The UP Mindanao student chorale Koro Kantahanay won over new audiences and brought together the Davao chorale community anew with their “Sangka” concert at Davao City’s Apo View Hotel on February 24, 2025. The Koro sang a program of sacred music, OPM, and folk music, conducted by musical director and conductor Emmanuel Niccolo Tagle.
Opening the sacred music section was St. Hilaire de Poitiers’ Jesus Refulcit Omnium (Jesus, Light of All the Nations), sung in Latin. Ryan Cayabyab’s Iniibig Kita marked the OPM section, and Minggoy Lopez and Levi Celerio’s popular Rosas Pandan opened the Folk Music section. The Antique folk song Kruhay, sung in the Kiniray-a language, was the culmination of the section. The musical arrangements brought out robust harmonies and rhythms for each piece.
The concert theme and title, “Sangka,” was elaborated through two musical pieces, with The Dawn’s “Iisang Bangka,” arranged by conductor Eudenice Palaruan, being the culminating piece.
“Sangka is a Binukid word that means `to lean,’ `togetherness,’ or `community,’” said student conductor Joey Laurence Catalan. “Sangka reflects our belief that through music we can bridge differences, foster understanding, and inspire change,” he said.
“I’m proud of Koro Kantahanay! I’m impressed with how much they have grown,” said UP Mindanao dean Prof. Jhoanna Lynn Cruz
“I feel amazed by their voices and their harmony!” said another audience member.
“As part of the Davao City chorale community, it’s a humbling experience to watch other performing groups in concert,” said fellow chorister Johnny.
The Enkoro, composed of Koro alumni, sang musical pieces, each with unique arrangements, after which they joined the student Koro for a swelling chorus.
The Mapúa Consort Harmonia, guest performers, rendered the Doxology and Lupang Hinirang and the Intermission Number.
A tenor singer and three-piece band from the Davao School of the Blind, the Koro’s concert beneficiary, played pop songs, earning a rousing applause from the audience.
The UP Mindanao Dance Ensemble enlivened the show with two Spanish-inspired dances, one elegant and refined, the other with fierce and bold moves.
At the encore, alumni of the Sing Philippines movement, including Koro stalwart Assoc. Prof. Dennis John Sumaylo, joined the Koro onstage for a rendition of “Sing, Philippines, Sing,” composed by Koro Kantahanay’s pioneer conductor Joey Vargas.
The concert was an Arts Festival offering for the UP Mindanao 30th anniversary celebration with the UP Alumni Association Davao among the sponsors.
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St. Hilaire de Poitiers’ Jesus Refulcit Omnium (Jesus, Light of All the Nations), sung in Latin.
Minggoy Lopez and Levi Celerio’s popular Rosas Pandan opened the Folk Music section.
Student conductor Joey Laurence Catalan (above) explains the concert title and theme.
The Davao School of the Blind band.
The Mapúa Consort Harmonia.
The Enkoro (above), composed of Koro Kantahanay alumni.
The UP Mindanao Dance Ensemble performed two Spanish-inspired dances.
The Dance Ensemble with their second dance number.
Alumni of the nationwide Sing Philippines movement and the Koro Kantahanay doing the encore.