Friends, families gather for first Christmas caroling contest

Team United Maharlika’s children and  adult carolers. Photos by Marc Labaguis of Synergy Productions

Team United Maharlika’s children and adult carolers. Photos by Marc Labaguis of Synergy Productions

The Philippine American Society of St. Joan of Arc Parish went home with the first prize: a check for $1,200!

The Philippine American Society of St. Joan of Arc Parish went home with the first prize: a check for $1,200!

By Lindy Rosales

‘Ang Pasko ay sumapit, tayo ay mangagsi-awit’

Christmas caroling has always been one of my fondest memories from childhood.

I remember peeping in the window to see who the carolers were, if I knew any of them, and what they were wearing. Most times it would just be some random kids from my neighborhood or some adults who came in cars. Then I’d run over to my Mom to ask for money to give to the group. Those warm memories of Philippine Christmases – said to be the longest holiday season in the world — keep my heart warm during the cold winters.

As a New York resident, Christmas carolers are hard to come by. To experience caroling, you either go to a mall and listen to costumed characters or attend a Christmas party of a Filipino community organization.

I did something better.

On December 5, I went to a Christmas Caroling Contest at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center. The first of its kind, according to Grace Labaguis of Synergy Productions and Marketing, Inc. who organized the event in collaboration with Western Union (WU).

The Kalayaan Hall was festively decorated with a Christmas tree, a nativity scene or “belen” and the beautiful multicolored lights of the capiz lanterns. Those multicolored lights were reflected on the equally large capiz chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. What a beautiful sight!

Emcee Blue Sevilla explained the contest rules: Groups must have anywhere from 4-10 members; a song should be within 5-10 minutes; there should be limited acoustics (e.g. guitar, tambourine); and the Christmas or holiday-themed songs may be in English or Filipino. Scoring criteria are based on vocals, harmony, presentation, and over-all effect equivalent to 25 percent each.

Vice Consul Khrys Corpuz gave the welcome remarks, noting that the contest is the first event to kick off the holiday season in the Philippine Center. Barbie Garana of MB2NY gave a soulful rendition of “Grown Up Christmas List.” The judges were then introduced, and they were musical artists Joseph Legaspi, John Pio, Erik G., as well as Vice Consul Corpuz.

First contestant was the Filipino Christian Reform Church of New Jersey. This festive group comprising 10 kids wore red Santa hats. They were welcomed with appreciative clapping and cheers. What a wonderful way to introduce the second-gen kids to this holiday tradition! The second contestant was The Philippine American Society of St. Joan of Arc Parish, with eight adults in red Filipiniana tops and a guitarist.

Third contestant was JCI Philippine-NY. Four men and five women in barong attire and red tops with red flowers in their hair. The JCI group had their tambourines and a guitar player. They sang a medley of songs, ending with “We Wish you a Merry Christmas. “

One of the judges, Eric G, rendered a number, “This Christmas, “ which started slow and had people clapping along when it switched beats.

Fourth contestant was the American Association of Filipino American Accountants, a cross-generational choir with four men in barong Tagalog, three women in long red, flowing dresses singing “Silent Night,” some Tagalog songs, with a rap number in between. Their singing ended with a shower of glitter confetti on stage. What a pleasant surprise!

The fifth contestant was Team United Maharlika comprised of adults and children. The kids wore the WU yellow sunglasses. They sang Tagalog Christmas songs using their tambourines.

Special guest Kirby Asunto sang “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” entertaining the crowd with her rich voice full of emotion.

Co-emcee Kay Habana proceeded with the announcements of the winners:

• 1st prize winner of $ 1,200 with 339 points, went to the Philippine American Society of St. Joan of Arc Parish
• 2nd prize winner of $ 800, with a total of 330 points, went to the American Association of Filipino American Accountants group
• 3rd prize winner of $ 500, with a total of 329 points, went to JCI Philippine-NY

Despite some technical difficulties with the music and video for the National Anthem, it was a joyous event, with many in the audience humming on their way out of the building.

Our Christmas traditions are here to stay but we need to keep them alive in our hearts.

The judges:  John Pio, Erik G., Vice Consul Khrys Corpuz, and Joseph Legaspi

The judges: John Pio, Erik G., Vice Consul Khrys Corpuz, and Joseph Legaspi

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