Paskong Pinoy 2022: A Choral Festival in Oslo

NORWAY

PASKONG PINOY 2022 A CHORAL FESTIVAL

Text by Luz Therese Bergesen Images by Marco Reyes Camas

Christmas spirits in Oslo were ushered in early, with a fi rst in the Filipino community: “Paskong Pinoy 2022: A Choral Festival”, spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy.

The festival drew a crowd of about 1,200 at the Filadelfi a International Church in Oslo.

The event gathered performing Filipino choirs from various Christian churches which belted out heart warming Christmas songs, reminiscent of Christmas carolling in the Philippines.

A Filipino food bazaar which served bibingka, sapin-sapin, puto, mamon, siopao, and other mouth watering Pinoy delicacies, added to all the excitement.

The festive evening was also a gift-giving event with benefi ciaries chosen by the participating choirs. They received ’Pamaskong Handog’ bags from the Philippine Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs-Offi ce of Migrant Workers Affairs, and Philippine Embassy in Norway.

A grand raffl e draw was held, with lucky winners from the audience taking home prizes which included gift certifi cates, hotel stays in Manila and in Oslo, and a round trip ticket Oslo-MNL-Oslo)!

Heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following Paskong Pinoy 2022 church choirs for lending their voices and spreading the Christmas cheer:

Filadelfi a International Church Chorus • St. Johannes English Choir • PMCC Norway Gospel Choir Living Word Bible Center • Jesus is Lord Church Norway Chorale • St. Laurentius Choir and Ensemble St. Joseph English Choir • St. Olav Cathedral’s English Choir

Filipino community in Oslo during the Christmas choral festival

Some of the attendees

H.E. Ambassador Enrico T Fos, with participating choir