Las Piñas Boys Choir

P. Diego Cera Concert: An Invitation

2009-07-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

PADRE DIEGO CERA CONCERT

July 23, 2009 St. Joseph's Parish Church

Performers are the Las Pi�as Boys Choir, St. Scholastica's College Student Guitar Ensemble, Mr. Armando Salarza, Mr. Ramon Paolo Quintero

The public is invited to watch. We'll see you there!

34th International Bamboo Organ Festival

2009-03-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

The Las Piñas Boys Choir graced the Gala and Opening Nights of the 34th International Bamboo Organ Festival. They performed "Opus number 39" by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, in celebration of his 200th birthday celebrated this year. They also performed the "Three Eucharistic Prayers of St. Thomas Aquinas" by Mr. Alejandro Consolacion II, with the composer himself playing the organ; the contest pieces "Ambo Hato", "Mamayog Akun", and an additional ethnic music, "Cordillera Sounscape". They closed the night with the performance of the "Great Organ Mass" by Joseph Haydn, in celebration of his 250th death anniversary, with the Festival Orchestra, and Mr. Christian Iwan on organ

It's Christmas

2008-12-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas started early this year. As early as September, we performed Christmas carols at our victory concert. By then, we can feel that Christmas is fast approaching.

Our first Christmas event was the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at SM Mall of Asia, last November 8. Ballet Manila, under the leadership of the prima ballerina, Ms. Liza Macuja- Elizalde, danced to the tunes of “Hallelujah” and “Pasko Na Naman”. Mr. Hans Sy led the lighting of the giant tree.

The next day, we sang at the mass for our Sunday Mass service. This is held every 9AM first Sunday of the month, at the church. This is to give glory to God and to promote church music. After the mass, we practiced for the Christmas tree lighting again, this time at Market! Market! in Taguig City.

The next performance was at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, for some Christmas carols last November 15. After these performances, we relaxed a little bit, because the next performance was to be on the 28^th.

We had a practice for Nickelodeon on the morning of the 28^th. After the practice, we rested a little, and we had a shooting for “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” in the church and the surrounding areas. The shoot lasted for hours, even though the segment was very short. It was shown last Saturday, December 13.

The Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards Philippines was the next. We were disappointed to know that we won’t sing because of the very animated choreography. We were disappointed that our purpose there was to dance, not to sing, although the producer announced that we will sing also.

The first day of December was very nice. We sang for “Umagang Kay Ganda” as a part of their month-long Christmas celebration. The cast and crew were in Enchanted Kingdom, Laguna, so we went there. The best part was we have all the rides for free. Some of the cast thanked us for coming there, and some appreciated the way we sang. The best thing was the director who praised us for the first ever choir to perform there- with choreography!

Six days later, on December 7, we sang again for the Sunday Mass. We just had a rehearsal on December 8, feast of the Immaculate Conception, since we were preparing for our Gala Concert at the Manila Cathedral. We had our general rehearsal at the Cathedral itself the next day.

The concert last December 10 went really well. It was a festival of church music at its finest. We were also delighted to meet Dr. Johann Trummer again, our friend who let us stay in Priesterseminar, Graz, Austria. After the concert, the audience congratulated us for a nice performance. We thanked them and we all went home with happy hearts, knowing that we made people happy and filled with joy for the coming of Christ this Christmas.

Watch us on our performances! On December 20, at 8 PM, we will sing at the Christmas Fusion of Bonifacio Global City with Ms. Isay Alvarez and the Metro Manila Community Orchestra. Prof. Chino Toledo will be conducting. On December 22, we will sing for our friends in Calamba, Laguna for "Pasko sa Calamba".

If you do like us to see at the Misa de Gallo, then do attend the last mass on December 24, here in St. Joseph's Parish. We will be singing there. The mass will start at 4:30 in the morning, but the road will close as early as 4:00 AM to accomodate the people who will attend the mass.

In the evening will be the Midnight Mass, alos here in the church. The mass will start at 8 PM, but go as early as 7:30 PM if you want a seat. Many people will attend, because it is the mass before Noche Buena.

The last performance of the year will be on December 28, in SM Manila. We will sing for "Magical Voices of Christmas."

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, everyone!

September 26, 2008- Day Three: Adieu, Boracay!

2008-11-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

September 26, 2008- Day Three: Adieu, Boracay!

