3 weeks Ago By N/A (MB Lifestyle)
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)’s resident choral group, PUP Bagong Himig Serenata (BHS), held its much-anticipated Choral Fest this March 21, 2025, at Tanghalang PUP, COC Compound, Sta. Mesa, Manila, with this year’s theme: “Kanta-Em: Tinig ng Kahapon, Himig ng Ngayon.” Now in its 11th year since its inception in 2014, Choral Fest has become a platform not only for celebrating choral excellence but also for spotlighting meaningful advocacies and cultural continuity.
Despite the halt of many industries during the pandemic, PUP Bagong Himig Serenata carried on with this annual tradition—showing the group’s resilience and dedication to both music and message. The theme Kanta-Em is derived from the Ifugao word “Em,” meaning “ikaw” in Tagalog—translating to “Awitin mo” or “Kantahin mo.” It’s an invitation to keep singing, to keep remembering, and to let the voices of the past and present intertwine.
The subtitle “Tinig ng Kahapon, Himig ng Ngayon” further cements the idea that music serves as a bridge across generations, carrying stories forward while embracing transformation. “Choral Fest was inspired by the annual Madz Et. Al gathering of the Philippine Madrigal Singers and their alumni conductors,” shares Mark Gregory Isip, the founder of Tatak Bagong Himig's Choral Fest and current conductor of BHS.
“What started as a reunion for alumni has become a much bigger celebration that welcomes both history and innovation, old and new generations alike.” Each year, BHS curates unique themes that go beyond musical performance. Previous themes include “Kwentambayan”(2022) and “Harmonify: Timeless Hits on Track” (2023)—each setting a specific mood and message for audiences to experience.
This annual event also marks PUP Bagong Himig Serenata’s official contribution to Arts Month and aligns with Women’s Month celebrations. This year also holds deeper meaning, as the group celebrates its 51st year since adopting the name "Bagong Himig," after being formerly known as KASAPA since 1969. Overall, PUP Bagong Himig Serenata now stands at 56 years of choral legacy, proudly representing PUP as the country’s pioneer dancing chorale.
Guest choirs were featured during the event, including PUP LHS Pangkat Tinig, PUP SPC Sampaguita Chorale, RTU GAAI Singers, and Light of the Nation Singers—many of which are led or formed by BHS alumni, continuing the tradition of cross-generational collaboration through music. Looking ahead, PUP Bagong Himig Serenata continues to offer much to look forward to. Their annual recital every October and Christmas concert every December remain major productions fueled by the same creativity and passion—proving that for BHS, music is not just an artform, but a lived purpose.
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