Choral competition held to honor patron saint of cancer patients

A choral competition to honor the patron saint of cancer patients was held at the Santuario de San Ezekiel Moreno in Las Pinas City and participated in by eight choral groups.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, director of Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance), said the competition is now one of the most-awaited events for devotees.

"Through this festival, we were able to create an event that not only attracts the music lovers among us, but also people who are moved by the miracles of St. Ezekiel," Villar said.

The winners in this year's competition and their corresponding prizes were the following: Los Cantantes de Manila, Grand Champion who got a trophy and P60,000; Coro Obcento, 1st Runner Up, trophy and P40,000; Minstrels of St. La Salle, 2nd Runner Up, trophy and P25,000; Five consolations prizes of P5,000 were given to the following; Adlibitum Chorus (Batangas State University), Coro Regina Coeli (Most Holy Rosary Parish, Rosario Cavite), Las Pinas City Chorale, PLMun Chorale and University of Perpetual Help System - Dalta Chorale.

Last year's winners were: Adamson University Chorale, grand winner; University of the East Chorale, 1st Runner Up; and San Sebastian Chamber Singers, 2nd Runner Up.

Each group performed a contest piece themed in healing and faith and a side piece themed on inspiration and love.

They were judged according to the following criteria: 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 & Sounds (Attire is related to concept, sound production, mixed voices) - 10%; and Mastery of piece - 10%.

The Board of Judges was composed of Prof. Armando V. Salarza, an internationally acclaimed concert organist and conductor of the Las Piñas Boys Choirs; Jerry Dadap, composer, conductor and director, and Gregorio Asilo Jr. of Savers Appliance Depot.

The 3rd Las Pinas Chorale Festival is an annual event held to honor St. Ezekiel Moreno, the Las Pinas parish priest in 1876 who was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1992.

The festival was held in April, the birth month of St. Ezekiel who was born in Logrono, Spain. He died of cancer on August 9, 1906.