21 October 2012 – In celebration of the recent signing of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is bringing the world-renowned University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) to Malaysia for a series of performances in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching on October 23 to 25.

Upon the invitation of Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak went to Manila on an Official Visit on October 14 to 16 to witness the signing of the Framework Agreement as the special guest of the President.

Malaysia has served as facilitator of the peace negotiations between the GPH and the MILF since 2001.

"There have been celebrations in the Philippines, notably in Mindanao and Manila, ever since the successful conclusion of the negotiations was announced, culminating with the signing ceremonies in the Malacanang presidential compound. It is but proper to bring the joy to and have a celebration in Malaysia, which played a pivotal role in the peace process," Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya said.

The UPCC will perform at the Panggung Bandaraya (Kuala Lumpur Cultural Center) on the evening of October 23 (Tuesday). Expected to be present at the by-invitation event are members of the Malaysian Cabinet, the diplomatic corps, prominent Filipino and Malaysian businessmen, art and music enthusiasts, members of the media and members of the Filipino community. The performance is mounted by the Embassy, in cooperation the office of Kuala Lumpur City Mayor Hon. Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib.

Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of Prime Minister Najib, is expected to attend the event as its Guest of Honor. Datin Rosmah accompanied the Prime Minister in his visit to Manila.

"The Embassy takes pride in bringing to Malaysia one of the world's best in music—the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus, which also marks its 50th year exemplifying musical virtuosity and excellence, in a 'celebration of peace'. The gift of music heals divisions, promotes peace and unites peoples. Through this concert, we would like to express our gratitude and pay tribute to Malaysia and all others who have made possible a new dawn of peace in Mindanao," Ambassador Malaya added.

The members of the International Contact Group for the Mindanao peace process are the governments of the United Kingdom, Japan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and international nongovernmental organizations Conciliation Resources, the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, the Asia Foundation and Muhamadiyah. The International Monitoring Team is composed of the governments of Malaysia, Brunei, Libya, Norway, Indonesia, the European Union and Japan. The United States, Australia and the World Bank, among several other countries and institutions, have also provided invaluable support during the course of the peace process.

The UPCC will also perform at a by-invitation event before university students, faculty members and other guests at the Universiti Malaya's (UM) Experimental Theatre on the evening of October 24 (Wednesday). The event is expected to bring together music and performance teachers and students from around Kuala Lumpur, as well as students taking Philippine and Asian studies, among others.

The choir will then fly to Kuching for a performance on the evening of October 25 (Thursday) at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Kuching.

The UPCC's visit and performances in Malaysia is made possible with the generous support from AirAsia Philippines, PLDT Malaysia, MegaEvents and Borneo Tours.

Since its establishment in 1962, the UPCC has metamorphosed from being a university chorale into a musical force of national and world stature. Aside from its undeniable musical prowess and versatility in performing classical, Filipino folk, pop, and Broadway genres, the group is recognized in the music world as the pioneer of choreographed song for a choir.

It holds the distinction of having been chosen as "one of the world's best choirs" in 1974 and at the 4th Lincoln Center International Choral Festival in New York City in 2006, and holds the singular honor of having been requested four times to do command performances before Queen Elizabeth II. In July this year, the UPCC received the First Prize in the Folk Category and Second Prize in the Mixed Category at the Festival International de Musica de Cantonigros, held in Catalunya, Spain.

With 20 international tours and countless performances within the university and the country tucked under its belt, the UPCC blazes on in sharing its brand of outstanding and exceptional music and dance to other countries and peoples, including Malaysia.

Under the leadership of Conductor and Artistic Director Prof. Janet Sabas-Aracama, supported by UPCC President and Assistant Conductor Emmanuel P. de Leon, Jr., the Concert Chorus continues to foster friendship, goodwill and love for music across the globe.

For further information about the abovementioned events, interested parties may e-mail inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. END