TSU Chorale bags award in AOVICF 2025, CASS students among members

Report by Chino Brendon Tangonan | Photo credits to Ryan Joseph Orgaya, TSU-Chorale

Tarlac State University (TSU) Chorale, with members from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), bagged a Gold Diploma, a Silver Diploma, and Third Prize at the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival (AOVICF) 2025, held from August 20 to 24 at Ateneo de Manila University.

Competing against more than 15 choirs nationwide, the TSU Chorale earned a Gold Diploma and Third Prize in the Folk Song Category, and a Silver Diploma in the Mixed Choir Category—an achievement proudly celebrated by its CASS members in one of the country’s most prestigious choir competitions.

Jerry Talay, a third-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student (AB Comm) and bass singer, shared that this was an unexpected victory.

“Sharing the stage with some of the most prestigious choirs in the country was already a dream come true. But to be awarded a Gold Diploma, Third Prize, and a Silver Diploma truly felt surreal—something beyond what we ever imagined,” Talay said.

Jazper Nartates, another AB Comm student and bass singer, admitted that some members struggled with the demanding training schedule while balancing academic requirements. He added that the pressure of competing against seasoned choirs and conductors made the experience even more challenging.

Alongside Talay and Nartates, other CASS members were Syrel Faye V. Taala, Marika Luisa T. Tolentino, Ryan Joseph Orgaya, and Ma. Criscia Aure from BA Communication; Chrislyn Ambrocio from AB English Language Studies; and Andrei Dulce from AB Human Services.

Meanwhile, TSU Chorale conductor Mr. Joshua Ysmael Fontanilla credited the win to the dedication of the singers, noting that they competed against their “chorale group idols.”

“…Ang pinaka-nakatulong sa amin para makamit ito ay ang sipag at tiyaga ng bawat mang-aawit ng grupo na halos ubusin ang oras para lang maaaral nang maigi ang aming mga kakantahin, at syempre dahil na rin sa mga taong nakasuporta sa amin,” Fontanilla shared.

In a social media post, the TSU Chorale extended their gratitude to the University Administration and everyone who supported their team.

While the group will not be competing in the upcoming Asia Chorale Grand Prix, their achievement has already brought pride and recognition to the University.