Text by Angelou C. Mendoza

Photo by Joseph A. Bautista

UP Manila Chorale showcased their angelic, powerful voices through a song dedicated to Chancellor Michael L. Tee and the employees of the Central Administration of UP Manila.

July 18, 2024 – Fresh from winning new accolades in a music festival in Poland, members of the UP Manila Chorale serenaded UP Manila Chancellor Michael L. Tee and Central Administration (CAD) employees with their lilting renditions of the popular tunes including “Moon River”, “Tagumpay Nating Lahat”, “When I Fall In Love”, and “Manila” that perfectly exemplified the champions that they are. 

Chancellor Michael L. Tee and the CAD office employees witnessed this outstanding and soulful musical performance of the choral led by UPM Chorale Music Director John Steven E. Verrosa. 

UP Manila Chorale is composed of alumni and students of the university enrolled in the different UPM colleges. From future experts in the field of health sciences, the singers exhibited the limitless potential of “Tatak UP” through the awards they received from their musical performances in Europe – the Grand Prix Award at the 59th Prof. Jan Szyrocki International Choral Festival in Miedzyzdroje, Poland, Golden Diploma for a Festival, Golden Diploma for Sacred Music, Amber Halo of St. Peter the Apostle for the Sacred Music (Grand Prize), Participation Diploma, and the Diploma for the International Choral Festival in the name of Edmunda Szymańskiego in Murowana Goślina, Poland. 

“It was the first time na nanalo kami after the pandemic so it’s a bit overwhelming for most of us and again most of them, 26 of them were first-timers sa Europe to compete there. So, for them grabe yung validation sa effort nila, sobrang na-appreciate nila yung crowd and kasama rin ako sa naka-appreciate ng foreign audience sa Europe. Yes, it’s a bit overwhelming, taxing, and exhausting yung mga nangyari to prepare for that competition pero afterwards, it’s so rewarding,” Music Director John Steven E. Verrosa said. 

These awards shared by the UPM Chorale at the UP Manila Board Room showcase their dedication, grit, talent, and the ability to juggle academics and passion to bring home the victory. 

“The choir worked very hard to achieve this level. It was well-received in Poland like the choir had standing ovations during the competition itself,” UPM Chorale Tour Manager Julianne Eris Navarro shared. 

UP Manila Chorale were now preparing for their homecoming concert in August and afterwards, to push through with other programs including the Christmas concert. The multi-awarded singing group is looking forward to future performances in Europe and Asia. #