Even if the 2025 Palawan International Choral Festival recently held at the Palawan State University (PSU) Theater was the maiden offering of the National Association of Filipino Choirs, Inc. (NAFCI), it cannot be denied that the it passed its baptism of fire with flying colors.
Yes, there were imperfections but they were unnoticed.
Preparations were in placed well from the pre-prod to production proper to post-prod.
In the information of dissemination months before the event, the organization's publicity machinery was also well-managed both by the org and the PR department.
In the age of social media notwithstanding traditional communications facilities, the information about the fest, specifically encouragement in joining the contest were all in the multimedia annoucements that could reach even the remotest barangay.
What could be the reasons still many didn't heed the call to participate?
Considering the number of competing choirs, the 2025 PICF was a success.
More competitors are encouraged, though, to come and join the event next time.
According to Robert Delgado, President of NAFCI, the competing choral groups were enough to merit a search for the best of the bests in singing.
However, I was still looking for other choirs from various parts of the country to participate like reps from Region 8.
Does financial support play an important role in an on-site participation?
Definitely.
In this endeavor, if the group is from local origins, why can't the Local Government Unit (LGU) support its representation?
Of course, there were some groups who were financially supported by their LGUs.
Luckily, private sectors were also at the back of some of the competitors.
How about the others?
Independently organized?
According to Jesus Freddie Baldos of Baybay City, Leyte, distance to Palawan must be considered.
"Malayo ang Palawan sa Leyte at marami pang konsiderasyon (Palawan is far from Leyte, I mean the distance and other considerations)," opined Baldos.
Multisectoral stakeholdings must support choral festivals if we want choral singing to persist.
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