The main chorale of the Capiz State University has ruled the world stage as it won the Golden Diploma (Level IV) Award for the Folklore A Capella category of the ongoing World Choir Games 2023 in Gangneung, South Korea.

The same award was also received by the Saguday Chorale of the Northwestern University in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte and a community - based Anima Christi Chorale from Lucena City.

“It is really overwhelming that even other countries cheered for us during the awarding,” said CapSU Main Chorale adviser Professor Vivian Apuang, adding that Filipinos in the venue were really the loudest cheerers.

She led the university’s delegation composed of 25 students and five CapSU faculty members  to the Olympics of choir from July 3 to 13.

The performers include Ma. Jasmaien Alcayde, Ralph Ronan Avelino, Kimbie Arcangeles, Jude Banjao, John Bardovino, Denniel Basa, Harvee James Basa,  Julia Francisca Cadaing,  Al Mychristopher Dacles,  Jean de Vicente, Jorine dela Cruz,  Adrianna Gabrielle Deloterio, Danriz Ansel Eudela, Justin Fernando, Cyrine Habana, Rogue Ann Ibanez, Ma. Ma Nalica, Rhyn Hart Obuyes, Rythm Orola, Kris Tel Paras, Christine Joy Ponsaran, Renz Manuel Restar, Nell Joy Ubalubao, and John Felix Apinan.

They are also joined by the university’s Cultural Affairs director Prof. Polansky Pinky Barrientos, CapSU Roxas City Main Campus International Affairs chair Dr. Amel L. Magallanes and faculty members Prof. Romely Alcorano as well as James Olorosisimo.

The CMC, being directed by Apuang and Mr. Mico Lauron, is also preparing for the WCG’s college and university choir category on July 11.

The CMC was founded by the university in 1973 to develop talent and foster interests in the spirit of camaraderie, passion and love through the unifying power of choral music.

Through the years, the group has become a brand for quality performance and was named the Best Chorale Group at the 31st Annual Aliw Awards at the Manila Hotel in 2018.

As part of the preparations for the WCG, the CMC has conducted a parish – hopping in the Archdiocese of Capiz to joyfully render songs before the hundreds of parishioners, seek full support through prayers and offertories as it gears up for world stage competition.

“For long, the group is our active partner in the city government activities. It is about time to give our support to them and I am confident their talent will bring the home the much-sought medals  from the world stage,” said Roxas City mayor Ronnie Dadivas during a recent visit of the choir members at the city hall.

The chorale’s contemporaries  – the Filamer Christian University Chorale and Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion Grand Chorale, both in Roxas City – wished them luck and "bring the bacon home."

The chorale has also become a bond that ties the members as they journey they carry out their performances in campus and outside the school.

Like Kimbie, he preferred to stay as a chorale member as an alumnus and presently working at the university’s chaplain office.

“I preferred to stay because in the CMC, I found a nurturing family that has always been my support system inside and outside school,” he noted.

The WCG is the world's largest choir competition, taking place once every two years on different continents and organized by Interkultur, a German-based foundation, since it was founded in 2000.

For Kimbie and Professor Vivian, their group is the source of their strength and confidence as they represent CapSU and the country with crossed fingers for a win. (AAL - PIA Capiz)