Virlanie Foundation, Inc. has been taking care of street children—the abused, homeless, neglected, abandoned, orphaned and the poorest of the poor—for more than two decades. In 2004, the Foundation took a handful of these children and formed a choir to perform for Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover. Coming from humble backgrounds as former street children and young adults from Virlanie’s residential homes and as residents in the communities that Virlanie Foundation works with, these children were able to overcome challenges and fulfill their young dreams. They serve as an inspiration for fellow children as they share their music as singing ambassadors, The Virlanie Children’s Choir is led by a well-acclaimed Choirmaster and Musical Director, Ms. Maria Lourdes Hermo.
In April 2015, the choir went on their 2nd Spring Tour to France to sing in different venues. This Tour serves to raise awareness about Virlanie Foundation’s mission of helping and caring for Manila’s street children.
On the day of their departure, they bumped into Carmina Villaroel, a Filipina celebrity. They rode the plane to Paris and arrived there at around 8:30 p.m. On April 8, 2015, they performed in Wasquehal—the day was filled with art and emotion because this was their first concert to kickstart their tour.
The second concert was performed in Nancy. The choir had the privilege of singing in the Grands Salons at the city hall of Nancy, located in Stanislas. Before entering the stage, they shared a moment with some pupils and met their guest families for the next two days.
The Virlanie Children’s Choir once again gave a great performance during their third concert in Metz at the Temple Beuf. Earlier that day the children were invited to EMI (Medical-Educational Institute) that welcomes children and young adults with disabilities from 9-20 years old. The invitation gave way to a partnership between Virlanie Foundation Inc. and the IRTS (Regional Institute of Social Work). Thirty children prepared songs. Then the choir in turn offered them a song. The EMI children were speechless and touched.
These are just some of the highlights from the first few days of the choir in France. If you are moved to support them, please invite them to your events. Just email [email protected] for more details.
