Three in a Row: DLSZ Chorale Strikes Double Gold in Malaysia

Three in a Row: DLSZ Chorale Strikes Double Gold in Malaysia

Conductor: Mr. Michael Kenneth Fabian From left, 1st row: Sofia Sachiko Kato (DLSZ 2028), Gianne Bernice Gaba (DLSZ 2026), Ma. Johanne Kirsten Cahiles (DLSZ 2028), Ivanna-Moriah Mortel (DLSZ 2030), Kryster-Colinn Gugol (DLSZ 2031), Nathaniel Sy (DLSZ 2028), Francis Ven Samson (DLSZ 2027), Andres Soriano (DLSZ 2028), Stephanie Lauren Andrade (DLSZ 2032), Alex Fortunado (DLSZ 2033), Gabriel Uriel Esmundo (DLSZ 2031), Jeida Daniella Chy (DLSZ 2030) 2nd row: Xelestina Ysabelle Tapia (DLSZ 2029), Ana Isabela Suarez (DLSZ 2027), Luciana Elise Sarmiento (DLSZ 2031), Franchesca Liz Tenorio (DLSZ 2031), Mark Dennis Pantastico (DLSZ 2028), Alexandre Matthew Adrales (DLSZ 2030), Pablo Olivarez III (DLSZ 2028), Angelica Louise Romana (DLSZ 2028), Ged Ezekiel Cabardo (DLSZ 2031), Josefa Laurice Carreon (DLSZ 2027), Meiarrah Franchesca Constantino (DLSZ 2028) 3rd row: Ariza Bautista (DLSZ 2028), Ma. Reign Margaret Piamonte (DLSZ 2028), Mary Margaret Bernardo (DLSZ 2028), Lyma Libunao (DLSZ 2028), Kylee Reando (DLSZ 2030), Huey Gabriel Paz (DLSZ 2030), Craig Sebastian Sorrera (DLSZ 2028), Jose Alfredo Montemayor (DLSZ 2030), Nyla Mariton Sevilla (DLSZ 2029), Sofia Therese Maribojoc (DLSZ 2028), Thania Kristin Desabille (DLSZ 2030), Frances Flora Sarmiento (DLSZ 2028), Mirella Anissa Malli (DLSZ 2030)

De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) Chorale once again brought pride to the Philippines after earning two (2) Gold Awards at the prestigious 24th Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod International Choral Festival (MCE ICF), from August 19 to 23, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Composed of talented student singers from Grades 6 to 12, the DLSZ Chorale secured a Gold Award in the Children’s Choir category with its stirring performances of “Where Kites Cannot Fly,” composed and arranged by Michael Kenneth Fabian, and “Sanctus (from Missa Virtutum),” composed by Jude Roldan.

The ensemble followed this achievement with another Gold Award in the Folklore and Indigenous Music category, delivering compelling interpretations of “Ahibakle,” arranged by Bienvenido Constantino Jr., and “Bal -laygi,” arranged by Arwin Tan. Through these performances, the chorale showcased both musical excellence and a deep appreciation for Filipino cultural heritage.

Leading the award-winning ensemble is Mr. Michael Kenneth Fabian, whose artistic vision, dedication, and musical leadership have guided the DLSZ Chorale to continued success on the international stage.

Organized by the Young Choral Academy and supported by The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod International Choral Festival is recognized as one of Malaysia’s premier choral events. The annual gathering brings together choirs, conductors, singers, and music educators from around the world, fostering artistic growth, cultural exchange, and musical excellence through competitions, workshops, symposiums, and concert performances.

This latest triumph marks the third consecutive international gold-winning campaign for the DLSZ Chorale. The group first earned Gold Awards in Thailand in 2024 and successfully repeated the feat in Japan in 2025. With its double-gold victory in Malaysia this year, the chorale continues to elevate the name of DLSZ, the Filipino choral community, and the Philippines, exemplifying excellence, artistry, and dedication in choral music on the global stage.

Animo La Salle!

Newsletter