Palawan International Choir Festival

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Festival and National Finals

The 2025 PALAWAN NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CHORAL COMPETITION & FESTIVAL is a three-part event that features the following components: a choral festival, a national competition, and the international competition. This four-day festivity will be held from 13-16 August, 2025 in the city of Puerto Princesa in the province of Palawan, Philippines.

The Festival, to be participated by non-competing choirs, whether local or international choirs, shall be held from 14 – 16 August, 2025. This will give participants the opportunity to perform and at the same time immerse themselves with the local culture of Palawan. Local participating choirs will be provided free accommodation during their stay.
The National Competitions to be participated by choirs coming from the different regions in the Philippines shall be held from 13 – 14 August, 2025. This is a chance for local choirs to bring in the culture of their respective regions and be able to gauge their knowledge and proficiency in choral singing on a national scale. The first 20 participants who have settled their registration fees are provided free accommodation; while,
The International Competitions will be held from 14-15 August, 2025. This will give chance for foreign choirs to experience the warm hospitality of the Palaweños and the tourist spots of Palawan. On the other hand, this will give local choirs the opportunity to learn from the international choirs and vice versa and be able to forge friendships among each other.

Philippine choirs can participate in the International level in two ways: Either (1) they register directly in the international competition. Just like the other international participating choirs, they will experience the best amenities that the festival organizers will provide; Or (2) they register for the national finals and obtain a grade of 85% or above in any given category. This automatically entitles them to participate in the international level without having to pay an additional registration and individual package fees prescribed to international participants.

FEATURED EVENTS

OPENING CEREMONY

The opening ceremony shall take place on Wednesday, 13 August 2025. All participating choirs shall be introduced and a special program featuring folkloric and traditional music and dances showing the culture of Palawan will be performed.

CHORAL FESTIVAL

Interested choirs who do not wish to join the competitions can register for the festival events. Choirs will be performing in several places in the city of Puerto Princesa or nearby municipalities. They will also join with other non-competing choirs to perform during the closing and awarding ceremonies of the event. A special jury shall assess the individual performances of the festival choirs and shall be given an evaluation. Apart from the performances, they will have the chance to participate in the workshops to be facilitated by the choral experts. Festival choirs shall receive a certification of participation along with their evaluation.

NATIONAL COMPETITION

Choirs coming from the different regions in the Philippines are invited to join the national finals of the competition to be held on 13-14 August, 2025. The categories shall be the same as the ones in the international level. Choirs that obtain a gold diploma in any category shall be allowed to participate in the same category during the international level and the chance to participate in the Grand Prize competition. Choirs competing for the national finals will be given special rates and the first 20 local choirs that settle their registration fees shall be provided free accommodation. However, the free accommodation will be provided by sponsoring schools. Choirs garnering the top three highest scores in Categories A – F (Categories A,B,C,D,E, and F) will be awarded cash prizes.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

The international competitions will be held from 14-15 August, 2025. Filipino choirs with the means to avail of the individual and registration packages provided by the International competition can direct their registration at the 2025 PICF website (www.ppicf.com). They need not compete in the final levels, instead they enjoy all the privileges and amenities that the international festival provides. Aside from the competition, participating choirs have the privilege to enrol in a masterclass with a jury member subject to availability. Choirs that register in the international competition are entitled to participate and win in certain special awards such as the best conductor and the audience prize awards.

GRAND PRIX COMPETITION

The Grand Prix Competition will be held on the morning of Saturday, 16 August, 2025. Category champions in the international round of competitions will advance to the Grand Prix Competition. Should there be no champion in a given category, the artistic committee reserves the right to nominate non winning choirs to advance to the grand prix round should they find the choirs deserving based on the merits of their performance. Choirs that qualify into this round shall be informed on the evening of Friday, 15 August after all category competitions had taken place and after the deliberation of the jury.

WHOLE DAY CHORAL WORKSHOP

This activity is open to individual singers, conductors, and all participating choirs particularly the non-competing ones. This will be held on August 15. Each participant will gain enrichment in choral technical knowledge and skills, as well as be actively involved in atelier practice, workshops, collaborations and hands-on training with the choral experts

ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHAMPIONS, AWARDING & CLOSING CEREMONIES

The announcement of winners, awarding and closing ceremonies will occur on the evening of Saturday, 16 August, 2025. Certificates, diplomas, trophies, and other awards will be given during this time. Choirs that are not present during this time will forfeit their awards. The closing ceremony will be a night to remember for the participating choirs and will be emotional as the organizers and choirs bid farewell to each other.

