An all-Filipino choir based in Dubai inspires hope and resilience amid the pandemic with ‘Fight Song’ as they incorporated the American Sign Language (ASL).
The Christian Voices Chorale stated that they thought of initially doing choreography – but instead of this, they chose inclusivity by reaching out to those who cannot hear or speak by learning ASL.
“We thought of how we can reach out more even to those who cannot hear and speak. So, we assigned each line or phrase to individual members to study the sign language and perform. The rendition becomes more meaningful as we even widened our audience to convey the message of the song,” said Ronald Trinio, member of the Christian Voices Chorale.
He states that the song in itself shares an important message of braving through struggles, which is a common denominator not just for Filipinos, but across nationalities around the world.
“Today, and until this pandemic end, and even up to the time of economic and individual healing, everyone is engaged in different levels of circumstances. But everyone has distinct and equally important roles to overcome this modern-day crisis. We aim to reach out through our music and the Fight song has an equally strong message of struggle, faith, resilience, and believing in one self’s capability to make a difference,” said Trinio.
The song was also dedicated to individuals who have been facing their own set of circumstances and challenges worldwide: “The front- liners are tired and weary. The jobless are anxious about how to make a living. The bereaved family of the victims, and those who are sick, lament. Many are broken coping with isolation during the lockdown and many other countless stories. We dedicate this song for them,” added Trinio.
On their official Facebook post, the group dedicates the music to spark a glimpse of hope for everyone to rise together and fight the pandemic, united as one.
“With the Covid-19 global pandemic impacting us all, we continue to dedicate our music and prayers to the front liners, to the weary & the sick, the healing & taking back of our beautiful world. Together, we will hold each other’s hand to send big waves of hope & rise above this crisis and fight together as a community,” said the group.
Watch their video here:
The group is composed of the following members:
Music Director: Jocelyn Santos
Soprano:
Mabel Cruz (Soloist)
Michelle Quiroz Baldedara
Myrlanie Lozano
Lisa Abenir
Janice Jardiolin Puentesfina
Hanna Obera
Sheila Mariz Rengel
Cheryl Caalim
Alto:
Jocelyn Santos
Sharon Elaurza
Cristine Viola Bacala
Cristina Blanco
Eleanor Benson Buhay
Kathy Millena
Hazel Marie Flores
Floredeliza Ponlawon
Tenor:
Alvin Mangoma
Arnold Mendoza
Rico Rey Monteverde
Glen Babasa
Miguel Guila
Eugene Generoso
Eugene Quiamco
Rollie Cruz
Bass:
Wawee Lavarez
Ronaldo Trinio
Orlee Baldedara
Nhike Musñgi
Jervin Borbon
Renato Ancheta
