m a n i l a g i r l

Time check 8:15 P.M. Curtain call was scheduled 8:00. Still no sign nor announcement of "Remembering Love...Powerdance" beginning in the next couple of minutes. I rummaged around inside my handbag for something to tinker around and pass the time with. I fished out my copy of the Philippine Madrigal Singers newest album, "Acclamation". I had saved some of their music as one of my draft playlists but had never really gotten around to posting it for everyone. During those few minutes before the Powerdance Valentine's Concert, I was finally able to take a few moments to read more about the Madz (as they are fondly called), their work, their inspiration and their music in the text of the album inlay.

I felt like a giddy schoolgirl seeing some of my favorites from the album mentioned in their short write-up: "I Will Sing Forever", "Your Raise Me Up" (yes, that song popularized by Josh Groban, THE Josh Groban...) and "Lupa" (Earth). There are two more faves of mine I'm sharing with you here, "Panunumpa" (Pledge) which has become such a popular local wedding song and "Let There Be Praise" which I simply love for its upbeat tempo and joyful spirit. I've also included the grand praise song "Light of a Million Mornings" in the playlist, along with the entire text of the write-up on the Madz, the names of the members and the titles of all 14 "acclamations" here for you to read. Want to hear the rest of the album? I guess you'll just have to buy your own copy then and support these artists...! ;)

Enjoy the music of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, everyone!!!

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ACCLAMATION: SING UNTO THE LORD

The Philippine Madrigal Singers enjoy the distinction of being the most versatile group of vocal artists in the country. Their diverse and colorful repertoire of classical, contemporary and Filipino music has influenced and continues to influence many local and international choral groups. With the release of their fifth album, Acclamation, under Sony BMG, the Madz affirm their status once more as icons of Filipino choral music, in more ways than one, quite literally. As the group's first ever conceptual inspirational album, Acclamation contains 14 songs mostly arranged by members and alumni of the Madz themselves, most notably by resident arranger and assistant choirmaster Christopher Borela, laying wisdom to the term "strength in numbers".

From the heavenly strains of "I Will Sing Forever" to the haunting "You Raise Me Up"; from the wise and deeply moving Filipino gem "Lupa" to the contemporary praise music staple "Light of a Million Mornings", this brilliant album, mostly done in a capella save for some spare yet poignant guitar accompaniment on some songs, manages to be thematic yet accessible to every type of listener. The casual listener will no doubt be moved by the swell of emotions inherent in every peice, while the critic will be impressed by the album's technical achievement. Recorded live for four three-hour sessions in the empty Philamlife Auditorium, the album offers a warm, natural intimacy and immediacy not always felt in many of our studio recordings now: a sonic joyride of pure vocal bliss in all its nuanced and emotive glory. With each member of the Madz being a gifted soloist, in his or her own right, Acclamation multiplies by the power of 20 the potential of the human voice - and spirit. As the first and last tracks sing of the compassion and wisdom of a Higher Power ("I Will Sing Forever" and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You"), Acclamation inspires every listener to partake of the blessing of music - the most beautiful kind of spirituality there is.

THE ACCLAIMED ACCLAIMERS

Founded in 1963 by Philippine National Artist for Music Andrea O. Veneracion, the Philippine Madrigal Singers was the first Filipino choir to perform at the Lincoln Center in the U.S. in 1969 and has won many major choral competitions around the world. From an initial membership of nine in 1963, the group has spawned at least 57 more choral groups founded and conducted by various alumni, forming an umbrella organization, Madz, Et. Al. Its current choirmaster is Mark Anthony Carpio, under whose leadership the Madz continue to grow by leaps and bounds.

THE PHILIPPINE MADRIGAL SINGERS

Choirmaster: Mark Anthony Carpio
Asst. Choirmaster/ Counter-tenor: Christopher G. Borela

Sopranos:
Olynne Q. Tabayoyong
Liaa Kathryna T. Ambrosio
Ma. Rhina Paula T. Palma
Mary Louise A. Macanaya
Marivic H. Llamas

Altos:
Perlita S. Reyes
June C. Gonzaga
Lina Liza A. Alcances
Gladys Rose R. Siducon

Tenors:
Sheen Leem J. Sanchez
Nilo B. Alcala II
Andrei D. Jose
Erwin M. Andaya
Bryan B. Eclavea

Bass:
Philip Vincent J. Mabunga
Leo Peter S. Gonzales
Melvir V. Ausente
Paolo Daniel C. Pardo
Rey Enrico Lee L. Lagasca

Guitarist: Warlito S. Yalung

ACCLAMATION (THE SONGS)

I Will Sing Forever
Let There Be Praise
You Raise Me Up
Anima Christi
Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad
Sa Iyo Lamang
Panunumpa
Awit ng Paghahangad
Sa Iyong Mga Yapak
Lupa
Hindi Kita Malilimutan
One More Gift
Light of A Million Mornings
The Lord Bless You and Keep You

(Content quoted from the Madz' Acclamation Album)