FIESTA BOOTHS

Fiesta booths selling souvenir items and culinary delicacies will be installed and set up in performance venues of the competition for the participants, both local and international choirs, to experience the Palawan culture.

FESTIVAL KITS AND SOUVENIR PROGRAM

All participating choirs will be given a Festival kit and one souvenir program. Those who avail of the Individual Packages (A-C) shall have the kits and souvenir program.

SPECIAL TOURS OF THE ISLANDS AFTER THE EVENT

International and local hoirs can have the option to extend their stay and avail of the day tour packages in the different islands neighboring Palawan.

AWARDS AND PRIZES

CATEGORY CHAMPIONS

The choir that obtains a Gold Diploma and receives the highest score in a category shall be declared the “Category Champion”. There is a possibility that the category champion in the national level can also be awarded the category champion in the international round of competition should the choir obtain the highest score from both levels of the competition. However, category champion will not be awarded if no choir reaches a score of 85%.

BEST CONDUCTOR & AUDIENCE’s CHOICE AWARD

The choirs that registers in the festival website (www.ppicf.com) shall automatically be nominated best conductor and audience’s choice award

OTHER AWARDS

Special awards can be given to choirs that elicit special merits during the competition. These are subject to the availability of sponsors willing to donate the awards.

CASH PRIZES

Cash prizes await the top three winners of categories A,B,C,D,E, and F1 in the national level of the competition, the details of which will be announced soon.

COMPETITION PROPER

The organizing and artistic committees of the 2025 Palawan International Festival accept all interested choral groups registering in the categories of choice and will be subject to compliance with the following conditions:

COMPETITION PERFORMANCE

1. There is an age limit tolerance of 10% of the total singers who are 1-2 years old more/less in accordance to the provision.
2. Participants must be at the competition venue according to the time scheduled by the committee.
3. Once final, the schedule of the competitions cannot be changed.
4. There is no tolerance of schedule changes for participants who are late.
5. Choreography, unless specified, are allowed but not mandatory.

REPERTOIRE

1. The repertoire must be included and listed the online registration. Repertoire can be changed anytime but not later than June 1, 2025.
2. All repertoire to be performed MUST be approved by the artistic committee. Unapproved song programs MUST be replaced immediately.
3. Repertoire that has been approved by the artistic committee cannot be changed as well as the order of performances after June 1, 2025.
4. Participants who register for more than one category must perform a different set of repertoire based on the category chosen.
5. Participants who present a repertoire in the F2 category (indigenous folklore) must submit a maximum of 50 word-description of the performance in English.
6. It the given repertoire fits in another category, the artistic committee reserves the right to change the selected category to a more suitable one.
7. Participants who make it through the Grand Prix round shall perform three (3) songs. The first two (2) songs can be previously performed in the category where the choir qualified while the third song, which a piece never peformed previously, shall be based on the category where the choir got qualified. For example: a choir coming from the pop category qualifies in the grand prix can perform any two songs from the pop category and the third song should be from the pop category as well. A choir that performs a song other than the category where they qualified may get a lower score in the grand prix round for non compliance.

MUSIC SCORES

1. All music scores must be received by the committee no later than June 1, 2025.
2. Scores should include a notification from the publisher of its legal acquisition. Meaning, the choir should pay the publisher according to the number of users during the competition. Likewise, scores acquired from arrangers or composers should bear the notification of its permission to use during the competition.
3. Accompaniment, if any, MUST be notated and included in the sheet music.
4. Each participant is responsible for the COPYRIGHT of the song being performed in Festival; the committee is not responsible for acquiring the copyright of any song being performed in the competition.
5. Except from the songs of the medieval or Renaissance period, the choir should retain the key of the composed/arranged music. The key of the score submitted should be the same as in the performance.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE & SOUND CHECK

1. Sound checks are intended to all participants for them to be able to know the acoustics of the room and to find the right standing position for sound and visual quality during performances.
2. It is not recommended for choirs to sing the entire program song during sound check.
3. Schedule of the sound check will be prioritized to participants who send their arrival schedule ahead of time.
4. Sound check is limited to 5 minutes for each category and round.
5. Participants should follow the sound check schedule assigned to them by the organizing committee. Those who fail to be present during their respective sound check schedule will not be given another schedule.

