INCHEON, South Korea — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chorale was named Grand Prix Champion at the Korea International Choir Competition on Sunday (March 1), besting 47 other choirs in the prestigious event held at Incheon National University.
Competing against chorales from Indonesia, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Malaysia, the United States, Poland and the Philippines, the PCSO Chorale secured the overall championship with its renditions of “Puer Natus in Bethlehem” and “Te Lucis Ante Terminum” during the finals. The performances were evaluated by a 14-member international jury composed of choral experts and music professionals.
In addition to the Grand Prix title, the group earned gold medals in both categories it entered: the Sacred Music Category and the Mixed Category.
As Grand Prix winner, the PCSO Chorale also qualified for the prestigious Asia Choral Grand Prix, which gathers top-winning choirs from major international choral competitions across Asia.
In other results, Central Bicol State University bagged a gold medal in the Pop and Jazz Category and a silver medal in the Mixed Category.
Special citations were likewise awarded. Eunmi Yu of the Gyeyang District Boys and Girls Choir (South Korea) received the Best Conductor Award, while The Children’s Choir of the Ekaterinburg State Opera and Ballet Theater (Russia) won Best Choreography.
Conductor Robert Delgado and choirmaster Tristan Ignacio led the PCSO Chorale.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles noted that the 2026 competition marked the group’s first participation in an international contest.
“This remarkable achievement reflects the extraordinary talent and dedication of the PCSO Chorale. Their victory brings pride not only to our institution but to the entire Filipino nation,” Robles said.
Established in 1998, the PCSO Chorale is composed of PCSO employees. The group was revitalized in September 2023 under Robles’ leadership alongside Delgado.
The Korea International Choir Competition, which debuted in Songdo, South Korea, is considered a premier global choral event featuring competitions, guest performances, workshops, masterclasses and a K-pop concert.
The chorale is set to compete in the 7th Asia Choral Grand Prix in Manila in August 2027, marking another milestone following its international debut.
The PCSO Chorale is scheduled to compete in the 7th Asia Choral Grand Prix in Manila in August 2027, further solidifying its growing presence on the global choral stage. – el Amigo
