JOINT PERFORMANCE OF FILIPINO AND CHINESE CHILDREN’S CHOIRS DEMONSTRATES COOPERATION BETWEEN RP AND PROC 

27 July 2005 – The Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai reported to the Department of Foreign Affair that the joint performance of the Bohol-based Loboc Children’s Choir and the Shanghai Oriental Little Companion Art Troupe of China demonstrated the multifaceted nature of cooperation between the Philippines and China as the two countries celebrate thirty years of diplomatic relationship. The joint performance was held on 18 July 2005 at the Lyceum Theater of Shanghai, which was well appreciated by the audience. 

Consul General Jesus I. Yabes said Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado, who accompanied the Choir, also took the opportunity to promote Bohol as a tourist destination. Governor Aumentado also gave a short briefing on Bohol province  during his courtesy call on the Shanghai Tourism Administrative Commission  and meeting with more than 20 Shanghai travel agents and the local media. 

The Loboc Children’s Choir was established initially as a school choir that provided entertainment during school and community functions. It has since blossomed into one of the most outstanding choirs in the Philippines. It is the reigning champion in the children’s category of the National Music Competition for Young Adults, the Philippines’ most prestigious music competition. The Choir also performed and competed in the international scene such as the 2003 Europe and Its Songs Festival in Barcelona, where it reaped the top honors. 

The Shanghai Oriental Little Companion Art Troupe is the performing arts arm of the China Welfare Institute (CWI). The CWI, which was founded by Soong Ching Ling, engages itself in programs that have become integral to children’s development and education in China.   Established in 1955, the Little Companion has some 600 young performers ranging from 6 to 16 years old. The group has already performed in more than 20 countries.