Sinulog 2023

JANUARY 15 2023

Sinulog is a traditional Philippine festivity originally from Cebu, and is celebrated annually. This year, it was celebrated on January 15th at San Agustín parish. The first performance was a reenactment of the Sinulog story performed by some members of the choir. The tribute also included music and ritual dances commemorating the acceptance of Catholicism by the Filipino people in the 16th century.

The story is about the arrival of the Spaniards at the island of Cebu, Philippines. They gave the Santo Niño (a small wooden statue of a child dressed like the kings of that time) to the community in order to introduce Christianity.

Many other Filipino associations and parishes participated by dancing their own versions of the Sinulog dance. After that, the mass began, which was attended by the current auxiliary bishop of Barcelona, Sergi Gordo. In addition, there were other priests from other parishes with their choirs, who sang together in the mass.

We felt very fortunate, not only for the opportunity to perform an important part of our history, but also for being chosen to perform at the first Sinulog celebration after the pandemic. We enjoyed both rehearsals and the day of the event.

Leira's Concert: Home

ENERO 8 2023

One of the choir's traditions is to celebrate the passage from adolescence to young adulthood with a concert where the celebrant shows off his/her artistic talents. My turn came on January 8, 2023.

I started to conceptualize the structure and script of my concert in the summer of 2022, but because the choir was busy with other activities and performances, rehearsals began in November. I felt that time was running out on us, since we only had two months of preparation. Despite everything, we came ready on the day of the concert with a bag full of enthusiasm than nerves.

The concert is based on the moments of my life featuring the songs and the people who have been and are my home. Hence, the title: “HOME”.

The story is presented through flashbacks written on a diary that is read by me and my pal, Phrencis. Phrencis and I play the roles of old women.

Apart from my solos, I am accompanied on stage by my parents, my cousins, my closest friends and the members of the choir. We play instruments, sing, dance and create this beautiful memory together.

I wanted to do this concert because I consider it to be something that only happens once in a lifetime. Also, being on stage and singing is what I really want to dedicate myself to. So I couldn't let an opportunity like this pass me by.

Three Kings Parade

JANUARY 5 2023

We started the year in a big way.
From being spectators in the previous celebrations, we finally became part of of the magical parade on Three Kings eve.

We were fortunate that three members of the choir were able to participate in this year's cavalcade. This was made possible thanks to our participation in the Liceu opera "La Gata Perduda", as they gave us the opportunity to be part of their team in the parade.

During the long hours before the show, in which everyone was getting prepared, getting their makeup done and putting on their costumes, our Ralph, Jomari and Junior had the privilege of meeting the mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau.

At the end of the parade, they were given food and a letter in which the organizers expressed their gratitude for the participation of our members.

Ralph and Jomari tell us about their experience:

"One thing that stuck with me on that wonderful day was seeing the happiness on the faces of everyone who attended the parade. Being able to bring smiles to people's faces when greeting them made the tiredness disappear and made me want to continue doing the activity with even more enthusiasm. Personally, what I liked the most were the moments where we ran and danced to greet the children, high-fived with them and even talked to them" -shares Ralph.

"What fascinated me during that day was seeing the joy of all the people watching the parade. It was a nice feeling to see everyone willingly attend together with the ones they love the most. Seeing them happy made me feel good as I waved at the people and children.
What I liked the most, besides being able to participate in this parade, which I never imagined I would participate in, was that just for that night, I became a "stranger" to the people and even if they didn't know you, they would still greet you, and you wave back" -narrates Jomari.

One of the best things that happened during the cavalcade, was when they saw that despite not being known or being any celebrity, they were able to transmit so much joy, and felt like little kids again.

It was an unforgettable experience and will always be remembered.