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UP CONCERT CHORUS BAGS TOP PRIZES IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AND EARNS OVATIONS AT BERLIN CONCERT

30 June 2015 - The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC), with their conductor Prof. Janet Sabas-Aracama, delivered stellar performances in Berlin as part of their 2015 International concert tour, “S’ALIW HIMIG,” Isang Lakbay KORUS (“MELODIOUS MELANGE,” A KORUS Tour) covering Europe and the United States. 

In their concert on June 15 at the Evangelischekirche Heilig Geist in Perlenbergerstrasse, the choir earned ovations for their showcase of classical, popular and folk music and for their signature vibrant choreography.

The UPCC came to Berlin fresh from their victory at the 6^th International Krakow Choir Festival in Poland, winning second in the Gospel and Folk category, first in the Mixed Choir category and the Grand Prix.

Cultural Attache Mylah Rubio shared the Embassy´s gratitude to the group for their stellar performance at their recent triumph in Poland, “UPCC are our new heroes, they are ambassadors of goodwill.  We wish to thank the choir for their drive for excellence which earned honor not only for their university but for our country as well.  We hope that you will never tire from promoting our culture and heritage to the world through music.”

The UPCC, or simply Korus, is the official choir of the University of the Philippines. As an internationally-competitive  performing  group,  Korus  has  perfected  versatility in  singing  classical,  folk,  pop  and  Broadway  musical  genres with choreography.    An    icon    of    stage performance that pioneered Choreo Capella or choreographed a cappella in the Philippines, Korus is one the Ani ng Dangal 2013 Awardees recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Ranked No. 1 in the world for Folk choral performance at the 2012 Festival Internacional de Cantonigrosin Spain and the recipient of the 2012 Aliw Awards Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award, Korus soars beyond  its  50^th year  to  share  its  unique,  fun  and  passionate performance to the world.

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FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN FRANCE CELEBRATES 117 YEARS OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

09 July 2015 - The Filipino community in France celebrated the annual “Pista sa Paris” in Stade de la Muette in Paris commemorating the 117^TH Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence organized by the General Committee of Filipino Associations in France in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Paris.

Following the reading of the President Benigno S. Aquino and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario’s Independence Day messages, Consul General Deena Joy D. Amatong thanked the organizers of the said one day program and encouraged the FilCom members to register at the Embassy for the Overseas Voting for the 2016 Philippine national elections

The program started with a street parade from Place du Trocadero to Stade de la Muette, which was lead by the officials and staff of the Philippine Embassy as well as various Filipino associations, dressed in their traditional Philippine dress.

Several booths were set up by Filipino associations representing different regional and ethnic groups, showcasing their local products and cuisine.

International singing sensation Ms. Charice Pempengco was this year’s celebrity performer. The UP Concert Chorus on tour in Europe also sang various Filipino and English songs. Other cultural presentations and dance numbers were performed by numerous Filipino associations. 

Other highlights of the program included the coronation of Mutya ng Kalayaan 2015, a sports fest among the various Filipino community organization, a contest on most innovative gown made of recycled materials and a grand raffle draw where three lucky participants were awarded round-trip tickets to the Philippines.