MANILA, PHILIPPINES–This 22 December 2023, the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), in partnership with the Department of Tourism, will be hosting a festive night of music, dubbed as “Joyful and Triumphant: A Pre-Christmas Choral Concert.” The event is open to everyone and is set to start at 6:00 PM, featuring the cherished voices and harmonies of the International Baptist Church of Manila (IBCM) Chorale group, along with an opening unplugged acoustic performance from members of the band GRT.

The IBCM Choir was originally established back in 1980 by Dr. Eli Sarmiento, and joined by a number of distinguished musicians throughout the decades. The choir itself has 24 to 26 dedicated members and has been historically led by accomplished trainers such as the late Mr. Nolyn Cabahug and Ms. Rosalia Dim. Experienced and purposeful, the group has previously performed for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Grounds and during Christmas Cantatas and Easter Sunday celebrations.

The concert’s program is created to capture the colorful festive spirit of the season. From classic Christmas carols like “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manger” to instrumental pieces like “Claire de Lune” and “Sugar Plum Fairy,” to acoustic performances of “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas” and “Pasko Na Sinta Ko,” among others, the audience is in for a musical treat that spans various genres, generations, and emotions. 

“Joyful and Triumphant: A Pre-Christmas Choral Concert” at Paco Park promises to be an unforgettable experience, to be hosted by Ms. Hany Cariño.  Let’s celebrate the joys and cheer of the Christmas season together. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this musical celebration on 22 December 2023, at 6 PM!

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Paco Park Presents is one of the longest running programs of the agency and a recipient of the Catholic Mass Media Hall of Fame Award for Best Cultural Program in 1988, along with Concert at the Park. The musical soiree was born on February 29, 1980, from the suggestion of Cristoph Jessen – the then press and cultural attaché of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. His vision is to have an exchange program of artists and ideas that would promote the bonds between the Filipino and German people.