With sad hearts, our last day came. We quickly packed our things and proceeded to the restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast, we took pictures again. We went to the beach for a last dip on our feet. We said goodbyes and thanked our friends there for making this trip an unforgettable trip.

We left Casa Pilar after breakfast. The tricycles took us to the port, where we rode the ferry. The trip was shorter, only ten minutes. One of us became dizzy, because the ferry ran too fast. After the very fast (and short) trip, we disembarked the ferry. We rode again to the van for the very long trip back to Kalibo. Most of us slept, because many of us were tired the night before. We awoke exactly as our vans entered Kalibo town proper. Upon arriving, we ate a quick lunch, and proceeded to the airport for the check-in of luggages. Thirty minutes later, we left the province of Aklan.

We arrived in Manila after an hour. The airport routine was short, unlike that of the departure. The school vehicles were there to fetch us. We finally got back to Las Piñas after three days of “vacation”.

And so,‘tis the end of the story.

THE END

Day Two- September 25, 2008: Enjoying Boracay

2008-11-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

September 25, 2008- Day Two: Enjoying Boracay

It was finally morning. Many of us woke up early, some, as early as 5:30 in the morning. Most of us either went to the beach to enjoy the waves, or walked to different places we haven’t been the night before. At 8 am, breakfast was served. Plans were being discussed as we were eating breakfast. Some of us planned of course planned to swim, others intend to go and ride a banana boat. When we finished our breakfast, most of us went swimming in the “big, blue sea” as some call it. The waves were large, but they were safe to swim on. We started a trend called “wave jumping”, where in you will jump when a wave comes. After so much wave jumping, a little of us walked to go shopping for souvenirs and other stuff. We greatly appreciate the way the natives treat us there. They were very warm, friendly and cordial. We quickly befriended them, that at times we were given discounts by them. This memory will remain with us, for we owe gratitude to them.

Only one thing spoiled the day. At lunchtime, while we were eating, a strong gust of wind came, and it rained very hard. Thankfully, the rain lasted for twenty minutes only, with some mild rain showers. But, unfortunately, we didn’t see the famous sunset of Boracay due to the aforementioned rain. As we surrendered ourselves to the merciless weather, we just contented ourselves by playing games, swimming, shopping, and watching the Ateneo vs. La Salle championship game of the UAAP which was live on television.

As night came, we enjoyed the night scene of the island. You can see the lights going on one by one. We ate dinner, and off we go again, this time, just to walk. We really enjoyed that night. Some played (again), others went for a last-minute shopping, and others just had coffee. We hesitated to sleep, because we know this would be our last full day in Boracay.

Day One: Hello, Boracay!

2008-11-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

September 24, 2008- Day One: Hello, Boracay!

It was a dark and rainy day here in Las Piñas. It was raining the day before, September 23, and winds were quite strong. We were afraid that our flight will be cancelled due to the winds. Thankfully, it wasn’t. Our call time was scheduled at 7 am, and some of us came as early as 6:15 in the morning. We were so excited that day. We left the school at 9:45 am, and we arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 at 10:30 in the morning. The flight was scheduled at 11:30 am. After the usual inspection and routine in the airport, we boarded the Cebu Pacific plane. The flight was not that long; it took us only an hour to reach Kalibo, Aklan.

As soon as we arrived there, we took our bags and jumped to the van to go to the picturesque town of New Washington. For those who do not know, New Washington is the birthplace of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, Archbishop of Manila. Msgr. Albert Venus is also a native of New Washington; in fact, the Venus and Sin family are neighbors. We ate our lunch, courtesy of the Venus family. After eating, we changed our clothes and we sang one song in their living room. We then got back to our van and went to the Pink Sisters’ Convent, also in the same town. These contemplative sisters, also known as the Sister-Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration, spend their time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to pray for the missions and the people’s intentions. They are called “Pink Sisters” because of the color of their habit. We went to their gift shop and cloister grille to ask permission to celebrate the Holy Mass. Thankfully, the sister agreed, and we went to Mass with the whole community of sisters. In the Mass, we sang the Musica Sacra competition pieces. The Mass was celebrated with great dignity and solemnity, adding to the beauty and sacredness of their convent chapel. After the Mass, we sang some songs for the sisters, and they applauded us. We went back to the gift shop and cloister grille. We were greeted by the sisters, and thanked us for coming. They gave us envelopes with a prayer book and a rosary as a thank-you gift. We then went to our vans and proceeded to the town proper again, where we took pictures before the bronze monument of Cardinal Sin, in front of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. After taking pictures, we left New Washington and went directly to the port in Caticlan, where in there are direct ferries to Boracay Island.

