Weddings: Finding a Choir

December and January are the wedding-est months in the Philippines. If you are about to get married in a few months or so, you may be on a look-out already for a choir to sing during the mass or at the reception.

My officemate, Jermi Vargas, is part of a choir called: CYO 26 or Catholic Youth Organization Unit 26. They sing during wedding masses and receptions and have also appeared on the Sunday mass at ABS-CBN 2, on programs like Unang Hirit on GMA 7, etc.

The Chorale has been around for about 25 years, and is composed of new and old members. The complete group numbers about 30 people, with the members' ages ranging from 14 to 25 years old. You can specify the number of singers which you would like to have for your function.

CYO 26 is based in Pasay City. The group usually sings a capella but a soloist can also sing with an organist or a minus one. They have a suggested list of English and Tagalog songs for the wedding mass.

To contact them to inquire about their rates and services, you may e-mail rosezapanta@yahoo.com or jermi0430@yahoo.com.ph If ever you will inquire, please let them know that you were referred by this site (just so we know how effective the web is in generating leads or inquiries). As to payment terms, you may pay during the affair.

Here's a testimonial from their happy customer/client, B. Piccio:

"Hello CYO, Grabe ang galing ninyo! Sobrang impressed kami, our priest, and our guests sa inyo. Di lang magagaling ang boses, ang ganda pa ng uniform ninyo. Ang swerte naman namin at timing nakuha ninyo yung uniforms before our wedding. Ang galing ng song of ruth, yung love songs, lahat! Highly recommended namin kayo pag may ikakasal...pati ate ko naimpress kasi di niya inexpect na ang ganda ng uniforms ninyo. Please extend our appreciation kay francis and the rest of the group. Let's keep in touch ha..." (Translation: Hello CYO. You performed so well. We were all very impressed, including our priest and our guests. Not only were your voices beautiful, your uniforms looked very nice. We were so lucky that you were able to get your uniforms before our wedding. We liked the song of ruth, the love songs, everything. We shall highly recommend you to those who will get married. Even my older sister was impressed with your beautiful outfits...)

So what are you waiting for? Get married and hire them to sing for you now! =)