Chorale Wins Grand Prix in Europe


The Woodrose Chorale enthralled the European judges and audience with their beautiful musical repertoire and high caliber performance during the 14th International Festival for Advent and Christmas Music held in Bratislava, Slovakia from December 5 to 8, 2019.  They were the only delegation from the Philippines and Asia that competed against prestigious choral groups from Europe and South Africa.

They brought honor and pride to our school and country when they clinched four top awards in the competition:

Grand Prix for Folklore

Special Award for Dramaturgy

Gold Band Award for Children’s Choir up to 16 years

Gold Band Award for Folksong with Instrumental Accompaniment

During the first two non-competition days of the festival, the group performed in the Jesuit Church, the Klarisky Music Hall, and the Franciscan Square.  They sang sacred songs, Christmas songs, and songs from different genres:

Lead me Lord, music and text by Arnel de Pano, arranged by Boboy Bagayaua

Iisang Tinig, Iisang Panalangin, music and text by Erick Sta. Maria, arranged by Boboy Bagayaua

Lullaby for a King, music and text by Douglas Wagner

Psalitte, music and text by Michael Preatorius (1571-1621), arranged by Douglas Wagner

Munting Sanggol, music and text by Ryan Cayabyab

Kumukutikutitap, music and text by Ryan Cayabyab

Kanaval, music and text by Sydney Guillame, transcribed for SSAA by Ronnel Vardeleon

Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas, music and text by Allan Dunnung, arranged by Robert Delgado

During the competition proper, held in Primaciálny palác (Primate’s Palace), the chorale performed the following:

Category: Children’s Choir up to 16 Years

My Dream: “Soar” music and text by Ronnel Vardeleon

Duo Seraphim, composed by Tomas Luis de Victoria

Awit ng Bagong Henerasyon, music and text by John August Pamintuan

Anak, music and text by Freddie Aguilar, arranged by Robert Delgado

Category: Folksong with Instrumental Accompaniment for Choirs

Orde-e (Madukayan Folk Song from the Cordillera Region), arranged by Maria Thereza Vizconde-Roldan

Dandansoy (Visayan Folk Song), arranged by Robert Delgado

Chua-ay (Igorot Rice Pounding Song), arranged by Ronnel Vardeleon

Olloño (Bontoc, Mountain Province), arranged by Nilo Alcala

The girls who made up the 27-member choir are:

  1. Sam Adzuara
  2. Helena Esguerra
  3. Angel Aldea
  4. Alexi Cuna
  5. Mariane Ambal
  6. Marla Marquez
  7. Chesca Penson
  8. Anya Aure
  9. Jem Hilario
  10. Carmela Barrientos
  11. Thea Esteban
  12. Kayla Mayang
  13. Janea Mancia
  14. Raine Jamandre
  15. Gabi Romeo
  16. Gwen Quin
  17. Faith Villaluz
  18. Katrisse Santos
  19. Feliza Zaragoza
  20. Chesca Leabres
  21. Cheska Sto. Domingo
  22. Isabella Unarce
  23. Bea Cabauatan
  24. Annika de la Fuente
  25. Sophia Halili
  26. Sophia Matsuo
  27. Addi Omila

These girls went through rigorous training and preparation for the competition.  On top of their regular classes and demanding academic requirements, they practiced for about 3 hours almost every day, attended sectional rehearsals with their voice groups, and joined workshops by chorale experts. Their victory is an affirmation of the holistic education they have been receiving in Woodrose.

We would like to give due recognition to the hardwork, dedication, and teamwork of the Junior High School faculty and staff, most especially those who trained and guided the girls throughout this incredible journey:

  • Mrs. Boots Carballo, their Conductor
  • Mrs. Girlie Baseleres for Individual Vocal Coaching; and for handling logistics
  • Mrs. Chippy Dioko for Training Modules on Character Building in the Performing Arts; and for handling international relations
  • Mrs. Steph Cabañes for Training on Stage Performance

We also wish to thank the parents of chorale members for their all-out support! The collaboration between the home and the school truly brought out the best in the girls!

Finally, we would like to acknowledge the very generous sponsors of the Woodrose Chorale:

  • Alabang Town Center
  • San Miguel Corporation
  • Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and the City Government of Muntinlupa
  • Grantline, Inc. (KFC Philippines)
  • Miguel Ambal Jr.
  • Martha Uy
  • Fiscal Luisa Gonzales & Dr. Michael Santiago
  • Starlite Management & Entertainment Corp.
  • Aplaya Laiya Corporation
  • Philippine Explorer Travel & Tours
  • Yutaka Manufacturing Philippines Inc.
  • Duque Family
  • Garcia Family
  • Cabauatan Family
  • Omila Family
  • Aure Family
  • Matsuo Family