THE University of Mindanao (UM) proved to have the best chorales in Davao while a group of rocking seminarian students emerged band champion during the recently concluded Voices of Christmas 2007 Inter-School Competition where eight choral groups from various schools in the region presented their outstanding performances.
Two choirs from Davao's biggest university grabbed the first and second spots in the Chorale Competition division of the yuletide event organized by Gaisano Mall of Davao.
The choir of UM-Bolton campus topped the competition with its rendition of We Sing Gloria, A Christmas Carol, and Jingle Bells Calypso as conducted by Peter Ian Buaya.
The choir of UM-Matina campus emerged as the second placer with its performance of Hallelujah Gloria, Christmas Echo and Spiritual Medley as conducted by Angel John Blasquez.
UM-Bolton took home the grand prize of P20,000, while UM-Matina earned P10,000.
The University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), conducted by Mark Anthony Babalco, emerged as third placer and took home P5,000 for its performance of Pambungad, Deck The Hall and Diwa ng Pasko
Other schools which participating in the chorale competition at the atrium of Gaisano Mall of Davao last Dec. 16 were SPBTS, San Pedro College, Panabo Christian School, Immanuel School of Davao, and F. Bangoy National High School. The presentation of winners was held last Dec. 23.
In the band competition held last Dec. 9, the Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary (SPBTS) bested five schools and one community-based group.
The eight-piece Baptist school band led by vocalist Jan Chris Burgos earned P10,000 for its performance of Away In A Manger, Go Tell It On The mountain and O Come, All ye Faithful.
The Collision Band, a community-based group, scored second place for a P5,000 prize. Holy Cross of Davao College ended as third placer with P3,000.
A consolation prize of P1,000 was given to each of the participating bands from Davao Doctors College 1, Davao Doctors College 2, Stella Maris Academy, UM- Bolton and USEP.
Judging the contest were Linda Advincula-Arrieta, an administrator of Little Sunbeam PreSchool of Toril and former member of Davao Concert Choir and Orchestra, concert producer Julius Gabanan III of Octavius Entertainment, disk jockey/marketing manager Stephanie Mae Tujan of Omarco Broadcasting Corp./105.9 Mix FM.
GMall advertising and promotions officer Colin DA Aseoche said the competition was held to spread the Christmas cheers to its shoppers and to the aspiring collegiate singing groups in the region.
The success of the event, Aseoche said, inspired them to make the choral and band competition and annual event.
Supporting the event were Burlington, Hanes, Sketchers, Jocks, Kamaru Outdoor Equipment, Gerry's Grill, CarPlus, Goldilocks and Pizza Hut.
