THE world famed Loboc Children’s Choir of Loboc, Bohol and the Little Singers of Paris, known as “Les Petits Chanteurs á la Croix de Bois” in France performed the choral music concert dubbed “Songs From The Heart” at the centuries-old Loboc church on December 2, 2022.
The concert organized by Cultural Center of the Philippines was in consonance with celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines.
The musical event was a collaboration with the National Commission of Culture and Arts (NCCA), the French Embassy of Manila, the Provincial Government of Bohol, the Municipality of Loboc, and the Diocese of Tagbilaran, to celebrate the conciliatory relationship of the Philippines and France.
Angelic voices filled the interior of San Pedro Apostol Parish Church in Loboc as the two renowned choral groups gave out song performances in Bisaya, Tagalog, English, and in French.
The Loboc Children’s Choir performed first, with six performances, followed by the Little Singers of Paris, with nine. Both groups performed together at the last part of the program to symbolize the unity and friendship between the two countries that signed the Treaty of Amity in Paris in 1947.
Chief of staff Mariquit Oppus represented Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado at the event, and gave a welcome message, emphasizing the importance of music as a unifying language among different cultures.
“We are different, but we speak the same language and that is music. This event is not just a celebration of music, but a festival of shared connections between the Philippines and France,” Opus said.
Along with Opus was Loboc Vice Mayor Engr. Helen Alaba who thanked the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for choosing Loboc as the venue for the event.
Other attendees are CCP President and Miss Universe 1973 Margarita Moran-Floirendo and outgoing National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairperson Rene Escalante who thanked PGBh for their cooperation in organizing the event.
The “Songs From the Heart” event is the first of four performances by the Little Singers of Paris, who are also performing in Manila and Ilocos Norte this month.
A day earlier, the Paris’ children’s choir together with the officials arrived at the provincial Capitol to pay a courtesy visit to Gov. Aris Aumentado who was represented by Provincial Board Member Tita V. Baja, as acting governor; internal chief of staff Mariquit Oppus, external chief of staff Atty. Jun Amora, other provincial officials.
The French children’s choir and the Loboc Children’s Choir also did the singing of a couple Christmas songs during the courtesy call.
Baja and Oppus thanked the visiting French kid’s choir for the visit and for choosing Bohol to tour. The visitors visited the Chocolate Hills and other world known tourist spots in the province. (rvo/Gavin Cubillo)
