Villar SIPAG holds chorale festival competition in honor of San Ezekiel Moreno

"Healing and Faith." This was the theme of the contest piece of chorale groups which joined the Choral Festival competition sponsored by Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) in observance of the 167th birthday of our healing saint, San Ezekiel Moreno yesterday (April 23, 2015).

A total of P150,000 cash was given to the winners. The Bataan State University Chorale got P60,000 cash after being declared the Grand Champion. The other winners and their respective prizes are Koro Ilustrado (Forbes Park), 1st runner-up, P40,000 cash and TIP Chorale Society, 2nd runner-up, P25,000 cash.

The five other competing groups each received P5,000 cash. They are as follows: PUP Bagong Himig Serenata, Tarlac State University Chorale, Bulacan State University Saring Himig Chorale, Lyceum of Alabang Chorale and Koro Las Pineros (Las Pinas City).

The judges are Prof. Gerry Dadap, Mr. Jack Uy and Prof. Armando Salarza.

The contest was held 9 a.m. on April 23 at the Santuario de San Ezekiel Moreno, Villar SIPAG, C5 Road Extension, Pulang Lupa, Las Piñas City.

An audio visual presentation of the life of San Ezekiel Moreno was presented before the contest proper.

Former Senate President Manny Villar, Sen. Cynthia Villar and Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar invited chorale groups to join the contest.

Rep. Villar delivered the welcome remarks while Sen. Villar gave the closing remarks. Fr. Ricky Pacoma led the Invocation followed by the Las Piñas Choir Boys singing the national anthem.

Aside from the contest piece, each chorale group, composed of 15 to 25 singers, a conductor and an accompanist, rendered a side piece or any love, life or religious song with the focus on "Love and Inspiration."

The competition is open to all community-based chorale groups throughout the country, composed of 16-22 years old, male and female members.

The criteria for judging are the following: Interpretation-manner in which the piece is internalized and presented, 30%; Delivery- quality of voice, fluency, pronunciation, blending and harmony, 30%; Stage Presence, stage poise, eye contact and audience impact, 20%; Costume and Sounds- attire is related to concept, sound production, mixed voices, 10% and Mastery of piece, 10% or a total of 100%.