In 2011, I was able to join the ACGC’s European Tour, where we won first place at the International May Choir Competition in Varna, Bulgaria. This qualified us to participate in the European Gran Prix for Choral Singing in Maribor, Slovenia this year. We felt so blessed to have this opportunity to participate in the EGP. Only the BEST choirs get to reach this level.

As an organization, we have been working for this for years! 10 years to be more precise. Under the baton of Prof. Ma. Lourdes V. Hermo, or MaMalou as we fondly call her, the ACGC has flourished. Once again reaching a level of choral excellence remarkable for non-music or voice majors. What we do, how we sing – it is borne of love for music, love for each other and love for the ACGC.

In preparation for this wonderful competition there was a tremendous outpouring of support: first and foremost our loved ones-family, significant others and friends who sacrificed with us. Daily 3 hour rehearsals make it difficult to spend time with them, but they adjust their schedules to have time with us, watching our performances. Our ACGC family: past conducted and alumni singers from the past 90 years – only they truly understand the blessed madness and craziness of this endeavor. Their encouragement and generosity leave me speechless. The fans of the ACGC – Filipinos and people from all over the world, especially our hosts in Europe (our second homes). Somehow though language and cultural divides our music has built a bridge between our hearts forever linking us to one another till we meet again. The Filipino choral community: people who made beautiful music for us to sing, who conducted musical development workshops, who we sought guidance from….and those we watched our farewell concert and wished us the best for the EGP. The Ateneo Community, alumni, professors, administration officers – never before have I felt the support the Ateneo Community so strongly.

To witness how the ACGC has grown in all aspects over the years is a true blessing. I feel very lucky to be with the people I am with right now. The passion, the discipline, the commitment, the love the ACGC family has for one another is heart warming.

I write this post on the bus leaving Maribor for Ljubljana, Slovenia. The competition was yesterday, April 22, 2012. It will forever be in my memory as the best performance of the ACGC ever (and I’m not just saying that. So many other people have congratulated us). How wonderful it would be to say that we won (truly we wanted to win it especially for all the people who supported us)…but we didn’t (at least not the competition trophy). We truly gave our very best, we have no regrets. We know we triumphed in more glorious ways!

I love you Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club! Congratulations!