Known for their celebrated stature as world class performers, the UNEP Chorale together with the equally renowned UNEP Performing Arts group, were invited by no less than Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo to grace the opening night of the two-day Filipino Heritage Festival 2009 held from April 29-30 at the Plaza Quezon in Naga City .
Dubbed as "Awit at Sayaw sa Maogmang Lugar", the event served as a fitting tribute to Bikol's rich cultural heritage, as well as to distinguished Bikol artists. Mayor Robredo who is on top of the activity has sent a letter to UNEP President Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda, bearing his intention to have the master chorale and UNEP's Performing Arts Group perform during the said event.
As expected, UNEP's singers and dancers have once again enticed their audience with their outstanding repertoire and impressive execution of dances.
A few months back, the UNEP Chorale was cited by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as "Ani ng Sining Awardee" during the recently concluded Philippine International Arts Festival 2009 held at the Manila Hotel. The award was in cognizance of the master chorale's exemplary feats during international competitions, proving to the world that Bikolanos can be globally competitive as international artists.
The UNEP Chorale's name is indeed a byword during international cultural competitions. It runs synonymous with excellence and became an embodiment of Bikolano's greatness. It bought international honor not just to its immediate family at the University of Northeastern Philippines but also to our country when it won the much coveted gold win during the 2008 Hongkong International Youth and Children's Choir Festival held at the former British Crown Colony's Cultural Center in July 2008.
Not only do they impress the international panel of adjudicators, but also our local pool of judges. During the 2009 Tinagba Festival in Iriga City , the UNEP Performing Arts Group grabbed the grand Prize in the Mardigras / Street Dance Contest, through a Brazilian-inspired execution of moves of its performers.
A day after gracing Naga's event, the UNEP Chorale was again invited to sing during the blessing and inauguration of SM City Naga on April 30. SM City Naga formally opened its door to the public on May 1, 2009.
The "Awit at Sayaw sa Maogmang Lugar" was also graced by NCCA Executive Director Bambi Harper, Armita Rufino and by the much-loved balladeer , Jose Mari Chan. Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Ambeth Ocampo of the National Historical Institute and other government and private dignitaries were also invited during the event.