People have heard countless songs about peace, not only for their motherland but also for the whole world. People have heard famous celebrities such as Yeng Constantino and the late Michael Jackson, sung their songs for peace and unity as a reminder that people, though different in culture, could act as one. In one evening, one song echoed at the four walls of the University of Santo Tomas; a song that ignited the Thomasian spirit; a song that was sung by six remarkable chorales of the university that will mark on the Thomasians heart the value of peace and unity.
In the evening of February 12, 2010, the Student Organization Coordinating Council (SOCC) launched the annual Himig Tomasino competition, joined in by the different colleges of the university, held at the Medicine Auditorium. The event started with an invocation, followed by the entrance of colors and singing of the National Anthem by a student from the College of Music. Uste Mundo did an opening act afterwards.
Julius Fernandez from the Faculty of Arts and Letters and Farrah Kaye Tindugan from the Faculty of Engineering were the event’s hosts. They introduced the musical competition to its audience with an entertaining exchange of Filipino translation of words. Introduction of the six competing college chorales and the panel of judges were also made.
In the contest proper, every college chorale has to sing the contest piece “Magkaisa” by Mr. Juan Miguel Salvador and arranged by Prof. Fidel Calalang Jr., conductor of UST Singers, either after or before singing their own concert song. The competing college chorales were One Voice Engineering Chorale; last year’s champion, the UST Pharmacy Glee Club; the UST Accountancy Chorale, the Archipela Architecture Chorale, College of Science Glee Club and last but not the least, the UST Chorus of Arts and Letters.
People’s Choice Award was given to the Faculty of Engineering with 175 votes in total from facebook and live voting. Faculty of Arts and Letters, on the other hand, got the Best in Concert Apparel for that stunning blue gown and unique barong worn by the participants. The Best in Conductor was from the Faculty of Pharmacy. Lastly, the Best in Interpretation of Contest Piece was won by the Faculty of Accountancy.
Finally, second place went to the Faculty of Arts and Letters and the College of Accountancy bagged the first place. One Voice Engineering Chorale retained their title, Champion of the Himig Tomasino 2010.
Written by: Danielle Jordan
