FILIPINO-LED CHOIR IN PHNOM PENH HOLD FUNDRAISING CONCERT

The Phnom Penh Choral Ensemble (PPCE), which started as an all-Filipino choir and now includes other expatriates in Cambodia, held before a full house a fundraising concert on 19 June 2022 at the Raffles Hotel Le Royale.

Dubbed “PPCE Sings Love”, the concert was for the benefit of non-profit organizations in Cambodia assisting children -  Sok Sabay, Mith Samlanh Friends International and Sunrise Cambodia.

In her remarks before the start of the concert, Ambassador Maria Amelita C. Aquino lauded the choir’s initiative, citing that disadvantaged and vulnerable children need to be given all the chances to transform their lives.  She said that it is fitting that Filipinos, who are known for their musical inclination, are lending their talents and voices for a worthy cause and as a way to give back to the Cambodian people who have warmly welcomed Filipinos in the country.   She noted that music had been one of the earliest connection between the Cambodian and Filipino people as she recalled that in the 1870s, King Norodom the First visited the Philippines and brought back with him to Phnom Penh Filipino musicians who later on helped form and train the Royal Brass and Reed Band.

Towards the end of the concert, PPCE conductor Ms. Hannah Lyn Bandalan thanked the audience and sponsors for their support and expressed hope that they have encouraged others to help, saying that the choir believes that one rises by helping others. END