Saleng choir tilt prizes upped

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- The first prize for the Saleng/Pine Tree choir contest on May 26 was increased to P50,000 from P20,000 announced earlier.
    City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Rhenan Diwas bared this urging Baguio-Benguet Public and Private Secondary Schools to showcase their musical talents in the choral competition.  
    The second prize is now P30,000 while third prize is P20,000 with consolation prizes for ten participating choral groups.  
    The competing choral groups sing an original environment-themed composition which may be in English, Filipino, or any Cordillera language, or a combination of all; and Chaz Katalbas “Kalikasan” song. The winning original composition could be designated as the official musical theme for the succeeding Saleng festivals, Diwas said.   
    To date, Baguio City National High School (BCNHS), Pines City National High School (PCNHS), Philippine Science High School - Cordillera Campus, Rizal National High School (RNHS) and Berkeley School have signified intention to join the contest.
    The competition is on May 26, 1 p.m. at Rose Garden, Burnham Park for the third Saleng/Pine Tree festival entitled “Rhythm and harmony of nature.”
    Live accompaniment is allowed for the contest, which may be an indigenous instrument of choice, Diwas added.
    The deadline for submission of entries is on April 28 through online registration at https://forms.gle/byVqJaa4BiS7i1qeA, though contest forms may be submitted at CEPMO, City hall.
    All requirements including the musical scoring of Katalbas’ song shall be emailed to the participants for preparation and practice, once the school choir’s application form is received and approved.
    The original composition should be submitted by the composer not later than May 15 at e-mail addresses cepmobaguio@gmail.com or pcocepmobaguio@gmail.com.
    Interested entities may course their inquiries through cp # 0939-2849-571.
    The Saleng (Pine tree) festival was institutionalized with Mayor Benjamin Magalong formally signing the ordinance in Jan. 2022; for public and private partnership for environmental preservation and protection.     Celebratory activities include regreening, tree cart parade, recognition and exhibits, international day for diversity, world environment day, green thumb award day, fun run and cycling.