Samiweng singers launch new album

By Herdy La. Yumul

Staff writer

They sang to their young hearts’ content and the Sto. Niño smiled in approval.

The Samiweng singers, one of the country’s winningest youth choral groups, launched on July 7 at St. William Cathedral their second album through a mini-concert graced by key personalities in government, tourism and education sectors, and religious groups. The event was a highlight of the series of activities during the weeklong visit of Sto. Niño de Cebu to Ilocos Norte.

Titled “Nasam-it nga Aweng” (Sweet Echo), the album has 10 tracks of Ilocano classics “made brand new” through the arrangement by renowned Ilocano composer Joy Nilo.  These songs include: Pamulinawen, Duayya ni Ayat (Dungdungwen Kanto), Manang Biday, Naraniag a Bulan, Pongpong Ginapong, Ti Ayat ti Maysa nga Ubing, Katuday, Bannatiran, No Duaduaempay, and Maudi a Bilin.

Produced through the generous support of alumni and friends of the Ilocos Norte National High School where the choral group is based, “Nasam-it nga Aweng” is a most worthy sequel to the Samiweng Singers’ self-titled debut album released in 2004.

“Another dream come true,” says Sherberk Cabrales, the choir’s conductor, who expressed hopes that the album will further engrain choral music in the Ilocano consciousness. Mr. Cabrales—a protégé and successor of Samiweng Singers founding conductor Pompeyo Robert Caluya—is also happy that a growing number of the group’s alumni have pursued their musical aspirations by studying at the University of the Philippines College of Music. Some of these successful alumni also performed during the launch.

The Samiweng Singers etched history for the Philippines when they emerged champions in the 7^th World Choir Games held in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA in 2012. They were also over-all winner in various categories in the 1^st Vietnam International Choir Competition and Festival held in Hoi An, Vietnam in 2011.

Among many other awards and citations, the Samiweng Singers were recognized by The Ilocos Times as one of the Top 12 Ilocanos for 2012.