ACCOMPANMENT / INSTRUMENTS

1. The organizing committee only provides an acoustic piano and/or an electronic piano (the volume of which is set by the committee) to be used during the competition proper.
2. The use of additional accompaniment instruments must be notified in writing via the online registration.
3. A maximum of 3 instruments without ‘definite pitch’ can be used in all categories, except in F2.
4. The use of playback and minus one is not allowed in all competition performances.
5. If needed, a set of microphones shall be provided; however, the positions of the microphones are set for all the performances and no choir shall move the positions to their preference.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

I. VOICE-FORMAT CATEGORIES

A. Mixed Choir

CATEGORY	NO. OF SINGERS	VOICE	AGE	A Capella
A1 vocal ensemble	up to 16 singers	SATB	no age requirement	any 1 or 2
A2 chamber choir	17-32 singers	SATB	no age requirement	any 1 or 2
A3 full chorus	33-60 singers	SATB	no age requirement	any 1 or 2

B. Equal Voices

CATEGORY	NO. OF SINGERS	VOICE	AGE	A Capella
B1 Male Choir	no number restriction	TT(B)B	no age requirement	any 1 or 2
B2 Female Choir	no number restriction	SS(A)A	no age requirement	any 1 or 2

C. Open Age-Group

CATEGORY	NO. OF SINGERS	VOICE	AGE	A Capella
C1 Children's Choir	no number restriction	any voice format	10% should fall under the required age up to 13 years old	any 1 or 2
C2 Youth Choir	no number restriction	any voice format	10% should fall under the required age 12-18 years old	any 1 or 2
C3 Senior Choir	no number restriction	any voice format	10% should fall under the required age 50 years old & above	any 1 or 2

II. GENRE CATEGORIES

CATEGORY	Required Piece	Remarks
D. Sacred	1 piece written before 1650 1 Sared song of choice	any one can join without age or number restrictions. Both pieces should be sung acapella.
E. Pop / Show Choir	2 songs of choice based on the genre	can be accompanied with live instrument, choreography is mandatory. No recorded music backing
F1 Traditional Folklore	3 folksongs arranged for choral idiom; one from the choir's region of origin, one is the contest piece, and the other is a free choice	can be acapella or accompanied with either tuned or untuned instrument; choreography is not encouraged but allowed
F2 Indigenous Music	a total performance of 10 minutes. Should be scenic, authentic, based on traditional chants or rituals and not arranged for the choral idiom	no restriction on accompanied instruments as long as authentic

DESCRIPTION OF THE CATEGORIES

Categories A, B, and C, along with their sub categories

1. Any two (2) songs of choice with contrasting styles are to be performed.
2. Any one (1) or two (2) songs accompanied by pitched or untuned instruments are allowed. However, accompaniment is limited to one (1) instrument.
3. The total time duration of both songs (from the first chord/note of the first song to the last chord of the second song including the gap between songs) is 10 minutes.
4. choreography / choralography is allowed but is not part of the criteria
5. for additional requirements, kindly check on the table above

Categories D: Sacred Music

1. any two (2) sacred songs should be performed, one of which should be either a medieval or Renaissance sacred music. This kind of music should be composed before 1650. The other piece shall be the preference of the choir.
2. both pieces are to be performed acappella
3. total time duration of both songs (from the first chord/note of the first song to the last chord of the second song) is 10 minutes.

Categories E: Pop / Show Choir

1. any two (2) popular songs either part of a musical or songs played over the airwaves regardless of time
2. choreography is mandatory and is part of the criteria
3. medley and/or solo that comprises more than 50% or the song are not allowed
4. total time duration of both songs (from the first chord/note of the first song to the last chord of the second song) is 10 minutes.
5. accompaniment should be live and is limited to one instrument.

Categories F1: Traditional Folkore

1. Three (3) traditional or folksongs arranged in the choral idiom; one from the choir’s region, a contest piece, and one preferred piece.
2. any one (1) or two (2) songs accompanied by pitched or untuned instruments are allowed. However, accompaniment is limited to one (1) instrument.
3. choreography / choralography is allowed but is not part of the criteria
4. medley and/or solo that comprises more than 50% of the song are not allowed
5. total time duration of both songs (from the first chord/note of the first song to the last chord of the second song) is 10 minutes.