The trip lasted two hours, because Caticlan was 66 miles away from Kalibo. The view from our windows was fantastic. We passed through mountains, rivers, and even a forest in the heart of the mountains. After the long trip, we finally arrived in Caticlan. Surprisingly, the ferry trip was only fifteen minutes! We were very enthusiastic to arrive in that paradise island. Some tricycles were waiting for us. We rode on them, and thus, we began another long trip to our lodging. It was dinnertime when we arrived in Casa Pilar. We checked-in our rooms, and then proceeded to the restaurant for dinner. Our sumptuous dinner filled us until were full. After eating, we went to our own places, and went around. Some just walked around near the beach, others went shopping, and others went to have some henna tattoo. Some of us event got to bed at almost 3 am! We were so excited for the next day, which will be our free day. And yes, we all finally went to sleep.

Trip to Boracay Island (September 24-26, 2008)

2008-11-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

The following posts are our experiences in our trip to Boracay. Enjoy!

Win a Free CD and VIP Ticket to the Victory Concert!!!

2008-08-31T02:37:00.000-07:00

Only 19 days before the new Album Launch and Victory Concert of the LPBC!

Get a chance to win the new CD and free VIP (P2,000) ticket to the concert!

Just email us at lpbcsja@gmail.com and tell us WHY YOU THINK YOU DESERVE TO WIN THE VIP TICKET AND THE NEW CD...

Pls include also the following details in your email for confirmation purposes (will be kept confidential)

Full Name:

Exact Address:

Cell Number:

Birthday:

Winners will be announced 5 days before the concert and will be posted in the website and notified through email and phone call and/or text.

Las Piñas Boys Choir World Choir Games champion pays a courtesy call on PGMA in Malacañang

2008-08-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

Las Piñas Boys Choir World Choir Games champion pays a courtesy call on PGMA in Malacañang
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2008 | PEOPLE, CULTURE & ARTS

The Las Piñas Boys Choir (LPBC), the gold medal winner in the recently-concluded 5th World Choir Games held in Graz, Austria, paid a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang this afternoon.

The 20-member LPBC, based in St. Joseph Church in Las Piñas where the world-famous bamboo organ is housed, bested 70 choirs from all over the world including those from the United States, Greece, Estonia, Great Britain, Russia, South Africa to win the gold in the “Children’s Choir” category.

Aside from bringing home the gold, the LPBC also won the silver medal in the Musica Sacra (Sacred Music) Category.

Monsignor Albert Venus, parish priest of St. Joseph Church said that although bagging the gold in the Children’s Choir category brought fame, glory and prestige to the LPBC, their winning the Silver medal in the Musica Sacra category was equally important because “this Musica Sacra category is the most prestigious.”

Venus said the Musica Sacra category where the LPBC bested some 50 professional choir groups from around the world with the silver medal award is an open category-type of competition in the World Choir Games.

To show their deepest gratitude for the President’s support, the LPBC sang the same songs they sang at the competition which won them the gold and silver medals.

First was the “Ambuhato,” a Cordillera play song, the “Hallelujah” and the “Mamayug-akon” a Muslim wedding song which, according to Vinas, literally means “Oh my darling.”

After their rousing song numbers, the LPBC, together with Vinas and LPBC founder Father Leo Renier posed with the President.

The choir members are George Angeles II, Bernard Paolo Caro, Alvin Joshua Cayetano, Josiah de los Santos, Justin Claude Fernandez;

Jadlae Aivan Fernandez, Joseph Vincent Gregorio, Carl Paolo Hernandez, Japheth Juanillo,Herman Manalang;

Jhansseen Martinez,. Dhonel Martinicio, Alwyn Dominique Panoso, Rupert Kim Pastrana, Ramon Paolo Quintero;

Chazz Reyes, Karlo Reyes, Francis David Salonga, Joshua Gabriel Samiley, and Joe Sengson.

Held every two years in different countries, the World Choir Games is the largest international choir competition.

