Incredible - it was mind, soul, body together!

By Kevyn Harris

Rave reviews for the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus - Encore!

The University of the Philippine Concet Chorus (UPCC) blessed many with their talent and personality. New Zealand Filipino’s can be proud of the way these young people performed and conducted themselves. It would take too much space if all the comments made by concert goers were recorded here.

But for many New Zealanders this was the first time they had seen and heard a representation of the culture and talent of the Philippines and they were amazed. Comments like "incredible – it was mind, soul, and body together" and "they deserve to be heard by many more than came this evening" and "intensely moving, an unforgettable night".

Voice of Friendship is FEBC or Far East Broad-casting in the Philippines and it is thanks to a personal friendship between Janet Sabas Aracama and Dan Andrew Cura (President FEBC Philippines) that we first heard of the group and their interest in coming to NZ as part of the 17th World Tour.

Dan contacted me, his counterpart in NZ, raising the idea and after talking to Professor Aracama, Dan De Guzman, (Overall Co-Ordinater Pagkakisa 11 sa Palmy ‘06) and Dan Cura, Voice of Friendship decided to become the Sponsor of the NZ league of the tour.

FEBC has a long association with the Philippines having broadcast to China and much of South East Asia for close on 60 years from that country.

In addition we have stations like 702 DZAS and 987 DZFE (voted best Classical Station) and others throughout the rest of the country. It is with this long association in mind and a history of encouraging and showcasing Filipino talent that we invited the UPCC to tour NZ.

Our aim of raising funds to use in relief and development work in the Philippines did not happen but there are no regrets over the tour.

Not only was Voice of Friendship delighted to be associated with this great talent and the blessing it brought to NZ Filipino’s but this marks the first connection between us and the Filipino community.

It is our hope this will grow closer and prove to be of mutual blessing. To that end we are already planning another concert tour, this time by a dance and singing team from FEBC Philippines in 2008. This tour would be a "rehearsal" for another tour of the UPCC in 2009.

Kevyn Harris is Executive Director of the Voice of Friendship

They performed as if the whole world was watching them!

MARIA ZENAIDA COUPE, Pinoy.Net.NZ Feature Writer: "Versatility, precision, professionalism are what spelled the UPCC as the 23 - mixed ensemble sang and danced with gusto, as the patriotic, proud applause of the predominantly Filipino audience, reverberated in the Beaumont Auditorium, in Auckland on 3rd November 2006."

"It was de javu for me as I have witnessed similar shows back in Manila.; the well-selected repertoire so evocative of the Philippines' diverse culture.

Choreography, distinct costumes and their beaming smiles beckoned me back to my roots."

SAM DIGNADICE, Chairperson, CAPO: "The concert was great! Everyone loved it. There were some magnificent performances."

"The Prayer" was a great favourite. R. Kelly's "I believe I can fly" arranged by Ena, VST and Co "Sumayaw, Sumunod".

Well, just about every number in the program-me was great. "It's a pity about the audience, or lack thereof. But UPCC performed as if the whole world was watching them!"