DLSU Chorale Performs Philippine Folk Music at UNESCO for Indigenous Peoples Month

DLSU Chorale performs at UNESCO foyer under Picasso’s The Fall of Icarus, 1958. 

PARIS 30 October 204 – The Philippine Embassy in France and Permanent Mission to UNESCO proudly presented the performance of De La Salle University (DLSU) Chorale during the last day of the Executive Board session at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on 21 October 2024. The said performance brought Philippine folk music  to the global stage as the country marks National Indigenous Peoples’ Month this October with the theme “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan, at Parangalan” (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge).

The repertoire included Vochong, a traditional warm welcome melody from the Kalinga in Northern Luzon, Ummah Sallih, a traditional Molbog song with Islamic origins performed by an ethnic group residing in Palawan, Ili-ili, a popular lullaby sung in Hiligaynon originating from Panay Island, and Iddem-Dem Mallida, an Itneg melody and victory chant from the province of Abra and Ilocos Norte, among others. In some of these songs, the group featured traditional Filipino instruments such as bungkaka, tongatong, gangsa, kubing, dabakan drums, and a rainmaker. 

Mr. Jose Emmanuel Aquino, DLSU Chorale conductor, led the group. He is an alumnus of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Ateneo Chamber Singers and the San Miguel Master Chorale.

As the UNESCO Executive Board Session ended, delegates from various member states were greeted by DSLU Chorale’s performance in the foyer. The enchanting renditions were met with applause and admiration from the audience.  END

Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West (right) congratulates chorale conductor Mr. Jose Aquino (left) for the stirring performance.

Philippine Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO Junever Mahilum-West (center) meets the entire DLSU Chorale. 

For more information, visit  https://www.parispe.dfa.gov.ph, http://www.facebook.com/PHinFrance, https://twitter.com/PHinFrance or https://www.instagram.com/phinfrance/.