Past competitions were held in Xiamen, China (2006), Bremen, Germany (2004), Busan, South Korea (2002) and Linz, Austria (2000).

http://www.gov.ph/news/?i=21778

Armando Salarza - finalist ,"The Many Faces of the Teacher"

2008-07-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

The many faces of the teacher
By Ching Jorge
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:26am (Mla time) 07/12/2008

Filipino teachers are more than just plain civil servants. They are mentors and guidance counselors, second parents and friends. They hold in their hands the minds, attitudes and values of future generations.

Though we put so much importance on the quality and standard of education in our country, it seems that an education degree is less desirable compared to other more sought-after college courses. This is a challenge by itself, and every year many NGOs and foundations seek to inspire more students to go into the teaching profession and encourage more teachers to undergo the training that is needed to improve their skills through various programs.

One such activity is “The Many Faces of the Teacher.” It is a search for the teacher that best represents the nobility of the teaching profession and who garners the inspiration not only of his students but also of each person and life that he encounters.

The search and the careful selection of each year’s nominees and finalists have become a major program of Bato Balani Foundation Inc. (BBFI), which launched its advocacy campaign for the “Many Faces of the Teacher” in 2003.

This year’s 12 finalists are some of the most inspiring teachers that we have today. They are all exemplary: Through their passion and commitment to their profession, they routinely go beyond what is expected.

The panel of judges or the Advocacy Review Board for this year is composed of: TMFT Honoree for 2004 Dr. Onofre Pagsanghan; Dr. Maria Lim Ayuyao, president of the Foundation for Worldwide People Power; Peter Perfecto of the Philippine Business for Education; former undersecretary of education Juan Miguel Luz; and BBFI chairman Saturnino G. Belen Jr.

The 12 finalists are:

• Virgina Amanon, a multi-awarded Special Education Division (SPED) teacher from Midsayap, Cotabato. She has dedicated her life to teaching “children of a lesser god.”

• Jenelyn Baylon, a mobile teacher from Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. She travels distances to reach her students and as with all mobile teachers, she handles multi-level and multi-grade students and classes.

• Leonides Bulalayao, a high school teacher from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. A consistent honor student from elementary to college, she has been the recipient of numerous awards for her innovative teaching programs.

• Simon Chua is a principal/school administrator from Zamboanga. The author of numerous books on Mathematics, he is also a sought-after speaker and lecturer. His experience and affiliations extend to international as well as local organizations. He is also the first Filipino to be given the Pail Erdos Award by the World Federation of National Mathematics Competitions.

• Fr. Ewald Dinter from Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. He has devoted 40 years of his life to education and development in Mindoro. He has lived among the Mangyan tribal people, who see him as their mentor and father figure. He travels as much as 19 hours, sometimes on foot, to reach his Mangyan students.

• Margarita Gabriel from Macrohon, Southern Leyte. Through her guidance and tutelage, the Amparo Elementary School was one of the schools to top the National Achievement Tests.

• Carmelito Lauron, a high school teacher from Consolacion, Cebu. He integrated the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in teaching and created innovative ICT programs for both teachers and students.

• Enrico Morilla, a mobile teacher from Bataan. He has been repeatedly cited for his innovative teaching methods and inspiring work with Bataan’s out-of-school youth and indigenous youth in the Aeta community.

• Marcelo Otinguey, a high school teacher from La Trinidad, Benguet. He focuses most of his time to youth development and cultural integration, and has been recognized by various government agencies for his work. He was also a finalist for the Gawad Genny Lopez Award.

• Marjorie Palomo, officer in charge of the Antonio Llamas Elementary School in Bataan. She has been cited as Most Outstanding Teacher in the Philippines by the Philippine Public School Teachers Association. She has also consistently maintained high rankings for their school in the National Achievement Tests.

• Armando Salarza, who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to music through the Las Piñas Boys Choir and the St. Joseph’s Academy Bamboo Organ Foundation Inc. He studied music and the performing arts in Vienna, Austria, and has committed his profession to educating the youth and pushing for excellence in music and the arts.

• Concepcion Tababa, a mobile teacher from Tubungan, Iloilo. A multi-awarded teacher, she has worked with various NGOs and LGUs to promote the causes of the underprivileged.

Four of these 12 amazing individuals will become the final four honorees. They will be presented to the public on Sept. 27, 2008 at the SMEX during the “Tribute to Teachers,” an annual event that brings together the biggest gathering of teachers for a day of togetherness, inspiration and unity for the teaching profession.