Categories F2: Indigenous Music Category

To promote regional culture and traditions, this category specializes on the authenticity of the music performed. Meaning, the performance should be based on a ritual or tradition. Musical performances should portray a sense of community singing and should be vocalized either by chants, intoned, or narrations and should not be arranged for the choral idiom. Instruments used should be authentic (although reproductions are acceptable). A different evaluation system and a different set of jury will evaluate the performances of the participants. A special organizer’s cash prize awaits the category champion. Lastly, those who participate in this category are not charged extra.

1. performance of up to 10 minutes will be given. Participants can choose to perform one (1) or two (2) numbers as long as the performance will not exceed the time limit
2. a narrative describing the performance written on a sheet of paper should be given instead of a musical score
3. no restrictions in the number of instruments used; however, instruments should be authentic (reproductions are acceptable)
4. performance should portray a sense of community music making, either by singing chants, intoned, and or musical narrations.
5. stage props are limited to hand-held only. Participants are responsible for their props. Other stage props are allowed as long as the performers remove the props themselves after the performance.
6. Performance time of 10 minutes starts as soon as the first person enters and the last person exits the stage and/or the first and last sounds are heard.

EVALUATION & SCORING SYSTEM

For the national and international levels of competition, the set of criteria will use a scoring system on all categories and rounds, except for the category F2:
1. 1. INTONATION 25%
  2. SOUND QUALITY 25%
  3. FIDELITY TO THE SCORE 25%
  4. OVERALL ARTISTIC PERFOMANCE 25%
    Total 100%
The total averaged score received will determine the appropriate DIPLOMA awarded to the choirs based on the merits of their performance
1. 1. Scores 85 and above GOLD DIPLOMA
  2. Scores 70 – 84,99 SILVER DIPLOMA
  3. Scores 50 – 69,99 BRONZE DIPLOMA
To determine the category champions for both national and international levels, the scores of the choirs that obtained the Gold Diploma shall be ranked accordingly. The rankings will be added and the choir that gets the lowest added ranked score shall be proclaimed CATEGORY CHAMPIONS.
For the F2 (indigenous music) category, a special set of jury will be invited to evaluate the performance. The criteria for this category will be based on the originality and authenticity of the performance. Moreover, the jury will also look into the affectual aspect of the performance. Meaning, the emotions, mood, and overall impact. Thus, the special jury will be given the narratives description of the performance way ahead of the competition and they will research the authenticity of the music performed. A special cash prize awaits the champion of cztegory.
The decision of jury is final and cannot be contested.

PERFORMANCE TIME

Performance Time is the duration from the sound of the first note/chord of the first song until the last note/chord of the second song is sounded, including pauses between songs.
For the category competitions, a choir is given 10 minutes to perform the songs.
If the total duration exceeds the specified time, the total score will be reduced by a penalty of one point per 30 seconds.

REGISTRATION

The registration for the festival and national competitions shall be available on this website by January 2025. Those who wish to directly join the international levels without going through the national finals should register at the International Festival website (www.ppicf.com).
Only the first twenty (20) choirs that register online and pay the registration fee are provided free accommodation during the entire competition event. The organizers shall do its best in providing free accommodation to the 21st choir and beyond. If no available free accommodation is available for the 21st choir and beyond, then the choir has to find its own accommodation or avail of the Individual Package C listed below.

FEES

Choirs registering for the Festival only do not have to pay the general registration fee. However, they may avail of the individual package as listed below.
For choirs registering in the National Finals, a general registration fee of P20,000 should be paid to the organizer’s official bank account. Only online bank transfer are allowed form of payment. The registration and payment details will be available by January 2025. Choirs may visit the website for updates. Note that only upon settlement of the general registration fee will make the participation of the choir official.
The general registration fee shall comprise the choir’s official participation in the festival, the chance to be given assessment by the jury of the competition, a certification of participation given to the choir in the categories joined, a festival kit to the conductor, and the choir’s entry to the whole-day workshop, opening, and closing ceremonies of the festival.
An additional P10,000 shall be paid for those participating in two (2) or more categories.
An incentive will be given to all those participating in the F2 category (Folklore Indigenous Music). Details of which will be announced.
Registered choirs have the option to avail of the Individual packages offered during the event. The amount and details of which will be given upon payment of registration. These will include the following:
- Individual Package A: this includes the festival kit, entrances to the different categories of competitions
- Individual Package B: everything included in the Package A plus inland transportation during the festival
- Individual Package C: everything included in the Package B plus hotel accommodation of choice during the festival.

Register and Join