The Madz Performs at Our Lady of Grace Church, Mabalacat City

I have always been a fan of the Madz, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, since I first saw them during my high school years (early 1990's). I was then studying at Urios College High School in Butuan City when the Madz performed in Butuan City. For lack of a better venue, the concert was held at the St. Joseph Cathedral, Diocese of Butuan. It turned out to be a perfect venue. Looking at the arcade ceilings of our simple church, the Madz founder, the late Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion, remarked: "this is so far our best concert venue. Madrigal performances in Europe are done inside churches."

From then on, I became an avid fan. Before I graduated college (mid 1990's) I saw another Madz performance at the Dimaporo Gymnasium, Mindanao State University, Marawi City. This time, I was able to verify Prof. Veneracion's statement. Their angelic voices echoed well in a cathedral venue than in a wide gymnasium. Nevertheless, they delivered a great performance and the students of MSU asked for an encore, which they gladly gave. But still, the students asked for more. Prof. Veneracion had to pull the hand of the member sitting next to her to lead the group to exit.

Thanks to YouTube, I have followed the Madz in many of its performances in Europe and all over the world. I rejoiced at their triumphs especially in international competitions. I was also saddened about the death of Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion in 2013.

And now, after 20 years, they are here, right at my doorstep! On November 24, 2014, they performed here at Our Lady of Grace Parish, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. And yes, I still enjoy the Madz music. I have reservations, though, with their use of musical instruments, for I have loved them singing a cappella. But I still did have a standing ovation for the group. Thank you for the music.