Ching Jorge is director for programs and research of Bato Balani Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization focused on uplifting the quality of education in the country. For more information you may log on to www.batobalani.wordpress.com or email bbfi@diwamail.com.

Thanksgiving and Victory Concert!

2008-07-25T02:45:00.000-07:00

September 19, 8PM, Friday

Philam Life Theater, UN Avenue Manila

We would like to share with you the heartfelt joy of The Las Piñas Boys Choir (LPBC) for bringing honor to our nation after having achieved international acclaim when they were declared World Champion in Children’s Choir category at the recently concluded 5^th WORLD CHOIR GAMES 2008 in Graz, Austria!

The LPBC received two Gold Diplomas in the qualifying rounds of Children’s Choir and Musica Sacra category, Silver Medal in the Musica Sacra competition and the Gold and World Champion title in the Children’s Choir category, having bested more than 70 choirs from all over the world in 5^th World Choir Games, so far the largest competition in the history of choir music, with a total of 450 choirs and 20,000 singers from 93 countries attending (www.worldchoirgames.com).

We would like to, once again, express our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support you have given to the LPBC. It is an honor to invite you to the LPBC homecoming concert entitled “Las Piñas Boys Choir: Thanksgiving and Victory Concert!” at the Phil-am Life Theater, U.N. Avenue on September 19, 2008, Friday, 8:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices:
P2,000 VIP
P1,000
P800
P500
P300
P100

How To...

2008-07-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

Maybe there will be people interested in doing what the Las Piñas Boys Choir did...

A ( hopefully) simple guide on how to join an international competition...
(For those who are just starting out...)

Behind competing, and winning, in an international competition, is the story of how everything began...
Details, real-life experiences that may be of help.

1. Timeframe/Logistics:
Two years preparation would be just enough.
Determine what competition to join, categories, etc.
Finish everything (travel papers, etc) five months before departure.

It is essential that one needs to communicate officially with the organizers to know the rules and regulations, etc.
Travel arrangements should be done at least a year before. The choir saves a lot when airline tickets are bought in package deals and way ahead of schedule.
Time allocation should include fund raising, preparation of travel documents, practices.

Personal experience:
We decided three years ago to come up with a 3-year development plan for the LPBC, with the third year goal as joining an international competition to test the standard of the choir.
1st Year - training of apprentices to ensure sustainability of the choirs. Prep and kinder student applicants are already trained. Local concerts, competitions were joined.
2nd Year - practices, concerts, joining of national competitions.
3rd Year - international competition.
We initially planned to join two - 2007 Athens Greece. 2008 Graz Austria. Due to logistical concerns we focused on Graz. We have to inform our sponsors, etc about this.
We planned to go on concert tour in Vienna, Berlin, Bonn, Rome after the World Choir Games.
Again, due to logistical concerns, we pushed through with Vienna only.
We approached various travel agencies and asked for reasonable prices. We chose from the bidding the balanced proposal of price and service.

2. Funds and Promotion:
Budget for the whole two years (preparations, competition proper, post-competition) should be laid out from the very start.
Plans on how to raise the said amount should be done - concerts, cd sales, company sponsors, donations, product sales (tshirts, pins, etc)
Some choirs go to competitions sponsored by an institution, company or a benefactor.
Some choirs have the members spending for their fare, food, etc, either from personal funds or group fund raising.
This has to be decided upon from the very start.

Personal experience:
We had some initial funds from savings of the choirs in past performances and concerts.
We used this funds to pay the artist and the company who made the promo materials such as new logo, folder designs, cd covers, etc.
We also used this funds to finance our fund raising projects,
We had three concerts (Philam Life, MOA, Send-Off Concert).
It also matters that if one has friends and connections with personalities who can guest in the concerts, then attention will also be generated.
Sitti was very supportive, as well as 6 Priests in the City, priests of Parañaque and Bishop Jess.
One must remember that funds during concerts are not raised thru ticket sales, they only amount to at most 20% of generated income.
Most of the funds come from sponsors, make sure you have friends and connections who will refer you to big companies.
If a choir has not yet earned a name for one’s self, then it has to do extra effort in selling the choir to sponsors. Having friends and connections is a plus factor.
Support of the government in general and the city of Las Piñas in particular, NCCA, DOTC, etc helped as well.
Support of the Diocese of Parañaque, clergy, parishioners was also crucial.
Having volunteer work done by parents, friends and supporters is also important since this not only save money but increase the fan base as well.
Viral/Guerrilla marketing also helps - word of mouth, text and email messages.

