Los Cantantes de Manila sing their way to top prizes at the 2025 Busan Choral Festival and Competition
By Poch Eulalia
Los Cantantes de Manila (LCDM) managed to win two first prizes, for the classical mixed category and the ethnic/traditional category, and the Conductor’s Prize for the group's conductor, Darwin Vargas. The competition took place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 in Busan, South Korea. LCDM went up against 12 other choirs from other countries. For the ethnic/traditional category, the Philippines managed to make a clean sweep as the Ligao National High School Voice Chorale from Albay took silver and the Cebu Normal University-Chorale nabbed bronze. For the classical mixed category, Voice of Satya Wacana Christian University from Indonesia placed second, while SizzlinMix from Japan placed third.
This isn't the first time LCDM has won first prize in a major competition. In 2024, LCDM nabbed the top awards at the Moscow Spring A Cappella Festival in Russia and the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition in Hungary. The group also won first prize in 2023 at the International Chamber Choir Competition in Germany and the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival in Manila. They also won first prize in Germany back in 2017. They have also received the Ani ng Dangal award four times from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for their international wins.
“We are deeply honored to represent the Philippines and to share our music with the world," shares Darwin. "Through this victory, we hope to continue bringing Philippine choral artistry and cultural heritage to the global stage." This recent accomplishment comes fresh off their stint as a finalist at the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing held last Oct. 26 in Tolosa, Spain. It is considered one of the most prestigious choral competitions worldwide.
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