FRENCH child-caring institution Virlanie Foundation Inc. Masaya Choir is traveling to Europe for a series of concerts.
Composed of 23 rescued street children from Metro Manila ages 10 to 21 years old, the choir will be performing 16 concerts in France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.
Virlanie Founder and President Dominique Lemay said the concert series is all about educating people in Europe that those who have less have the chance to succeed in life if given the proper support.
“We will go there to entertain people and learn other people’s culture. But we will also show to Europeans that street children can do something with their lives,” Lemay said, while citing that some of those they have cared for are now successful professionals in the country.
According to Lemay, they love taking care of street children because they believe they all can be productive citizens of the country.
“They were telling us that today they exist because we believed in them,” Lemay said in describing the reaction of those they have taken under their wings.
Lemay said the choir would be performing at least 16 songs in each of their concert stops.
“The songs will take the audience by the hands. It will be sentimental. It will touch their hearts,” he said.
During their farewell concert at the Asia Pacific College in Makati City, the choir performed 19 songs spread over two acts.
Lemay said, among the songs they performed included three beloved French songs, including “Cerf-volant, “Vois sur ton chemin” and “Prendre un enfant par la main.”
They also performed traditional Filipino songs, including “Manang Biday,” “Tilibum,” “Chichiritchit,” “Pen pen di sarapen,” “Kalesa,” “Rosas Pandan,” “Ili-ili tulog anay,” “Waray-waray,” “Pong-pong piyangaw” and “Ilay gandangan.”
Members of the choir, which was formed 10 years ago, came from different Virlanie Homes who have shown exceptional inclination and passion for music.
Choirmaster and musical director for the choir is Maria Lourdes Hermo. They are also accompanied by pianist Margarette Kean Villarin.
Virlanie Foundation, established in 1992, aims to protect and empower children for them to have a brighter future.
Image credits: Alysa Salen, Courtesy of Virlanie
1 comment
Thank you for this Sir Rodel. 🙂
It was great meeting you.
You could follow the Masaya Choir’s adventures in France HERE: https://www.virlanie.org/news/article/2016ChoirTour/
Hope to see you around! 😀