The Bicolano pride, Baao Children and Youth Choir is back in the Philippines after winning as Grand Champion at the 29th Certamen Internacional Juvenil de Habaneras y Polifonia 2024, held in Torrevieja, Spain.
The chorale, made up of 28 members ranging from 13 to 23 years old, was headed by Emmanuel Badong Ramos II, who, at 20, is considered the youngest conductor in the Philippines.
This is not the first time the group took home a feat for the country as they have bagged multiple international awards. Their achievements include a bronze prize from the 9th Busan Choral Festival & Competition in 2013, a gold prize in the 11th Busan Choral Festival Daegu International Choir Festival, South Korea in 2015, and many more.
With their flawless rendition of traditional Habaneras pieces during the Spain competition, the Baao Children and Youth Choir (BCYC) took home a trophy and 3,000 euros as a prize.
Welcome Dinner
On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the group came home to a welcome dinner organized by Kaiba Metro Manila – Baao Foundation, headed by Mariesyl Andes – De Jesus, with the support of Philreca Partylist Congressman Presley De Jesus.
Kaiba is an organization originated in Baao Camarines Sur in the late 70’s. The foundation aims to unite and support all Baaoeños all over the world.
“In our language, Kaiba is ‘kausaran sa ikararay ka Baao,’ which means we’re united in the same common cause in enriching the lives of our fellow Baaoeños. This is mostly geared towards helping scholars so that they can reach their dreams,” Kaiba President Mariesyl Andes-De Jesus told VIYLine Media Group.
De Jesus said they organized the welcome dinner to cheer the BCYC and express support for their future endeavors.
“To the Baao Children and Youth Choir, we are very, very proud of you. Know that the entire organization believes in you, and I know you’ll go places. Keep soaring high, and I know you’ll make us proud in the future and many more,” she added.
Inspiration to the Youth
BCYC’s win in Spain did not come easy. They also experienced challenges, including performing without their costumes after experiencing luggage mishaps during their flight.
But instead of losing hope, the group of young singers used this challenge as an inspiration to give their all during the performance while wearing their uniforms, instead of costumes.
The group also expressed gratitude for their God-given talents, which inspire their countrymen, especially the youth who are still discovering their passion.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, kailangan din po natin ‘yan. Mga kabataan palang po tayo, hindi pa naman po natin alam kung ano yung mga bagay na kailangan natin tahakin. Pero pursue your dreams, and ask for help. Meron namang mga tao na tutulong sa’yo para makamit mo yung pangarap mo,” Emmanuel Badong Ramos II – the 20-year-old conductor said.
Despite winning multiple competitions in and outside the country, Ramos admitted that they still face other challenges, particularly in financing their trips for competitions abroad.
That is why they are very thankful to the people supporting their group, like the Kaiba Foundation, for making it possible for them to perform internationally.
“Dakulong salamat sa KAIBA po. Well thankful po and biyo po kami namumuya dahil po sa pagpasabat po ninyo kanamo, grabe po so pagal namo sa byahe pero agko palan po kami masasabat po sading pampagaan sa mga kalooban namo and thank you so much po,” Ramos added.
[Taos puso kami nagpapasalamat sa KAIBA po, well thankful po and lahat po kami masasaya dahil sa pagsalubong niyo po sa amin, grabe po yung pagod namin sa byahe pero meron po pala kaming makakasalubong na pampagaan sa mga kalooban namin and thank you so much po.]
Proud to be taga Baao