Press Release

THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO HOSTS YEAR-END THANKSGIVING RECEPTION AND PREVIEW PERFORMANCE OF THE LOBOC CHILDREN’S CHOIR

The officials and staff of the Philippine Consulate, headed by Consul General J. Susana V. Paez (center, seated, front row) together with the Loboc Children’s Choir and their team, headed by founder Madame Alma Taldo (4th from left, seated, front row), tour director Mr. Lutgardo Labad (3rd from right, seated, front row), and principal conductor Ms. Leah Cal (4th from right, seated, front row), and the members of the Lobocanons of Illinois. (Photo credit: Francis Galang)

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago hosted a Year-End Thanksgiving Reception and Preview Performance of the Loboc Children’s Choir (LCC) on 06 December 2024 at the Gleacher Center in Chicago.

The event brought together various stakeholders, including members of the Consular Corps, representatives from the local government, business sector, and other stakeholders, as well as selected members of the different Filipino community organizations in IL, for an evening of thanksgiving and music.

In her remarks, Consul General J. Susana V. Paez conveyed gratitude to the invited guests for being the partners of the Consulate in fulfilling its mandate in Chicago and in the greater US Midwest. “As a way of thanks, we have prepared a special performance by the world-famous Loboc’ Children’s choir,” she said.

The Consul General also introduced the Loboc Children’s Choir, touting the group as “one of the cultural treasures of the Philippines,” and thanked the team behind the group, headed by Madame Alma F. Taldo, founder, and Mr. Lutgardo Labad, tour director, for the privilege to showcase the talent and artistry of the Choir and for giving the audience the opportunity to share in the experience of their music.

After the welcome remarks of the Consul General, Mr. Labad introduced the Loboc Children’s Choir, and explained the purpose of their North American tour which is to raise funds for the restoration of the historic Pipe Organ of Loboc Church, a significant cultural artifact of the Philippines, and for the scholarships and programs of the Choir.

The world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir, known for their resplendent voices, performed a 40-minute repertoire featuring classical music, traditional folk songs, contemporary and popular music, and Christmas songs.

The attendees, totalling to around 60, expressed their admiration for the choir’s musical excellence, their professionalism, and their dedication to their craft. The cherubic voices of the children captivated their hearts and stirred their souls.

Aside from the Preview Performance organized by the Consulate, the Loboc Children’s Choir also performed at the 2nd Annual Paskuhan at the Rizal Center on 07 December 2024 and at a Sunday mass at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Naperville, IL on 08 December 2024.

The main fundraising concert of Loboc Children’s Choir was held on 08 December 2024 at the Romeoville Athletic and Event Center in Romeoville, IL. Consul Ella Karina Mitra represented the Consul General at the said event.END

Consul General Paez (left) thanks the guests for their partnership, dedication and unwavering support to the Philippine Consulate. Tour Manager Lutgardo Labad introduced the LCC and its mission. (Photo credit: Che Navarro)

The 40-minute performance of the Loboc Children’s Choir featured classical music, traditional folk songs, contemporary and popular music, and Christmas songs.
(Photo credit: Che Navarro)

Consul Mitra poses with the Loboc Children’s Choir at the main concert in Romeoville Athletic and Event Center in Romeoville, IL (Photo credit: Mr. Ruben Salazar)

Main performance of Loboc Children’s Choir at the Romeoville Athletic and Event Center in Romeoville, IL.(Photo credit: Consul Ella Mitra)