The Loboc Children’s Choir sings for peace

Marjorie Gorospe
INQUIRER.net

ANTIPOLO City, Philippines — Who would have thought that I would catch the world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir in Antipolo City instead of Bohol?

The Loboc Children’s Choir is composed of young kids ages 6 to 15 years. Just this October 8, 2008, they went all the way to Assumption College of Antipolo together with the Loboc Youth Ambassador’s Band to render series of song and music for peace. It was a concert for a cause and the proceeds will go to the Children and Peace Philippines.

Before their concert, I spoke with Maestra Alma Taldo, the conductor of the famous children’s choir that was born in 1980. According to her, she never really expected that they will go this far.

“We assembled a choir because there was a memorandum from National Musical Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA ) to organize a choir and so we did for the sake of organizing,” Taldo says. But no one had a clue that they will eventually earn recognitions and invitations from different parts of the world after winning three times in the National Champion Prize in the NAMCYA. The choir won its first NAMCYA in 1993.

The group has also performed before royalty in Spain and has received other invitations from Europe, United States and some parts of Asia.

After winning several awards and receiving royal invitations, Maestra Taldo still feels humbled by the accolades the group has been getting.

She believes that it was God’s plan and she is just an “instrument” set on a mission.

Honing the wholesome personality of the children fulfills her mission. Taldo sees the member children of the choir developing into adults with discipline and humility.

“I am touched when the audience is moved by our group and see them tearing up while listening to our pieces — and so am I”, Taldo adds. Their innocence might be their secret, as they sing songs.

Taldo believes that since children sing from the heart, they can easily move the audience and eventually promote peace.

Charlene, 15, and member of the choir for five years now says that every morning when she wakes up, she vocalizes right away. I remember hearing her angelic voice as she hummed a tune.

“It is an honor”, she says when asked how she feels about being a member of the choir.

She admits that she is now more confident than before when she used to be shy.

Charlene sampled a song, titled “Music brings people together and once again.”

I must admit I got mesmerized and even got goose bumps because of her sweet voice and her emotions.

When I asked her about her feelings about promoting peace, she answers, “Like the teachings of her maestra, I believe that talent must be put to good use because it is God’s gift.

My brief stay in Antipolo was indeed worth the wait and travel.

I remember listening to choir, their voices filling the serene theater. As I closed my eyes, the words that these children hummed brought me to different places.

I opened my eyes and looked at Maestra Taldo conducting. As I watched them, I saw Charlene and felt like a proud mother watching her child perform on stage. Charlene was beaming with confidence, as she sang.

I went home late that night exhausted from the long hours of travel. But I felt relaxed and rejuvenated. My conversation with two people – Maestra Taldo and Charlene — made me want to become a child again.