Ines Cuna, Mariane Ambal, Maria Andrea Marquez, Francesca Angela Penson, Maria Andrea Aure, Jennelle Marianne Hilario, Carmela Maria Barrientos, Althea Marie Guadalupe Esteban, Mariya Mikaela Mayang, Janea Alessandra Mancia, Angela Raine Therese Jamandre, Gabrielle Marie Romeo, Gwen Antonette Quin, Faith Danielle Villaluz, Anamaria Katrisse Santos, Feliza Beatrice Zaragoza, Julianna Francesca Leabres, Mary Jelene Francesca Sto. Domingo, Isabella Louise Unarce, Beatrice Cabauatan, Annika Maria Victoria de la Fuente, Sophia Halili, Sophia Dale Matsuo, andDenise Addison Omila.
They were joined by Junior High School Principal Elinor Dioko, Administrative Affairs Coordinator Marirose Baseleres, and Conductor Myrene Bagayaua-Carballo.
The jury was composed of Prof. Blanka Juhaí²áková, ArtD (Slovakia); Prof. Sergej Ekimov (Russian Federation); Prof. Å tefan Sedlickí½, ArtD (Slovakia); Prof. Marcin Tomczak (Poland); Mag. Jí¼rgen Partaj (Austria); and Prof. Jevgenijs Ustinskovs (Latvia).
