PHL Embassy in KL presents UP Concert Chorus to celebrate peace agreement

The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur will celebrate the recent signing of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with a series of performances by the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) in Malaysia from Oct. 23 to 25. The performances will also be a way of thanking Malaysia for its role in the peace process, having been facilitator of the peace negotiations between the GPH and the MILF since 2001. “The gift of music heals divisions, promotes peace and unites peoples. Through this concert, we would like to express our gratitude and pay tribute to Malaysia and all others who have made possible a new dawn of peace in Mindanao,” said Philippine ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya. Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak was one of the witnesses to the signing of the framework agreement on Oct. 15 at Malacañang Palace, there at the invitation of President Benigno S. Aquino III.    “There have been celebrations in the Philippines, notably in Mindanao and Manila, ever since the successful conclusion of the negotiations was announced, culminating with the signing ceremonies in the Malacañang presidential compound. It is but proper to bring the joy to and have a celebration in Malaysia, which played a pivotal role in the peace process,” said Malaya.   The UPCC will perform at the Panggung Bandaraya (Kuala Lumpur Cultural Center) on the evening of Oct. 23. Expected to be present at the by-invitation event are members of the Malaysian Cabinet, the diplomatic corps, prominent Filipino and Malaysian businessmen, art and music enthusiasts, members of the media and members of the Filipino community.   Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of Prime Minister Najib, is expected to attend the event as its Guest of Honor. Datin Rosmah accompanied the Prime Minister in his visit to Manila. The UPCC will also perform at a by-invitation event before university students, faculty members and other guests at the Universiti Malaya’s (UM) Experimental Theatre on the evening of Oct. 24. The choir will then fly to Kuching for a performance on the evening of Oct. 25 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.   Established in 1962, the UPCC was named one of the world's best choirs at the 4th Lincoln Center International Choral Festival in New York City in 2006. In July, the UPCC received First Prize in the Folk Category and Second Prize in the Mixed Category at the Festival International de Musica de Cantonigros in Catalunya, Spain. The UPCC is led by conductor and artistic director Prof. Janet Sabas-Aracama with the support of UPCC president and assistant conductor Emmanuel P. de Leon, Jr. For further information about the performances, interested parties may e-mail inquiries to emrysshofer@yahoo.com or hgbobis@yahoo.com. — BM, GMA News