14 July 2005 – Philippine Ambassador to Athens Lourdes G. Morales informed the Department of Foreign Affairs that a Filipino choral group, the University of Asia and Pacific (UA & P) Chorale, won 3 Gold Medals and the 1st Prize Honors in the 11th International Competition of Sacred Music held on 10 July 2005 in Preveza, Greece.

Ambassador Morales reported to the Department that the 25-member UA & P Chorale, led by its Choirmaster Mr. Arwin Q. Tan, won the Gold Medal and 1st Prize in the following categories:

1. Category A-Mixed Choirs
2. Category D- Chamber Choirs
3. Category E- Mixed Youth Choirs

The UA & P Chorale bested 20 other choral groups from different countries, mostly European.

The Chorale called on Ambassador Morales, wishing to share their joy at winning the top awards at the Preveza competition, their first exposure overseas, and regaled her and the Embassy staff with some of their award-winning songs.

The Ambassador congratulated them for the honor they have brought to the country and also thanked them for most effectively projecting the image of the Philippines and the Filipinos in Greece through the  promotion of the Philippine culture through their music.   Ambassador Morales expressed the hope that they will continue to reap accolades for the Philippines in the years to come.

The UA & P Chorale will perform before the Filipino community in Athens prior to their return to the Philippines this week.

The Choral Society "Armonia" of Preveza organized the international competition.  Preveza is 424 kms. Northwest of Athens. END
 

/jay