Pinoy in multinational chorale performs on South Korea's 'Star King'

A Filipino who is part of a "multicultural transnational chorus" recently performed with his group on a popular television show in South Korea.  

In an email to GMA News Online, Erick Christian Robles told the story of how he became part of the chorale group Montant, and the group’s recent performance in “Star King.” Filipina singer Charice’s international exposure first started in that show five years ago.  

The episode of Montant’s performance was aired on May 25, with the taping of the show done in mid-March.  

"Montant is a Multicultural Transnational Chorus, we invites singers of all cultures to create music together in the name of harmony," Robles said.  

He said he had to audition to be part of Montant. Robles mentioned he has participated in "many" singing competitions, and learned about Montant through a friend.  

Robles said Montant is composed of people from nine countries: China, Indonesia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Tibet, USA, Morocco, Myanmar, and South Korea.  

"We normally sing something happy, or touching. One of the audience said, our songs are like healing songs," Robles said about his group’s songs.  

"We have songs from Indonesia, China, Mongolia, USA, Tibet, and the Philippines. Better to hear us singing 'Kalesa,'" Robles said, making a reference to a classic Filipino song.  

Robles said Montant aims to change the way multicultural groups are viewed in the country he is staying.  

“In Korea when it comes to multiculturalism some might think sympathy and pity. But through Montant (our group), we hope to change this kind of perception. Through music even though we are different we could create harmony,” Robles said.  

“Some said, we are really different physically. Our members also have different jobs before entering Montant. But regardless of age, gender, status in life, we could still understand each other. Music breaks the language barriers,” he continued.  

Robles expressed his hopes that one day Montant will be able to take on the international stage.  

“I do believe that we are all equal. We are like a rainbow. Even though we have different features, even though we have different colors, but we could still understand each other regardless of our nationalities. I hope we could perform someday in the Philippines. And hopefully globally,” he said. - VVP, GMA News