Written by Naoimee Ramos |
The University of Baguio’s Paskua’t Pino event successfully kicked off the annual Christmas celebration of UB, from decorating halls with bounds of holly to creating booths and parols to liven the school’s spirits. On the event’s second and closing day on November 14, 2025, the gymnasium was filled with the smell of gingerbread houses, a mini-fashion runway show, and the main highlight of the day: the interschool choral competition.
While the previous year had only 4 contestants, this year had a total of 8 schools vying for the title of choral champion. In the morning, they spent their time preparing with their costumes and possibly extra rehearsals for good measure. In the afternoon was when the event began. The gymnasium was filled with the sounds of joyous carols like Aurum Harmonia (SIHTM)’s “Noche Buena”, Seanergy (SEA)’s “Carol of the Bells”, Koro STELA (STELA)’s “Paskong Anong Saya”, and other pieces that included choreography. Then, the choirs performed the main piece, “Ding Dong Merrily on High”, where they would be judged for the championship.
When all was sung and done (and after an intermission by UB Voices), the results came in the form of 3 minor awards and the top 3 choirs. Healing Harmonies (SON) won “Best Costume” and “2nd Runner Up”, Aurum Harmonia (SIHTM) won “Best Choreography” and “1st Runner Up”, and Koro STELA won “Best Interpretation of Contest Piece” and the title of “Champion”, not only becoming a two-time winner since last year’s previously-named UB G.I.F.T.S, but becoming an extra performer in the official University of Baguio’s Christmas Concert and Lighting Ceremony, to sing both their warmup piece and their rendition of the competition piece.
Upon being interviewed, the winning choir’s president and conductor, Elizabeth Hermosa admitted to having pressure due to Koro STELA being the previous winners, but has since been relieved to keep the title for another year. Thanks to the efforts of the participating members, headed by Sir Emmanuel Aller, Koro STELA’s efforts paid off from winning the competition to joining UB’s Christmas Concert later that night. We wish them a Merry Christmas.
