Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office
The PUP Bagong Himig Serenata (PUP-BHS) of the University Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA) once again showed their musical merit when they won the Gold Diploma Award at Magnificat 2024 - Musikalinangan: A Harmony of Fellowship and Workshop held on April 7, 2024. BHS Conductor Mark Gregory P. Isip grabbed the Best Conductor Award at the Magnificat 2024 - Musika De Mayo: The Finals Night held on May 25, 2024. Both events were held at the Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory of the University of Asia and the Pacific in Pasig City.
The Magnificat event was separated into two phases. The initial phase named Musikalinangan was a fellowship and workshop seminar centering on imparting knowledge and techniques to the choirs and conductors to further their skills that will lead them to the “secrets to the Winning Choral Sound.” The final phase Musika De Mayo, meanwhile, was the culminating activity of the festival where qualified participants showcased all their musical ability that they have learned in Musikalinangan.
For their efforts, PUP BHS received the Gold Diploma Award during the Musikalinangan, the highest distinction awarded to the top performing choir for their Musika De Mayo preliminary performance of “Ave Maria” and “Sanctus” that were both arranged by PUP-BHS Alumnus Gerard John Dela Peña and was also named as the Musika De Mayo finalist for their rendition of Dela Peña’s “Ave Maria” and “Umagang Kay Ganda”, as arranged by PUP-BHS Alumnus Mark Joseph Edradan.
Fei Angeline Aranas, Alto singer in PUP-BHS and a Bachelor of Performing Arts student, noted that this achievement serves as a morale-booster for the members of the organization as they have proved their great musical talent, especially in front of the esteemed conductors and arrangers of the Philippine Chorale Industry such as Jonathan Velasco, Anna Abeleda-Piquero, Fidel Calalang Jr, Mark Anthony Carpio, Bianca Lopez, Joy Nilo, Maria Lourdes Hermo, and Dr. Ed Manguiat.
“Natuwa kami kasi noong time na iyon, medyo nag-struggle po kami. Mababa po ang morale namin. Hindi naman alam ang ie-expect namin. Noong napanalunan namin ito, nagkaroon kami ng hope na may chance kaming ipakita kung ano ang PUP-BHS at ipakita ang talento namin”, she said.
(We were happy because during that time, we were kind of struggling. Our morale was low. We didn’t know what to expect. When we won this, we had hope that we had a chance to show what PUP-BHS is and showcase our talents.)
PUP-BHS Adviser and Conductor Mark Gregory Isip noted the preparations that the organization made for this event, noting that their priority was never to win awards, but rather to learn to become a better chorale unit.
Speaking to his own win, he stated how humbling this experience was and credited the entire PUP-BHS as their presentation was the contributing factor to what the judges described as “the gesture of the conductor reflects and resonates to the performance of the members.”
“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa members kasi sila ang mas dapat na parangalan kasi hindi ko iyon makukuha nang hindi nila nagagawa nang maganda ang performance.”
(I am very grateful to the members because they are the ones who should be honored more because I cannot achieve that without them doing a great performance.)
Isip praised the University for their unwavering support to their activities and competitions, stating that the Office of the President led by Manuel M. Muhi, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services led by Tomas O. Testor, the Medical Services Department led by Dr. Ma. Liza T. Yanes, the Office of Student Services led by Jimmy M. Fernando and the UCCA led by Bely R. Ygot helped them the most in ensuring their participation.
“Ito ang nagpapatunay sa husay University Artists natin. They see to it na nakakapaglingkod sila sa Sintang Paaralan. Itong mga karangalan na naiuuwi natin at maiuuwi natin sa future ay lagi namin alay sa PUP dahil ang mantra namin ay ‘mula sa iisang himig, para sa Bayan’.”
(This proves the excellence of our University Artists. They ensure that they are able to serve the Beloved School. These honors that we bring home and will bring in the future are always dedicated to PUP because our mantra is ‘from one harmony, for the Nation.’)
Isip hopes to capitalize on this success to join and perform in more music chorale competitions in both local and international stages.
Magnificat 2024 is an annual workshop-festival and choral competition spearheaded by the University of Asia & Pacific (UA&P) OSD-Kultura Kollaborative and UA&P Chorale. Their main objective is to revitalize the choral music landscape in the Philippines to help restore the country’s status as Asia’s leader in the chorale music industry.
[Note: All English translations are generated from ChatGPT3.5.]
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