Article by: Kandhalvi Maidinshifwell-Asaali and Alyanna Ysabelle A. Faustino
Graphics by: Albert Dylan S. David
With their rendition of "Leron, Leron Sinta" arranged by Mr. Saunder Choi, the Mapúa Cardinal Singers (MCS) took home the silver award under the A Capella Category in the Busan Choral Festival and Competition last October 23, 2021.
Despite pandemic-related setbacks in communication and distance, the red and gold ensemble persisted with their intense training through video-conferencing platform Zoom, as they would in pre-pandemic times. According to MCS Public Relations Coordinator Joven Galliguez, the choir prepared and rehearsed three months before the video submission deadline of the competition.
The choir selected the folk song "Leron, Leron Sinta," – inspired by showcasing Filipino culture and Filipino-made pieces on an international stage.
“I believe that the group could also relate to the song, like Leron (the suitor in the song),” Galliguez imparted. “The choir, despite challenges, is like a suitor who always perseveres tirelessly for its goals – in this case, to win the competition and present Filipino culture internationally,” he elaborated.
Due to the differences in internet connection speed, MCS had difficulty in song synchronization. Unlike pre-pandemic rehearsals, the group was able to accomplish their competition video by separately recording each member’s vocals and synchronizing them using an editing software.
Regardless of the challenges faced in preparing for the competition, Galliguez shared that they were not expecting to win big as the other choir groups were equally competitive and good. However, they were still surprised and overjoyed by the result.
“Despite having multiple achievements in the past, it was always a surreal and blissful experience to raise the flag of our country and name of our alma mater in the competitive international setting.” he added.
Galliguez stated that MCS also owes their success to Prof. Noel Azcona and Prof. Jun Ayran for vocal coaching and conducting the choir; to Mr. Saunder Choi for arranging the song; to Mr. Lester Delgado, Ms. Rachel Anne Fadriquela, and Ms. Gabriel Zepeda for editing the audio and video of their entry; and lastly, to the Mapúan community for the endless love and support throughout the years.
MCS, the official resident choir of Mapúa University, organized the first-ever Lessons and Carols as part of the Paskong Mapúan celebration last December 16, 2021. Following that, the choir also performed Christmas songs for the Mapúan community in “The Nights Before Christmas” posted on their Facebook page last December 16 until December 24.