Basilica di Sta. Pudenziana is the basilica in Rome that was dedicated to the Filipinos by the late Pope John Paul II. UP Manila Chorale had the chance of performing for the Filipino migrants in Rome at the Urbana in Rome.

But who would have known that the choir who won seven years ago will win again this year and will even outdo the previous feat? This year, UPMC embarked on its 3rd European tour, with the intention of participating in the 7th International Choir Days Bad Ischl. UPMC left for Europe on April 26 and went back home on June 1.

The competition was held in Bad Ischl, a beautiful, scenic town in the province of Upper Austria, about three to four hours away from Vienna by train. Bad Ischl is a musical town that boasts not only its natural surroundings, but also prominent figures in music such as Franz Lehár, Oscar Straus and Anton Bruckner.

The 7th International Choir Days Bad Ischl is a choral competition held almost yearly in the last week of April. Many categories comprise the competition. UP Manila Chorale competed in the Mixed Youth Choir Category without Obligatory Piece and the Folk Song Category. In this competition, UPMC won 3rd place (2nd place according to the competition’s website, www.chortage.at, which also names UP Manila Chorale as "University Choir of Manila") at the Mixed Youth Choir category, and 2nd place in the Folk Song category. Together with these awards were a gold diploma or medal, which signifies that UP Manila Chorale has met the highest standards of the competition, for each category. In addition to these awards, UPMC also bagged the Choir Award of the Town Bad Ischl, for winning the heart of the townsfolk of Bad Ischl.

Right after the competition, UPMC headed to Vienna, where their stay and events were hosted by SOS Philippinen headed by its president, Manuela "Nene" Jarabe. The day after UPMC’s arrival in Vienna, they had a courtesy call with Philippine Ambassador to Vienna, Victor Garcia III. They also sang in a Pension House, a home for the aged place in Europe. The songs that were performed were some English and lively Filipino tunes, which though even not understood, were enjoyed by the audience. UPMC also staged a concert in Vienna in the Praynr Konservatorium, the oldest conservatory of music in Vienna. They have the distinction of being the first Filipino choir to perform in the said music hall. Among the guests of this concert was the Philippine Ambassador himself, along with other important people.

After spending ten days in Vienna, UPMC went to Rome. They performed in different places and churches where they captivated the hearts of the Filipino migrants and the Italians and non-Italians. While in Rome, they also had the opportunity to have a choral exchange with the Sistine Boys’ Choir, the choir that sings for the pope during masses in the Vatican.

Following Rome was Paris. From Paris, UPMC went home successful from its Third European Tour, bringing home along not only the trophy, but also glory for the University of the Philippines and the Philippines itself, along with some beautiful memories and moments in beautiful Europe.

(UPMC will be having a concert entitled, "Himig: Isang Konsiyerto ng mga Musikang Likhang Pilipino". Compositions of notable Filipino composers will be performed, such as Lucio D. San Pedro’s Suite Pastorale. Also featuring will be the pieces "Iddem-Dem Mallida" and "Rosas Pandan," which are the pieces that won second place in the 7th International Salzkammergut Choral Competition. It will be held today, Aug. 26, 6:30pm at the Cosmopolitan Church UCCP, Ermita, Manila, infront of PGH. Tickets are priced at PhP 150.00.)