3. Team:
There are two sides to this:
Artistic and Management.

Artistic:
Choir members should have natural talent, and willing to work hard, is disciplined and a team worker.
Conductor should be good, should have good rapport with the choir.
Repertoire matters. Have a good line-up of song - not just because of what sells but what is of good quality, one that challenges the choir, exhibits the vocal abilities of the choir and appeals to the senses.
It pays to have a good accompanist. And good composer.

Costume and choreography also provides plus factor.
Theater/acting workshops hones the presentation aspect.
Get objective critiques from people about the performance of the choir.

Personal experience:
The LPBC has been in existence for 39 years.
Boys were trained as early as prep and became regular when in Grade 3 or 4.
LPBC members were constantly exposed to performances and concerts, the highlight of which is the annual international Bamboo Organ Festival.

The current conductor, Professor Armando Salarza studied in Graz and Vienna, is the Titular Organist of the Bamboo Organ, regular performer in the annual international Bamboo Organ Festival and has performed in concerts in Europe.
The accompanist, Alejandro Consolacion II, displays natural talent not only in playing skills of piano and organ but in composing as well.
Leo and Donna, as consultants, provided valuable advice and information and guidance.
The repertoire chosen was very difficult and challenging but really showcased the talents of the boys choir.
The costumes were chosen from proposed designs that displayed the unique culture of the choir, city and the country.
Beverly Vergel, together with RJ, etc, personal friends of Monsi Albert, really helped in providing the wow factor in the performance aspect of the choir.

Management:
Final decisions should be made by the management upon consultation with the artistic group
Full support should be given to the team.

Personal experience:
January and Zeny really worked hard to coordinate, prepare and make sure everything is in order.
Their hard work and zeal is very admirable, working long hours without complain, happily giving their best.
The school administration really provided all out support in terms of funding, academic considerations, etc.
The parish community was all out in support as well.
Monsi Albert really inspired the team with his leadership, presence and support.
It is really a blessing that the team was complete in all aspects with everyone working together to achieve one goal -showcase the Filipino talent.

Final word about management, though final decision should be made by management, As Fr. Hans said, management should be at the service of art.
Amen.

4. Other Concerns:

Preparations matter a lot.
But luck also played a very important role.
Im not saying one should rely on it. That would be dangerous...
Im saying, one should be grateful if one happens to be smiled upon by luck.

Personal experience:
We stayed in Graz in the seminary downtown. Food was great. And so was the place. It was due to the overwhelming generosity of Fr Hans and the care of Anni, etc.
We stayed in Vienna in the welcoming homes of the Filipino community led by Fr. Joey and thru the assistance of MT.
We were lucky, we were loved and cared for. We cannot ask for anything more. Our gratitude goes beyond words...

The preparations would take a toll on everyone what with all the stress and problems of raising money, arranging travel matters, and most essentially, practicing.
Of course there will be kinks encountered along the way,
but, if one prepares everything way ahead of time, most of the unnecessary problems are eliminated,
paving the way for a relaxed choir ready to focus on the important thing - competing.

Lastly, some words of advice:
Get a good staff - everything becomes smooth sailing when the staff is efficient. And oh, treat them well...
Get a good travel agent - believe me, traveling is one of the best moments, aside from touring, and winning, but it becomes memorable if the travel plans have been arranged well by the good
Connections, connections, connections. Media coverage is not automatic. Sponsorship is not given on a silver platter. Good accommodations, food, etc are not easy to come by. You would thank God you have developed friendships at least ten-twenty years ago.
Pray. It works.

Maybe next time, we can put up a simple guide on how to go on an international tour...

Online News Links

2008-07-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

A simple google search about the Las Piñas Boys Choir would result to the following online news articles from Inquirer, Philippine Star, GMA7, ABS CBN2, CBCP, Malayan, etc.

Another world-class boys choir, QC based Kilyawan Boys Choir were also featured.

The Philippine Embassy in Austria led by Consul General Issa Almojuela issued a press release that were disseminated to various media networks in the Philippines and abroad.

