Dubai, UAE 1 October 2021 – The Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) Chorale welcomed officials of the Philippine government and overseas Filipinos at the opening ceremony of the Expo 2020 Dubai Philippine pavilion, ‘Bangkota’ (old Tagalog for coral reef), on Friday morning (Oct. 1).
The three-part choreographed presentation showcased a repertoire of popular Original Pilipino Music (OPM), including “Paraiso” (Paradise), “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika”(One Blood, One Race, One Music), and “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” (How Beautiful Is Our Music) and Ms. Bagunu’s original compositions – “One Dream”, the theme song for the Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) and “Bayaning Pilipino” (Philippine Hero) – sung in a trio, quintet, and chorus. The FilSoc children’s octet delighted the audience with their vibrant and uplifting interpretation of inspirational-pop songs “I Can Only Imagine”, “You Raise Me Up” and “Brave”.
The special participation of the Philippine Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Paul Raymund Cortes in the finale, was one of the highlights of the choral presentation.
The group, consisting of 65 performers ages 6 to 55 years old, underwent rigorous three-month vocal training under Matilyn Bagunu, Filsoc Chorale’s director-conductress, along with Maestro Marc Gamil, FilSoc Chorale musical director – conductor, and Henri Abenis-Macahilo, FilSoc Chorale creative director and children’s voice coach. Ms. Bagunu is well-known in the Emirates’ Filipino community as a composer and songwriter.
“Music is my way of reaching out, connecting people, and bridging gaps,” Ms. Bagunu said. “There are many untapped Filipinos in different parts of the Emirates who sing well but couldn’t find the group to share their talents. FilSoc Chorale is here to train and coach them.”
“I want to take this chance to thank my co-founders and Board Members of Filipino Social Club headed by President Ericson Reyes for giving their all-out support,” she added, expressing her appreciation to those who backed the formation of the FilSoc Chorale.
The majority of the ensemble members are residents of Dubai and the neighboring emirates Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
The chorale’s next scheduled performance will be at the welcome reception of the Philippine delegation at the Bangkota in December.
The Philippine Pavilion’s inauguration ceremony was spearheaded by H.E. Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Consul General Cortes and Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary and Philippine Expo 2020 Dubai Alternate Commissioner General, Rosvi Gaetos, and Commercial Attaché Charmaine Yalong and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Dubai staff. Bangkota’s artistic and thematic director Architect Royal Pineda of Budji-Royal Architecture-Design was also present in the well-attended event.
