Article by: Marco R. Sunga
Graphics by: Cassius Klai C. Francisco
Photo by: Mapúa Cardinal Singers
Mapúa University’s (MU) resident choir, Mapúa Cardinal Singers (MCS), clinched the Grand Prix Champion title at the inaugural Gerard Dela Peña Choral Festival and Competition (GDPCFC) held last December 15, 2024, at Teatro Marikina.
Aside from winning the prestigious award, MCS also excelled in other categories, collecting suits of accolades in the process including the win in the Folk Category, Best Interpretation in the Musica Sacra Category, and Gold Diplomas in both the Folk and Musica Sacra categories.
In an interview with The New Builder, the MCS Executive Committee reflected on their winning moment. According to them, “Winning the Grand Prix at the Gerard Dela Peña Chorale Festival and Competition feels like living in a dream, it was a surreal moment and pride,” they also added that winning the competition was “a whirlwind of emotions, a kaleidoscope of fulfillment, disbelief, and pure joy.”
Recalling the journey, the committee emphasized the sacrifices involved—sleepless nights, rigorous rehearsals, and balancing academics with their passion for music—all culminating in this extraordinary triumph.
As MU celebrates 100 years of excellence, the choir’s achievement adds to the institution’s legacy, showcasing its commitment beyond academics and into the arts. “It is not just a triumph for the Mapúa Cardinal Singers but a celebration of what it means to be Mapúan.” the Executive Committee shared. Furthermore, the resident choir highlighted its gratitude to the Mapúan community, “Your encouragement fuels our drive to strive for excellence and represent our university with honor and passion. Let this achievement remind us all that with unity, hard work, and determination, we can overcome any challenge and shine brightly on any stage.”
Led by Sir Noel P. Azcona, the MCS is preparing for their next milestone: the Sing, Tarlac, Sing Choral Festival & Competition 2025, slated for May 2025. Other than competing locally, Mapúa's resident choir is also exploring opportunities to compete internationally later in the year, with potential destinations such as Taipei, Malaysia, or Macau.
For MCS, this is only the beginning as their committee declared that, “This victory—our first local competition, our first Grand Prix—means so much more than just a trophy. It’s proof of what can happen when dreams meet determination.”
Organized by the rising choral conductor Gerard Dela Peña, the choral festival showcased the vocal prowess of 11 of the country’s finest choirs across various categories.
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