The Management Team also issued a press release based on facts http://www.worldchoirgames.com and relied on friends and connections in order to get media coverage. It was not easy since the World Choir Games was not given much media coverage in the Philippines when it commenced. However, we are very thankful to the media community for giving exposure to the Las Piñas Boys Choir, Alejandro Consolacion II, accompanist and to Prof. Armando Salarza, conductor. We do believe that this is one way of affirming and recognizing their talents and hard work but of the Filipino community as well...

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080716-148681/Las-Pias-QC-boys-choirs-win-golds-in-Austria

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/106957/Las-Piñas-Boys-Choir-bags-gold-in-World-Choir-Games

http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2008/0715_villar1.asp

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul16/news6.htm

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storyPage.aspx?storyId=125178

http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:S0jVsXgVuQEJ:www.philstar.com/index.php%3FHeadlines%26p%3D49%26type%3D2%26sec%3D24%26aid%3D20080715141+las+piñas+boys+choir&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=10&client=safari

http://www.gmanews.tv/video/25817/Senate-pays-tribute-to-Las-Piñas-Boys-Choir

http://isl30fvi3w.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/las-pinas-boys-choir-wins-2-golds-in-5th-world-choir-games-in-austria/

http://www.cbcpnews.com/?q=node/3744

http://www.mukamo.com/las-pinas-boys-choir-kilyawan-boys-choir-win-golds-5th-world-choir-games/

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp/?p=2244

http://www.pinaslink.com/view/74154-Las+Pias+Boys+Choir+wins+2+golds+in+5th+World+Choir+Games+in+Austria

http://www.ucanews.com/2008/07/18/champion-boys-choir-returns-home-to-cheering-parish/

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/16/yehey/top_stories/20080716top8.html

building bridges

2008-07-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

“singing together brings nations together”

so the world choir games theme goes.

music brings people together.

nothing tugs at the heartstrings than seeing young people joining hands, hearts and voices. peacefully, joyfully.

nothing is more touching than witnessing people of all races, age and ideologies standing together singing their hearts out with music from the soul.

if we fight, if we exchange harsh words,

there will be no winner.

except ourselves and our petty, little, selfish agenda.

and what if we win with useless arguments and left all alone.

there are no winners in meaningless wars,

only wounds that would take a long time to heal.

let us not burn bridges.

let us build them and through joined hands experience new worlds...

that is what music should be about...

not wars, not fights.

but peace. love.

“Imagine all the people, Living life in peace”

John Lennon

New Videos in LPBC Official Youtube Site: www.youtube.com/lpbcsja

2008-07-17T05:22:00.000-07:00

There are three new uploaded videos in the youtube site of LPBC at http://youtube.com/lpbcsja

Concert of Champions

City of My Heart MTV

World Choir Games Awarding

Villar files resolution hailing Las Piñas Boys Choir for winning gold in the 5th World Choir Games in Austria

2008-07-17T05:21:00.000-07:00

Press Release
July 15, 2008

Villar files resolution hailing Las Piñas Boys Choir for winning gold in the 5th World Choir Games in Austria

Senate President Manny Villar filed Senate Resolution No. 507 commending the Las Piñas Boys Choir for winning the gold medal in the children's category and silver medal in the musica sacra category in the 5th World Choir Games in Graz, Austria.

Villar said, "The feat of our very own Las Piñas Boys Choir exhibits the excellence of the global Pinoys whose dedication and commitment to their craft bring honor and pride to the country."

Held every two years in different countries, the World Choir Games is the largest international choir competition.

On July 12, the 20-member choir from St. Joseph Church in Las Piñas bested 70 choir groups from all over the world.

The choir members are George Angeles II, Bernard Paolo Caro, Alvin Joshua Cayetano, Josiah de los Santos, Justin Claude Fernandez, Jadlae Aivan Fernandez, Joseph Vincent Gregorio, Carl Paolo Hernandez, Japheth Juanillo, Herman Manalang, Jhansseen Martinez, Dhonel Martinicio, Alwyn Dominique Panoso, Rupert Kim Pastrana, Ramon Paolo Quintero, Chazz Reyes, Karlo Reyes, Francis David Salonga, Joshua Gabriel, and Samiley and Joe Sengson.

Under the artistic direction of Prof. Armando Salarza, the group is a regular performer in the annual Bamboo Organ International Music Festival.

