The voices of Los Cantantes de Manila (LCDM) once again resonated on the global stage as the acclaimed Filipino choir captured top honors at the 2025 Busan Choral Festival and Competition (BCFC) in South Korea.
The group earned two first prizes—one in the Classical Mixed category and another in the Ethnic/Traditional category—alongside the coveted Conductor’s Prize for musical director Darwin Vargas. The international competition, held from October 30 to November 2 in Busan, featured 12 choirs from various countries.
In the Ethnic/Traditional category, Filipino artistry dominated the stage as Ligao National High School Voice Chorale from Albay secured silver and Cebu Normal University-Chorale claimed bronze, marking a Philippine sweep. For the Classical Mixed category, Indonesia’s Voice of Satya Wacana Christian University placed second, followed by Japan’s SizzlinMix in third.
“We are deeply honored to represent the Philippines and to share our music with the world,” Vargas said. “Through this victory, we hope to continue bringing Philippine choral artistry and cultural heritage to the global stage.”
LCDM’s triumph in Busan extends its winning streak across major international platforms. In 2024, the ensemble bagged top awards at both the Moscow Spring A Cappella Festival in Russia and the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition in Hungary. The choir also previously won first prizes at the International Chamber Choir Competition in Germany (2023) and the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival in Manila (2023), following an earlier victory in Germany in 2017.
Recognized for elevating Filipino choral excellence worldwide, Los Cantantes de Manila has received the Ani ng Dangal Award four times from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Their Busan victory comes shortly after their participation as finalists in the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing held on October 26 in Tolosa, Spain—one of the world’s most prestigious choral competitions.
