Winners of 3rd Saleng Festivals environmental-themed choir contest bared
The Pines City National High School (PCNHS) choir emerged as champion voices of the competition dubbed “Rhythm and Harmony of Nature,” of the Third Saleng Festival which was spearheaded by the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center last Tuesday afternoon.
Said choir with Filipinana-inspired gold costume performed a well-choreographed and blended rendition of Chaz Katalbas’ “Awit ng Kalikasan” and an originally composed song, for the Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000) grand prize, a trophy and plaque of recognition.
Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) won Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000) as First Runner-up; with Philippine Science High School as Second runner-up, for the Twenty Thousand (P20,000) cash prize. They also received specially designed trophies and plaques of recognition.
Easter College and Berkeley School were adjudged together with Madaymen National High School of Kibungan, Benguet as consolation winners. The Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet youthful delegation was acknowledged as they traveled for three hours from their landlocked location to join the contest.
The choir competition served as kick-off activity for the 3rd Saleng Festival with THE unfurling of the calendar of activities at the Convention Center lobby.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong and wife Arlene, City Human Resources and Management Office head Atty. Agustin Laban, City Environment and Parks Management Office head Atty. Agustin Laban III, Pollution Control Officer Joseph Willy, and choir contest judges witnessed the activity.
Chaz Katalbas, the “Awit ng Kalikasan,” composer, watched the presentations online, it was also acknowledged.
The contest is part of the 3rd Saleng Festival activities with invitations sent to Baguio and Benguet public and private schools. The friendly competition served as a link between music and environmental awareness in the youth, and fostered camaraderie among the schools who joined.
The judges for the competition are John Glenn Gaerlan, Jomard Calamba and Normita Pablico. With them are Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s better half, Arlene Magalong and CHRMO head Atty. Agustin Laban.
Mayor Magalong in his message welcomed the competitors, encouraged them as young leaders to appreciate the city’s beautiful climate; protect and nurture biodiversity; and take the responsibility to revitalize mother nature. With music to unite us, we affirm our commitment and dedication to reduce our carbon footprint, the mayor said.
CEPMO head Atty. Diwas admitted being overwhelmed by the support received for the environmental projects and programs. He acknowledged the efforts of each concerned individual, office, entities, agencies, and invited the choir delegations for a better and bigger competition next year.
Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) head and Youth Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcalles along with faculty members and parents graced the occasion.
The choosing of the official Saleng song from the entries for the next festival editions is being deliberated. – JGFianza
