Article by Isaiah Emmanuel Suguitan (@blueiceiah) / Infographics by Joselle Marie Fajardo (@jojowselle) / Photos by Rossini Calabig (Manila Broadcasting Company)
Being a country that is made up of 7,107 islands, it isn’t surprising that the Philippines is known for a lot of great stuff. Among these is the fact that a lot of Filipinos are truly blessed in the field of Music.
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Famous music personalities like Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez, and Arnel Pineda have established our country as a musical powerhouse. Because of this, it isn’t a surprise that Filipinos also excel in the choral scene with choirs like the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the UST Singers.
Lea Salonga, one of the most famous Filipina singers in the world.
As time passes by, more singers started to group themselves and establish choirs all over the country. Because of this, they needed a stage for them to showcase their talents and skills in the world of choral music. The Manila Broadcasting Company National Choral Competition, which started in 2007, is one of the main stages, in which choristers (like me) can perform in a choir.
I have been performing with my former school’s choir – the Pasig Catholic College Children’s Choir – from 2010 until 2015, and our year really wouldn’t be complete without joining this prestigious competition.
Here are some reasons why you and your choir should join the annual MBC National Choral Competition:
5. You get to perform on national television and online.
Not all contests get to be aired and streamed, but the MBC National Choral Competition does! Being among the leading networks in the country, MBC is able to reach millions of Filipinos across the nation. During competition week (every December), the semi-finals and grand finals are broadcast via DZRH News Television. Just recently, they started live streaming via Facebook and YouTube, as well, in order to cater more audiences. This means that anyone around the world can see your performance! Isn’t that great? 
St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina High School Glee Club (Open Category, Finalist – 2017)
Nueva Ecija Singing Ambassadors (Open Category, Finalist – 2017)
Coro Regina Coeli (Open Category, Finalist – 2017)
If you get the chance to watch them live, please do watch and support them just like us! I’m the one holding the banner, by the way.
The excitement to support the competing choirs was truly felt in the Aliw Theater!Â
4. You get to perform with the nation’s greatest choirs!
MBC is a national competition that searches for the top 16 Children’s choirs and the top 32 choirs for the Open Category to compete in Manila every December. If you pass the elimination round, you get to perform with them and your choir will gain first-hand experience with the high caliber of the Philippine choral scene.
Pasig Catholic College Children’s Choir (Children’s Choir Category, 3rd Placer – 2017)
Oratory Boys Chorus (Open Category, 2nd Placer – 2017)
3. A huge prize awaits the Champions!
We Filipinos love to share our blessings with our neighbors. Because of this, MBC gives large cash prizes to the winners of both Children’s and Open category; Php100,000 and Php150,000 and a trophy are given to the champions of the Children’s and Open category. How’s that for a treat?
Coro Obcento (Open Category, Champion – 2017)
Ligao National High School Children’s Chorus (Children’s Choir Category, Champion – 2017)
2. Getting to the semifinals means Ride-all-you-can at Star City!
Getting to the National Semifinals is something worth celebrating. MBC wants every chorister to feel that their efforts are worth it by giving all the qualified choirs Ride-All-You-Can passes to Star City! You’ll get to bond and enjoy the rides, games, and booths that the amusement park has to offer with your fellow choristers. Now, isn’t that great?
University of the East Chorale (Open Category, Finalist – 2017)
Tarlac National High School SPA Music Chorale (Children’s Choir Category, 4th Placer – 2017)
1. Create connections with other choirs and celebrate music as one choral community!
A great performance is not complete without music…. and so is a celebration! In the MBC National Choral Competition, choristers from around the nation unite and sing as one choral community. Because of music, we become one with our neighbors. As one famous musician said, let’s continue to sing ’til the world become united as one!
Tarlac Chamber Choir (Open Category, 3rd Placer – 2017)
South Cotabato Chorale (Open Category, 4th Placer – 2017)
Boscorale (Children’s Choir Category, 2nd Placer – 2017)
To all choirs out there! If you’re looking for a place to showcase your passion, dedication, and love for choral music, the MBC National Choral Competition stage is the place for you. Stay tuned for the elimination round in the 2018 MBC National Choral Competition! To last year’s winners, congratulations! A job well done to all of you!
