Remembering a Christmas Chorale

Christmas is the season of love. Everyone rejoices for the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time when people come together, bringing smiles and good tidings to one another. St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish held its annual Christmas Chorale Competition at the Parish Gym on December 28, 2023, at 6:00 in the evening.

In 2022, all ten (10) GKKs were invited to join the Chorale Competition. However, for the 2023 edition, all ministries of the Parish were encouraged to participate. During the performance, each ministry presented a Marian warm-up song before transitioning to the contest piece, titled “It’s Time of the Year,” written by SMPRP’s Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dionisio “Diony” Tabiliran.

The Parish Youth Ministry led the preparations for the event, from visual decorations to acting as emcees. Bro. Maximo Nardo Jr., Parish PSL Coordinator, led the opening prayer. Fr. Diony Tabiliran then delivered the opening remarks, expressing gratitude to all, especially the GSLs in every ministry who willingly joined and participated in the event.

Following the remarks, the judges were introduced, and the mechanics were read. The competition began with Pangulo sa Katilingban (PSK), followed by the Social Communications Committee (SoCCom) and Pangulo sa Kristohanong Banay (PSKB). SIL Tigatto 8, the reigning Choral Champions of St. Mary’s Parish, performed an intermission number with a medley of Christmas songs.

After the intermission, performances by Pangulo sa Alagad (PSA), Pangulo sa Liturhiya (PSL), and finally, Pangulo sa Pagpanudlo (PSP) followed. The SoCCom Ministry performed a dance intermission number during the deliberation of scores.

Finally, the results of the Christmas 2023 Chorale Competition were revealed. The PSKB Ministry came in third, followed by the PSK Ministry in second. The PSP Ministry was proclaimed the Champion, receiving a certificate and a cash prize.

Rev. Julius Lugay, SMPRP’s assigned deacon, gave the closing remarks, expressing gratitude for being invited to take part in the Christmas Chorale Competition. He joyfully acknowledged the unique talents showcased by the GSLs of the different ministries and emphasized the beauty of sharing these talents to glorify God, the source of all graces.

Rev. Julius also delivered the final blessing, and everyone went home feeling happy and grateful for participating in this warm and cheerful Christmas event. How beautiful it is to have the people of God gather in one voice, singing in chorus to adore and give praise to the child Jesus this season. (Allyza Hope Tabigue, GKK SoCCom)