18 November 2025 | Written by Angela Sucaldito
In photo: UP Mindanao Koro Kantahanay Performing Dies Irae by Michael John Trotta. | Photo Courtesy of UP Mindanao Koro Kantahanay
The University of the Philippines Mindanao Koro Kantahanay participated in Madz et Al Mindanao 2025, held on 16 November 2025 at the Christ the King Chapel, Ateneo de Davao Senior High School. This year’s showcase carried the theme HEAL: Hope Emerges from Acts of Love and featured performances from distinguished choral groups across Mindanao.
As a member of the Madz et Al Choral Family, UPMin Koro returned to the Madz et Al stage after seven years since 2019. While the festival traditionally takes place in Manila, Madz et Al continues to expand its reach to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in its mission to strengthen and connect the country’s choral communities.
In photo: UPMin Koro with conductor Mr. Nicolo Tagle, Sir Mark Carpio, and Sir Joey Vargas | Photo Courtesy of UP Mindanao Koro Kantahanay
During the event, UPMin Koro performed “O Magnum Mysterium” and “Dies Irae” by Michael John Trotta, and joined other Madz et Al choirs in the tutti numbers My Life in You, A Song of Hope, and I Believe. The performance also marked the first Madz et Al performance with their conductor, Mr. Emmanuel Nicolo Tagle, since his appointment in 2023.
“I am very honored for the opportunity to perform with the incredibly talented choirs in Mindanao, whom I truly look up to. It was a humbling experience and a joy to reunite with former choirmates after so many years,” Mr. Tagle shared. Mr. Tagle is an alumnus of the Sing Philippines Youth Choir.
The event also served as the first official appearance of UPMin Koro’s 15 new members, who have now advanced from probationary status to trainees.
UPMin Koro alumni also came in full support—some returning to the stage as performers, while others volunteered as part of the working committee alongside Asst. Prof. Dennis John Sumaylo and choir founder Sir Joey Vargas, now the Creative Director of the Philippine Madrigal Singers.
In photo : UPMin Koro with conductor Mr. Emmanuel Nicolo Tagle | Photo Courtesy of UP Mindanao Koro Kantahanay
Madz et Al Mindanao 2025 gathered various choral groups from Davao and the wider Mindanao region and drew a full audience, reflecting the strong support for choral arts in the community.
The Madz et Al Choral Family is a nationwide network of Filipino choirs founded by members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. It includes ensembles led by Madz trainees, as well as scholars and fellows of programs and workshops conducted under the direction of Prof. Mark Anthony A. Carpio, Artistic Director and Choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. The network continues to advance the legacy of National Artist Andrea O. Veneracion in fostering a Singing Philippines.
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