Ex-deals, church aid pour in for Mandaue kids choir

From ex-deals to solicitations, the supporters of the Mandaue Children and Youth Chorus are maximizing every plan to raise funds in time for their European trip to sing for the canonization of the Blessed Pedro Calungsod on Oct. 21.

Mrs. Virginia Cortes-Villanueva, secretary of the Board of Trustees for the Center for Cebu Choral Artists Inc. and the coordinator of the choir’s European trip said they’ve done everything to raise P500,000 of the P3.7 million budget for the trip.

“Some government officials responded immediately, some have so many requirements, some replied after a long time, some said it is not their priority, some did not reply at all,” Villanueva told Cebu Daily News.

She said they asked assistance from churches in Mandaue City which held a second collection in Masses in the past month to support the group.

Ex-deals consisting of future performance in events for companies raised P30,000.

The multi-awarded group will also be singing for the Thanksgiving celebration of the Cebuano saint in Europe where they will be clad in their red poncho with black pants.

Villanueva said some of the choir members are also being supported by their parents who will also join the delegation composed of 30 choir members and 18 adults.

She said they were grateful because they have people in Europe who will provide them assistance upon their arrival.

Their board and lodging from Oct. 21 to 26 and a guided tour from Oct. 23 to 25 will be shouldered by priests from the Frati Francescani dell’ Immacolata.

The convent also organized a concert for the choir at the Piaza di Sant’Egidio on October 26.

While the Order of Discalced Agustinians (OAD) organized a separate concert for the group at their Gesu e Maria parish church on Oct. 22.

After singing for the canonization of Calungsod, the choir will travel to Austria for a series of performances.

“Some Filipinos and their friends from Austria invited the Mandaue Children and Youth Chorus for a concert tour in Vienna, Linz and Salzburg from Oct. 27 to Nov.  1,” she said.

Those interested to provide financial support to the choir may visit the Center for Cebu Choral Artists, Inc. c/o Dennis Muzikhaus Studio 2 nd Floor CTK Commercial Building, Northroad, Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City.

One can also contact Villanueva at 09351730243 or the musical director and conductor, Maestro Dennis Gregory Sugarol at 09202053194. Correspondent Sean Timothy Salvador