DALLENG: Chorale Competition 2024 Showcases Ilocano Musical Heritage
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Mico Salamanca, LUPTO | Date: January 13, 2025
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), through the La Union Provincial Tourism Office (LUPTO) – Culture and Arts Unit, hosted the inaugural DALLENG: Chorale Competition 2024 at the La Union Provincial Capitol Grounds, City of San Fernando, La Union. The event, part of the Aldaw ti Ayat ken Rayray-aw celebration, highlighted the province’s rich cultural and musical heritage.
“Dalleng,” an Ilocano term meaning chant, song, or lullaby, reflects the competition’s focus on traditional Ilocano Christmas songs. The obligatory song for the high school category was “Ti Ayat Ti Maysa Nga Ubing,” while the college category featured “O Naraniag A Bulan.”
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, represented by LUPTO Officer-in-Charge Julius A. Manabat, commended the competition’s cultural impact, “Ito ay hindi lang patunay na ang mga taga La Union ay magagaling sa musika, mataas ang boses, at hindi padadaig sa kantahan… patunay po ito na tayo… ay maaaring mag La Union PROBINSYAnihan sa ngalan ng pagpapayabong sa yaman ng ating sining at tradisyon sa musika,” the governor said.
The panel of esteemed judges included notable figures from the country's choral music scene namely Mr. Joven A. Magbanua, Dr. Gilbert Allan Dispo, and Mr. Vince Louisse D. Salacup.
For the High School category, the Saint Louis College (SLC) Seraphim Choir, under the direction of Ms. Marinol Y. Padilla, emerged as the champion; followed by Coro Eulogiano, conducted by Mr. Jowell O. Oaña, as the second place; and Agoo Kiddie Special School Choir, led by Mr. Darius F. Barlaan, as the third place. On the other hand, the SLC Chorale also claimed the championship title in the College Category; Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Northern Chorus, conducted by Mr. Danreve Leo V. Gamboa, took the first runner-up spot; and Lorma Damlaya Chorale, under the direction of Mr. Conrad A. Apusen III, secured second runner-up.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Cynthia Angelica M. Bacurnay, Chairperson on Culture and Arts, was also in attendance to express her support for the arts and culture community in La Union.
With its successful launch, the DALLENG: Chorale Competition 2024 promises to become a cherished tradition, inspiring the next generation of musicians to uphold the province’s cultural legacy. The PGLU, headed by Gov. Rafy, enjoins all KaPROBINSYAnihan to be one with the call for La Union PROBINSYAnihan to ensure the competition’s continued success in the future.
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