REVERIE 2024: An Ode to the Music of Dreams
By: Reine Yongco
As the prelude began to resonate in the air, the symphony of Reverie 2024 officially commenced last October 27, 2024 at the Resurrection Chapel.
REVERIE: Into the Limelight is a fundraising concert for the Asia Chorale Grand Prix (ACGP) competition, which will be held on November 6 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The St. Paul College Pasig (SPCP) High School Chorale’s ACGP team is the only competing all-female Filipino choir.
“Whether it be on the national stage of the Philippines or the international stage of Malaysia, one thing remains certain — our dreams will always be the wings that carry us forward,” Mrs. Honey Ragas stated in her opening remarks, formally starting the event. Her speech highlighted the fiery passion of the team as they shined beneath the limelight.
The performances that closely followed Mrs. Ragas’ speech were divided into three sets.
The first consisted of the pieces “Lift Thine Eyes” sung by the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) 2024 Team, and “Aleluya” performed by the ACGP 2024 Team and Batch 2023–2024. These songs encompass God’s everlasting love and the presence of unwavering faith even in difficult times.
The second set included songs that tell the story of breaking free from fear and reaching new heights. They were about acceptance and hope in a world filled with judgment. The pieces were “True Colors” and “Better World” performed by Batch 2023–2024 and Batch 2024–2025, as well as “Lipad” sung by the NAMCYA 2024 Team and Batch 2023–2024.
Act 2 followed when the show recommenced after a short break. It was composed of four songs: “Canticorum Jubilo,” “El Grillo,” “Halika,” and “If You Believe,” all performed by the Jr. SPCP Chorale Varsity and conducted by Mr. Edgar Sampang.
The third and final set was performed by the ACGP team which was comprised of the competing team’s repertoire. As their last song left the audience wanting more, the Resurrection Chapel was filled with the crowd roaring, “More! More! Encore! Encore!” which led the team to perform “Il Est Bel Et Bon” as an encore.
Instead of the anticipated closing remarks following soon after, the HS Chorale prepared a heartwarming surprise for their conductress, Mrs. Sheila Fetalvero. The team performed “For Good” as a tribute piece and an expression of profound gratitude. “Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good,” as mentioned in the song, with their performance as their final serenade.
At last, Mrs. Fetalvero’s closing remarks closely followed. “In all our performances, our hearts often beat fast due to excitement, anticipation, and sometimes nervousness. But we found a way to manage it by reminding ourselves that the reason behind this is because we are so in love with music,” the conductress said in her heartfelt speech. She went on to recount the journey she and her team have embarked on thus far as well as their accomplishments — and their upcoming competition in Malaysia.
“We never thought that this would happen to us, and up to now we are still in a state of reverie.”
Soon after, the curtain call began as the performers were met by the audience’s applause. It began with the Jr. SPCP Chorale, Batch 2023–2024 and Batch 2024–2025, the NAMCYA 2024 Team, and the ACGP competing team. They were then followed by the production team’s entrance, as well as the conductor, Mr. Sampang, and conductress, Mrs. Fetalvero.
As they reached the final cadences of the concert, the hymns that once echoed through the chapel were superseded by the laughter and beams of those who took the stage with those who beheld it. At last, the symphony of REVERIE: Into the Limelight has come to a close, and will soon reach the Asia Chorale Grand Prix competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Together, the SPCP Chorale Teams have attested to the notion that music is a universal language. As they continue to live this out through their notes and pieces, we wish the team all the best in their upcoming competition. May their passion, talents, and hardwork captivate the international stage and fill the audience with reverie!
