The Philippines’ Concourse Singers have taken center stage in Tokyo, earning the much-deserved gold for their homage to the Filipino diaspora. Their emotionally charged performance video garnered top honors in the Video Presentation Category at the 2023 Tokyo International Choir Competition (TICC 2023) held July 28-30, at the Dai-ichi Seimei Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Their winning video, performing the poignant “Babalik Ka Rin (You Will Be Back Home)” — a 1990s Original Pilipino Music hit originally performed by Gary Valenciano and penned by Louie Ocampo — is more than a song. It’s an anthem, a tribute, a salute to the dreams and sacrifices of approximately 12 million overseas Filipinos inhabiting over 100 nations, making them one of the largest diaspora populations globally.
This video is more than a musical ensemble; it’s a question, an exploration, a cry from the heart, asking, “But to the ordinary Filipino, what does it truly mean to be away from home?”
The performance video transcends the boundaries of music and metamorphoses into a cinematic narrative. It is a short film that unravels the complex emotions of the Filipino diaspora, with gripping reenactments of painful goodbyes, lonely birthday celebrations in foreign lands, and the bittersweet joy of caring for others while longing for the families left behind in the Philippines.
Intermingled with snapshots of Filipinos embracing their new homes, the video paints a vivid tapestry of resilience, hope, and undying love for the motherland.
In a heartwarming Facebook post, the Concourse Singers celebrated their triumph:
“And the Philippines is a world champion once more! The Concourse Singers have officially been named as category winner in the recently concluded 5th Tokyo International Choir Competition held in Harumi, Tokyo, Japan! We dedicate this win to all of our Filipino OFWs who were our inspiration for this labor of love… Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and pride. Para sa Diyos. Para sa bayan. Para sa ating lahat. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Koristang Pilipino!”
The heart-rending visuals were filmed at Maryhill Retreat Center in Taytay and thanks to the artistic finesse of Arrick Dylan Paras and Jeremiah Cosme of Sagi Creates, brought to life the Filipinos’ unique stories, highlighting their resilience and fortitude.
Founded under the patronage of St. John the Baptist Parish in Taytay Rizal, the Concourse Singers are a church-based choir. Driven by their unwavering commitment to sharing their music and attracting more parishioners to partake in church events, they also aspire to bring their harmony to international choral scenes.
Their conductor, Leo Salvador Landicho, hails from a family steeped in music. A seasoned chorister himself, Landicho has lent his voice to the PUP Bagong Himig and UP Singing Ambassadors, besides training with the UP Madrigal Singers. His dream is to enhance the quality of church choirs in his locale, a mission he pursues with relentless passion.
The Concourse Singers of Taytay, Rizal were declared Winners in Video Presentation at the 2023 Tokyo International Choir Competition #TICC2023 #TeamPhilippines https://t.co/SNut9IgciV
— GoodNewsPilipinas.com (@GoodNewsPinas_) August 4, 2023
The Concourse Singers join a growing list of Filipino church choirs making their marks in global contests including Cavite church choir Voci di Gesù Chamber Singers who also won gold awards in last year’s TICC, and more recently Kammerchor Manila who was declared this year’s Choir of the World and won several competitions in the UK.
The Concourse Singers have not only bagged the gold but have also put forth a moving tribute to the resilience of the Filipino spirit. It’s a proud moment for the Philippines and an emphatic testament to its might in the realm of performing arts. Let’s celebrate the triumph of the Concourse Singers and the indomitable spirit of the OFWs. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Koristang Pilipino!
To experience this emotive homage, you can watch their performance here and SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to The Concourse Singers, winners at the 2023 TICC!
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