Budjong Chorale Ensemble Resonates in Indonesia, Triumphs 2 Medals

The Budjong Chorale Ensemble, a premier homegrown choir of Caraga State University, triumphantly resonated its way to the 3rd Penabur International Choral Festival held last September 5-9, 2017, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

It was Budjong Chorale Ensemble’s first time on an international stage, specifically in Southeast Asia. Backed by a strong support from Caraga State University Administration, Local Government Unit of Butuan, and other benevolent sponsors, Budjong competed in the Musica Sacra (Sacred Music) and in the Folklore and reaped silver medals in both categories. The Musica Sacra was participated by 21 choral groups while the Folklore with 30 choral groups competing from all over Indonesia.

Budjong Chorale Ensemble’s music repertoire contained “Crucifixus” coupled with an upbeat “Umawit Kayo Sa Panginoon” for Musica Sacra while “Hibanig”- a song from the Cordillera Region and the “Bimbi Ko”- a Maguindanaon folksong, were sang for the Folklore.

The Budjong Chorale Ensemble was accompanied by Dr. Adam Roy V. Galolo, CSU Culture and Arts Director, Mr. Ronald Zagado, the Choir Master, Mr. Ritchie Asibal, the Voice Coach and Consultant from Capitol University, Mr. Sai Collado, a Cultural Artist, Mr. Oscar Jose M. Fajardo, Movement Director, Mr. Rex B. Makinano, Wardrobe Consultant, and Vice President for Administration, Dr. Armie Leila M. Mordeno who helped source out additional funding support from the City Government of Butuan, the Congressional Office of the 1st District of Agusan del Norte, among others, and for securing the group all throughout their wonderful travel in Indonesia.

CSU President, Dr. Anthony M. Penaso gave his all- out support to the group, along with the other CSU key officials, the faculty, the staff, the students, and all the other members of the CSU family. RBM/piaea