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The 2025 Palawan International Conference on Choral Music Hotel Citystate Asturias, Puerto Princesa City August 13 - 16, 2025
CALL FOR PAPERS
"VOICES BEYOND BORDERS: CELEBRATING THE INTERDISCIPLINARY ART OF CHORAL SINGING"
Towards the end of the 20th century and into the 21st, the standard of choral singing in the Philippines has risen to international prominence. Numerous choral ensembles have achieved remarkable success in global competitions, earning prestigious accolades and establishing the country’s presence in the international choral scene. The Philippines has also been actively represented in international councils and networks of choral conductors and ensembles. Moreover, various institutions—including local government units—have formed their own choral groups, recognizing the value of choral music in cultural and community development. Notably, the implementation of a special law providing financial support for the National Choral Group underscores the growing institutional recognition of choral excellence.
Despite these advancements, the historical trajectory and underlying factors that contributed to this flourishing choral movement remain largely unexplored. The absence of a dedicated academic discipline encompassing the study of choral praxis has resulted in a lack of comprehensive research in this area. While interdisciplinary perspectives—such as historical, philosophical, psychological, and sociological approaches—could provide valuable insights into the phenomenon of choral singing, they have yet to be fully acknowledged or systematically studied in this context.
The National Association of Filipino Choirs, Inc. is pleased to invite scholarly papers and written essays for presentation at the 2025 Palawan International Conference on Choral Music. This call is open to undergraduate and graduate students in music and related disciplines who seek to contribute to the academic discourse on choral music. Foreign participants are also invited to participate.
The conference will feature a diverse array of activities, including paper and essay presentations, plenary sessions, panel discussions, and choral workshops led by esteemed scholars and experts in the field. Participants will also have the rare opportunity to witness the 2nd Boronyugan Choral Festival and the prestigious International Competitions, both of which will take place concurrently with the conference.
As an evolving interdisciplinary field extending beyond the boundaries of musicology, choral music is increasingly recognized as a distinct discipline within the broader landscape of music, science, and research. However, the 2025 conference will specifically focus on the socio-musical aspects of choral singing, exploring its role within three key institutional frameworks: education, religion, and government.
SUB-THEMES
I. Choral Singing’s Role in Music Education
This sub-topic explores the significance of choral singing as a fundamental component of music education. It examines how choral participation enhances musical skills, vocal technique, and ensemble performance while also fostering cognitive, social, and emotional development. Discussions may include best practices in choral pedagogy, the integration of choral programs in school curricula, and the role of community and youth choirs in lifelong learning. Additionally, it addresses challenges in choral instruction, such as accessibility, funding, and teacher training, and highlights innovative approaches, including technology-assisted learning and interdisciplinary collaborations. The session aims to underscore the impact of choral singing not only as an artistic endeavor but also as an essential educational tool for holistic musical and personal growth.
II. Choral Music and Local Governance
Choral music plays a vital role in local governance by contributing to cultural development, community engagement, and socio-economic growth. Many local government units (LGUs) recognize the value of choral programs in fostering civic pride, promoting social cohesion, and preserving cultural heritage. Through government-supported initiatives such as choral festivals, municipal choir groups, and music education programs, LGUs provide platforms for artistic expression and community participation.
Choral music also serves as a tool for cultural diplomacy, allowing cities and municipalities to showcase their artistic identity on national and international stages. Furthermore, investing in choral activities can stimulate local economies by attracting tourism, creating job opportunities for musicians and educators, and encouraging partnerships between the public and private sectors.
Discussions on this topic can explore best practices in integrating choral music into local governance policies, challenges in funding and sustainability, and the broader impact of choral music on civic life. Case studies of successful LGU-led choral programs can provide insights into how local governments can harness the power of choral music for community development and social progress.
III. Choral Music’s Role in Liturgy and Worship
This sub-topic examines the deep connection between choral music and religious worship across different faith traditions. Discussions can explore the historical evolution of sacred choral music, its theological significance, and its role in enhancing the worship experience. Presentations may delve into the influence of traditional liturgical music, such as Gregorian chant and polyphony, as well as contemporary expressions like gospel and praise music. Topics may also include the role of church choirs in fostering spiritual engagement, challenges in maintaining high musical standards in worship settings, and the impact of choral singing on congregational participation. Additionally, discussions can address how religious institutions support choral training and how choirs contribute to interfaith dialogue and community building through sacred music.
CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN: Prof. Raul Navarro, PhD
Dr. Navarro authored four books on the socio-historical aspects of music in the Philippines—Kolonyal na Patakaran at ang Nagbabagong Kamalayang Filipino: Musika sa Publikong Paaralan sa Filipinas, 1898-1935 (Winner, 2008 National Book Awards, History Category; Ateneo Press, 2007), Musika at Bagong Lipunan: Pagbuo ng Lipunang Filipino, 1972-1986 (Ateneo Press, 2014; Finalist, Social Science Category, 2015 National Book Awards), Musika sa Kasaysayan ng Filipinas: Pana-panahong Diskurso (UP Press, 2016), and Musika ng Pananakop: Panahon ng Hapon sa Filipinas, 1942-1945 (UP Press, 2021; Winner, Literary Criticism/Cultural Studies in Filipino). He published articles in Humanities Diliman, Daluyan, and Plaridel; he wrote historical essays and short articles and updates for the volume on music of the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, 2nd ed. (2018), and Sagisag Kultura (NCCA, 2015); and he authored critical essays in Philippine Modernities: Music, Performing Arts, and Language, 1880-1941 (UP Press, 2017), Saysay Himig (UP Press, 2018), and Kritikal na Espasyo ng Kulturang Popular (Ateneo Press, 2015). He was a member of the Editorial Board for the Dictionary of Filipino Musical Terms (UP Center for Ethnomusicology, 2013) and currently Professor 11 at the UP College of Music—Conducting Department and Graduate Programs. Dr. Navarro was awarded the 2022 Dangal ng Wikang Filipino by the Pambansang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, and the 2024 Gawad Tsanselor sa Natatanging Mananaliksik sa Filipino by the University of the Philippines in Diliman.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
1. Abstract Submission:
a. Fill out the google form linked below to submit an abstract summarizing your papers that includes purpose, methodology, result, and implication. Limit your submission to 250 words.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeavIqV5kTy3TUU_BOZuwnwodtQd_7qtM2SH24yofaGI7SvyA/viewform?usp=sharing
b. Include 5 keywords only that reflect the content of your research.