The Las Piñas Boys Choir was founded in 1969 by Rev. Fr. Leo Reinier, CICM, who was assistant parish priest at St. Joseph Parish. The existence of the choir is also closely connected with the presence of the world-famous bamboo organ in Las Piñas.

Press Release

2008-07-13T03:36:00.000-07:00

Las Piñas Boys Choir: World Champion!!!

The Las Piñas Boys Choir (LPBC) emerged victorious in the two categories it competed in the World Choir Games 2008, Graz, Austria!

Once again, we have shown the world that the Filipino talent is world class!

The Las Piñas Boys Choir (LPBC) got the Silver Medal in the Musica Sacra Category, keeping up with the best choirs of the world, pleasing the 7 judges from all over the world.

Most importantly, it got the Gold medal and was proclaimed as World Champion in the Children’s Choir category! The LPBC proved that they are the best children’s choir in the world,

besting almost 70 choirs from USA, Greece, Estonia, Great Britain, Russia, South Africa, etc.

And what is amazing is that most choirs in the Musica Sacra are professional choirs and consists of around 40-60 members. The same goes for the children’s choir category. More than 70 choirs participated, around 20 choirs got the bronze medals, around 10 choirs got the silver medals and around 10 got the gold medals. Almost all children’s choirs have members ranging from 40-70. 20 boys of the Las Piñas Boys Choir (LPBC) captivated and conquered the world!

Professor Armando Salarza is the conductor. Alejandro Consolacion II is the accompanist.

Staff and consultants are January Hernandez, Norie Salarza, Leo and Donna Renier. Management Team is Msgr. Albert Venus and Fr. Didoy Molina.

The LPBC will have a concert in Vienna and will be back in the Philippines on July 16, 4PM Wednesday.

Below is the press release of the World Choir Games:

The 5th World Choir Games has been touted as the largest and most successful choir competition of the world. It was held in Graz, Austria, capital city of the province of Styria, which is at the crossroads between different European cultures from the east and west, north and south and considered as the unique old city centre is one of UNESCO's world cultural heritage sites. In the year 2003 Graz was the spectacular cultural capital of Europe and in 2008 it will be the world's capital of choral singing. The 5th World Choir Games in Graz 2008 are well on the way to becoming the largest competition in the history of choir music. Until now about 450 choirs from 93 nations have registered already. The large number of participating choirs is complemented by folk dance groups and brass music bands which are going to turn this event into a unique festival of different cultures.   According to the status quo China, Russia, Austria and Germany are going to delegate most of the participating choirs - more than 170 of them altogether, followed closely by Indonesia, Hungary and Croatia which will be present with nearly 90 choirs. This shows that our slogan "Singing together brings nations together" will be celebrated impressively in Graz in July.   The choirs are going to demonstrate their abilities to the approximately 71 international jurors in more than 600 performances in 28 different categories. More than 1.000 concerts in Graz and vicinity will take place, including friendship-, gala- and special-concerts. Two-thirds of the participants at this event again are going to be children, teenager and young adults. Over 140 performances in categories concerning children and youth choirs reflect this fact. But also the categories Folklore, Musica Sacra, Popular Choir Music as well as Gospel and Spiritual enjoy great popularity so that we are looking forward to another 220 performances.

Team LPBC Austria

2008-07-13T03:32:00.000-07:00

The victory of the LPBC is indeed the victory of the community.

Everyone helped.

Not only the Filipinos but Austrians as well.

20 boys brought glory to the country.

The conductor is Professor Armando Salarza.

Accompanist is Alejandro Consolacion II.

Staff is January Hernandez.

Norie Salarza assisted as well.

Left behind but instrumental to the preparations is Zeny Lopez.

Consultants are the founder, Leo Renier and with him is Donna Renier.

Completing the management team is Monsi Albert and myself.

When Monsi brought in to the team the creative staff of Beverly Vergel and RJ, they refined the movements and performance of the LPBC.

The choreography is by Raul dela Cruz.

Costume is by.

The many sponsors made this possible as well.

The team work of the group has been flawless.

Every one has a part to play.

Tonight they will perform in the Concert of Champions.

Tomorrow, the LPBC will have a concert in Vienna.

Wednesday, the team will go back to the Philippines.

Mission accomplished!

It has been a spectacular journey!

To all of you, thank you!

This is Team LPBC Austria, signing off...

Press Release

2008-07-13T03:31:00.001-07:00