The Ligao National High School Voice Chorale brought pride not only to Albay province but also to the entire country after winning gold and silver awards in the 2025 Busan Choral Festival and Competition held at the BEXCO Auditorium Busan Cinema Center in South Korea.
The 24-member group, under the baton of conductor Celger Venzon, emerged as the 1st Prize (Gold) Winner in the Youth Choir Category for their performance of Atsalums by J. Jancevskis, along with a cash prize of 5 million Korean Won (around P200,000).
They also placed 2nd (Silver) in the Ethnic Category, bagging 3 million Korean Won (around ?120,000) for their rendition of Kayao by Normita Rio-Pabilco and Ayug Ti Amianan by Fidel G. Calalang Jr. The group likewise received Gold Diplomas in both categories.
Venzon said the competition, held from October 30 to November 2, gathered 56 choirs from Japan, South Korea, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
‘The secret to winning lies in passion, perseverance, and purpose – guiding the choir with love, discipline, and faith, while making every performance an expression of heart and artistry,’ Venzon told the Inquirer in a private message on Tuesday. ‘We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us throughout this journey.’
He added that returning to the international stage with new members carried the same spirit of excellence and dedication that has long defined the group.
Principal Jessica Sayson, in a separate interview via private message, credited the victory to the choir’s teamwork and shared values.
‘Competence, commitment, and core values honed them to be resilient and responsible as a team. Their integrity to stand as one, together with the support of stakeholders in our community, shaped their willpower to compete as one voice. Their showmanship made a difference amid challenges, as their rigorous rehearsals strengthened their unity and sense of purpose,’ she said.
The City Government of Ligao, led by Mayor Fernando Gonzalez, lauded the chorale for bringing honor not only to the city and province but to the entire nation, saying their passion for music continues to inspire Filipino youth to aim high and sing with one voice