BED bags back-to-back titles in Canticle Choralefest
Date Posted: May 7, 2019 at 02:22 PM
Cheers roused the Adamson University Theatre as the Basic Education Department brought home the title anew in the annual Canticle Choralefest competition last April 30.
Bearing the theme Mary’s Canticle: Hymn of the Beloved, the Gifted, and the Empowered, the 38-year old chorale competition brought together AdU’s nine colleges and its Basic Education Department to perform their medleys of Marian songs and rendition of One in Mission, the theme song of the Year of the Youth.
Perennial winner College of Education and Liberal Arts capped-off second place while the College of Pharmacy landed at third. Aside from winning plaques, first, second and third place winners also received Php15,000, Php10,000 and Php7,000 cash prizes, respectively.
Event co-host College of Science placed fourth, with the College of Business Administration, College of Nursing, College of Law and College of Engineering rounding off the rankings.
“Canticle Choralefest was the only Marian-Vincentian activity during our Foundation Week... and a Vincentian Community is also a Marian Community because of the Miraculous Medal. By singing the song of Mama Mary, the epitome of all canticles, we are adhering to the theme of being a Marian University while also adhering to the theme of Vincentian Celebrations,” Lay Campus Minister Erik Sta. Maria said, explaining the role of the competition to the Adamson community.
The judges of this year’s competition include internationally acclaimed pianist Nick Nangit, Philippine Madrigal Singers alumna Bernadette Mamauag and Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) member Gerry De Leon.
Moved for Charity
This year’s Canticle became different from its precursors after the said chorale competition was moved to a latter date than it’s usual spot during the University Week.
Mr. Sta. Maria explained that this was due to added advocacies for the competition, saying they decided to produce tickets for the event as it would serve as a fund-raising initiative for the university’s chosen charity.
“There was this decision to postpone it to a later date because the preparations would be very hard for a fund-raising project, so we do not have enough time to do the contest during the Foundation Week,” he said.
He further explained that all proceeds collected will be donated to Bahay Aruga, a shelter for pediatric cancer patients.
Canticle Choralefest is Adamson University’s annual chorale competition initiated by Fr. Francisco Vargas in 1981 as tribute to Adamson University’s Golden Anniversary and Mother Mary. It was first led by the Children of Mary Immaculate but was eventually adopted by the Campus Ministry Office.
