The internationally-renowned Loboc Children's Choir captivated the hearts of Cambodians and Filipinos alike in a series of awe-inspiring performances entitled “Music from the Islands: a Friendship Concert” held in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh from 10 to 13 June 2016.
Organized by the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia as part of its cultural diplomacy activities in commemoration of the 118th anniversary of Philippine Independence, the Choir kicked off it performances in Siem Reap where they received a standing ovation from an ecstatic audience of more than 400 at the Angkor Regency Hotel.
In his welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia, Christopher B. Montero, noted that the concert marked the first time a commemorative Independence Day activity was held in Siem Reap, Cambodia's tourism capital. The event was graced by Siem Reap Vice Governor Kim Chaihieng as Guest of Honor, and also featured performances by Siem Reap-based Filipino performers Sheryl Agodon and Ian Mendoza, as well as students from the ELI International School and Music for Everyone School.
In Phnom Penh, the 20-member Choir staged a gala performance at the famed Chaktomuk Theater Hall, the equivalent of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and rendered a repertoire of popular contemporary and Disney movie theme songs, classic Broadway medleys, and well-loved Filipino songs. They also charmed the more than 500 guests in attendance, including Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, H.E. Phoerng Sackona, to a lively musical interpretation of Cambodian popular ditties "Phnom Penh" and "Arrapiya." The Phnom Penh-based Koro Filipino and Sinaglahi Filipinas Dance Troupe also rendered performances showcasing the richness of the Philippines' rich musical and dance traditions.
At the Embassy's traditional flag raising ceremony and breakfast with the Filipino community held at the new Chancery building of the Philippine Embassy on 12 June, the Choir treated the audience to a melodious rendition of “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika”, a medley of OPM classics, and a sampling of several Visayan folk songs. Among those who attended the event were members of the recently-launched Cambodia-Philippines Alumni Network (CPAN).
As part of the Embassy's outreach program, the Choir performed before hundreds of young Cambodian children under the care of the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF). Since 2004, CCF is working with some of the most impoverished communities in Cambodia, centered around the former garbage dump in Phnom Penh. Mr. Scott Neeson, CCF Founder and Executive Director, and former President of 20th Century Fox International, expressed his admiration at the musical talent of Choir members and thanked the Embassy for partnering with the CCF.
The Choir’s visit was capped by a rousing performance at the Embassy's Diplomatic Reception held at the Raffles Le Royal Hotel in Phnom Penh and attended by more than 250 guests from the Royal family, members of the diplomatic corps, government and business sectors. The audience was similarly enthralled by renditions of “The Prayer,” "Kruhay" and Arappiya.
"Cambodia is not a stranger to Philippine music and musical talent as it is common to see Filipinos bringing musical joy and entertainment in many of the country's famous hotels and restaurants," Ambassador Montero noted. "The visit of the Loboc Children's Choir does not only showcase the world-class musical talent of Filipinos, it represents the Philippines' commitment to transform a relationship with Cambodia that is people-centered," Ambassador Montero added.
The visit of the Choir was made possible through the generous support and patronage of the Liwayway Group of Companies headed by its Chair Emeritus, Mr. Carlos Chan, who also travelled to Cambodia to watch the choir's performances. The Liwayway Group has a significant investment in the food and beverage sector in Cambodia. END
