By Maxine Alessandra Turiano

Far Eastern University (FEU) Chorale claimed the Grand Prix Winner title at the Sing, Tarlac, Sing! Choral Festival & Competition 2024 following a 2nd Prize award last year held at the Kaisa Convention Hall in Tarlac City last June 2.

FEU Chorale also bested 15 other groups in the Mixed Choir and Equal Voices category, hailing them champions, with the University of the East Chorale and the Technological Institute of the Philippines Choral Society bagging the second and third prizes, respectively. 

The Morayta-based choir also received a Gold Diploma for their renditions of ‘Ang Tren’ by Saunder Choi and ‘Magnifikat’ by Ily Matthew Maniano.

During the previous Sing, Tarlac, Sing! Choral Festival & Competition 2023, FEU Chorale earned the Best in Folk Song Category award and a Gold Diploma.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, FEU Chorale President Jacob Diolanda mentioned that the win showcased the talent of the entire FEU community.

“This is not just a win for us, but a win for the whole FEU community that has students who are passionate kahit saan mang industriya and field ‘yan… Siguro innate na sa mga FEU students ang pag-i-strive sa kahit ano mang sitwasyon, industriya (This is not just a win for us, but a win for the whole FEU community that has students who are passionate in any industry and field… Maybe it is innate for FEU students to continue striving in any situation, industry),” he said.

After winning the Category Championship, FEU Chorale qualified for the Grand Prix Winner title with only one hour to prepare.

“‘Yung mga times na ‘yon, parang du’n pa lang, we are grateful na. Kasi, ayun nga, 15 kaming naglaban-laban doon, kami pa nanalo (At that time, we were already grateful. Because there were 15 groups going head-to-head, and we won),” Diolanda added.

In a separate interview, newly-appointed FEU Chorale Artistic Director Roijin Suarez shared his experiences during preparations for his first competition as the group’s conductor.

“Nandudu’n din ‘yung pag-instill ng mga discipline, ang goal lang is to create ‘yung beautiful music… In a way na gagawin namin ‘yung best namin para siguro kahit papaano alam namin na may laban kami (There is also the instillation of discipline, the goal is to create beautiful music… we'll do our best so that, in a way, we know that we have a fighting chance),” Suarez remarked.

The choirmaster also emphasized the ensemble’s dedication to perform in honor of the artistic integrity of compositions while ensuring a memorable experience for all involved.

“Ang pinakaimportante sa lahat ay na-express namin kung ano talaga ‘yung deserve nung music, ‘yung deserve nung mga composers para du’n sa mga piyesa na ‘yun, ‘yung deserve ng audience na marinig during that moment, at saka ‘yung deserve namin as a performer para na maibigay du’n sa kanta (The most important thing is that we express what the music truly deserves, what the composers deserve for those pieces, what the audience deserves to hear during that moment, and what we deserve as performers to give to the song),” he said.

The FEU Chorale President further maintained that he hopes their performance leaves an impact on audiences both new to and familiar with the ensemble.

“I do hope na (that) we inspired you through our music. Because ‘yun naman talaga ang main goal namin (Because that is really our main goal)—is to inspire a lot of people to sing, or to appreciate music,” Diolanda shared.

FEU Chorale will partake in a fundraising concert ‘Voices of the World’ alongside other choirs with proceeds allotted to a United Kingdom-based charity for youth in Manila to be held at the British School Manila in Taguig on Saturday, June 8. 

(Photo courtesy of Mark Justine Nidua/FEU Chorale)