01/11/2025
PARTICIPATING CHOIR FEATURE
We are honored to welcome back the Advent Philomels for the second time. Their return to the second edition of DAGYAW CHOIR FESTIVAL is a testament to their artistry, commitment, and enduring contribution to the choral tradition.
Founded in 1978 by Mr. Ephraim Sayud under the advisership of Dr. Norma P. Lachica, the Advent Philomels began as the Hillside Singers—an eight-member group dedicated to ministering to nearby hillside churches of Mountain View College. Through the years, it has grown into a respected collegiate ensemble composed of students from various academic programs, widely regarded as the premier singing group of Mountain View College.
The choir has presented concerts and singing ministries across the Philippines and has embarked on international tours, including performances in Palau, Indonesia, United States of America, and Thailand. Remaining grounded in its mission of service and praise, the Advent Philomels continue to support ministry and community initiatives.
Most recently, the choir won the championship at the Bible Week Celebration Choir Competition in Valencia City, Bukidnon.
THE CONDUCTOR
Asst. Prof. Ronnel Aldin D. Fernando is an instructor at the School of Business and Accountancy of Mountain View College, where he also completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2009. Growing up in Mountain View College, he was inspired by the Advent Philomels’ distinctive “AP Sound,” joining the group in 2005-under the directorship of Bart Poce Brondo-and later serving as its conductor beginning in 2015. He also founded the School of Business and Accountancy Chorale in 2014.
He has been trained under notable choral experts through workshops, including Alvin Aviola, Anna Abeleda-Piquero, Robert Delgado, and Prof. Ariel Quintana, and attended his first conducting workshop under Prof. Mark Anthony Carpio in 2021. He is also a scholar of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Online Choral Leadership Program. He currently serves as Department Head of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program while pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration at Ateneo de Davao University.
Experience the "AP sound" on December 7, 2025, 7:00 PM, at the Abbey of the Transfiguration, as they perform choral works of notable composers/arrangers such as Robert Delgado and Take 6's Cedric Dent.