c. Authors of submitted abstracts will be subject to a blind review.
d. Interested parties may present a maximum of 3 papers, subject to the approval of the blind reviewer.
2. Presentation Duration:
a. Each presenter is given a 10-minute presentation, followed by a 5-minute question-and-answer session.
b. presentations can be recorded with visual aids such as PowerPoint or Canva presentation
3. Important Dates
a. Abstract Submission: 11:59 PM (Manila time) April 30, 2025
b. Notice of Acceptance: 8:00 AM (Manila time) June 12, 2025
c. Open Registration for participants and observers: 8:00 AM June 12, 2025
d. Deadline of Confirmation and Registration: July 12, 2025
SPECIAL AWARDS
- Authors of outstanding abstracts will receive a50% discount on the registration feeand a complimentary one-year membership to the association. The evaluation committee can choose up to 5 outstanding abstracts for presentation.
- The awarded abstracts will be published in the festival’s souvenir program.
- At the end of the conference, the chair of the conference will select the best paper presentation and the winner will be awarded with cash prize.
2025 Palawan International Choral Conference
|
DATE |
TIME |
ACTIVITY |
|---|---|---|
| AUG 13 | 8:00 AM - 12NN | Arrival to Puerto Princesa |
| | 12 NN - 2:00 PM | LUNCH |
| | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Check-in and Orientation at the Hotel Asturias |
| | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Welcome Ceremony |
| | 6:00 PM | DINNER |
| | 7:00 - 10:00 PM | Opening Ceremony |
| AUG 14 | 6:30 - 8:00 AM | BREAKFAST |
| | 8:00 - 12:00 NN | Plenary Discussions (Sub-topic II and III) |
| | 12:00 - 2:00 PM | LUNCH |
| | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Break-out sessions |
| | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Watch National Category D Competition |
| | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Watch National Category E Competition |
| | 8:00 - 10:00 PM | Watch National Category F Competition |
| AUG 15 | 6:30 - 8:00 AM | BREAKFAST |
| | 8:00 - 12:30 NN | Seminar/Workshop with International Choral Experts |
| | 12:30 - 2:00 PM | LUNCH |
| | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Plenary Discussions (Sup-topic I) |
| | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Break-out Sessions |
| | 6:00 - 7:00 | DINNER |
| | 7:00 - 10:00 PM | Watch International Categories E and F |
| AUG 16 | 6:30 - 8:00 AM | BRREAKFAST |
| | 8:00 - 12:00 NN | Watch Grand Prize Competition |
| | 12:00 - 2:00 PM | LUNCH |
| | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Summary of conference |
| | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Acquaintance, Farewell, and Dinner Party Coliseum |
| | 7:00 - 10:00 PM | Announcement of Winners and Closing Ceremony |
| AUG 17 | 6:30 - 8:00 AM | BREAKFAST |
| | 8:00 - 12:00 NN | FREE TIME |
| | 12:00 NN | CHECK OUT HOTEL ASTURIAS |
REGISTRATION & ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES
- Registration fees and accommodation packages will be announced soon. Those who will participate in the conference and to the festival as a whole, either as participant or observer, will receive a complimentary annual membership fee to the NAFCI.
- The (adjusted) cost of the registration fee is P1,000 or USD 20 (15 EUR) for foreign based participants. Interested local participants can pay through online bank transfers or payment wallets such as Cash or Maya. Foreign based participants may pay through online system such as paypal or xoom.
- Aside from the registration fee, participant and observers shall avail of the individual package fee of (P15,000 or USD300 or EUR250) which includes:
- 4-day single hotel accommodation with free breakfast (3:00 check-in on Aug 13 at the Citystate Asturias Hotel and 12:00 NN check-out on August 17)
- airport-hotel transfers
- conference and festival kit
- inland transfers (hotel-competition venues)
- free entrance passes to the venues of the competitions
- complimentary dinner during the Acquaintance/Farewell Party to be held on August 16 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM
- Participants shall take care of their transportation expenses from their point of origin to Puerto Princesa. One may ask for assistance from the organizers if needed.
- Payments of the individual package should be made on or before July 12, 2025.
- Deadline of confirmation of participation and registration is on July 12, 2025.
Through this scholarly gathering, the 2025 Palawan International Conference on Choral Music aims to foster intellectual exchange, celebrate artistic excellence, and further establish choral music as a vital area of academic inquiry and cultural practice.
OFFICIAL BANK ACCOUNT
All payments should be coursed through NAFCI’s official bank account
RCBC
Account name: National Association of Filipino Choirs, Inc. RCBC branch 0368 Palawan
Savings Account no. 0000009056321352