User:Lecsirhc/sandbox

The pioneer choral group in the Our Lady of Pillar Parish in Imus, Cavite. Himig Batingaw was founded in March of 1979 by group of graduating students of Imus Institute to sing for that year's baccalaureate mass. In the first few years of the choir's existence, they conducted rehearsals at the church belfry; hence the name Himig (melody) and Batingaw (peal of bells) was born. The choir is very influential in the rise and development of choral music in the parish and having introduced new pieces for liturgical use most of which are composed or arranged for the group and having graduated noted local musicians from its ranks.

The choir began to tread new ground under the directorship of Mr. Edward Gerodias in the late 1980's then on to Mr. Rey Roland Bergado in the late 1990's, both sought after pianists. This period witnessed a string of successful concerts, and a Grand Prize at the first Paskuhan sa Imus Choral Competition. They also participated in as long as there is Music- choral  festival and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra outreach concerts of 1999 and 2000 in Imus Cathedral under the PPO Conductor Maestro Rugiero Barbieri.

In 2001, the Batoon was passed to Mr. Jonathan Ayson by Mr. Rey Roland Bergado as the New Choral Director of Himig Batingaw as the Latter Continue his study of Law at the San Beda Law School.

In December of 2005 the Choir won the Grand Prize in the First Our Lady of Guadalupe Choirfest held in Parañaque City. This triggers the choir to showcase their talent in other activities. They also participated in the 3 leg concert series of Musicaviteño in St. Francis of Assisi Parish and in the Our Lady of Candelaria Parish in Gen. Trias and Silang respectively. The Choirs utmost peak were reach in 2006 by winning 3rd prize trophy in the 3rd Himig ng kabataan alay kay Don Bosco held in Makati City, winning the Grand Prize of the Forte Choral Competition in De La Salle University- Dasmarinas, and a Runner up trophy in Church Choir Category for the Annual Christmas Competition in Vivere Hotel in Alabang. Because of those recognition the Choir where invited to sing on Unang Hirit in GMA-7, the National Commission for Culture and Arts on Channel 4 and last but not the list, at the Senate. In 2007, the Himig Batingaw was one of the featured choirs in the 4th Colors of Worship, A festival of Sacred Music annually done at the Philam Life Auditorium in Manila and the Choir Released its Debut Album entitled “We’ve Only Just Begun” recorded lived at Imus Cavite. December 1st of 2016, the core group competed in the first ever Grand Chorale Competition of Imus City Mall — Anabu. Out of the 8 competing chorale groups, Himig Batingaw Choir has bagged the Grand Prize.

In August 2017, Himig Batingaw Choir ranked 1st out of 20 Chorale groups who competed in Robinsons Townsville - Imus, Wikawit: Tagisan ng Korong Kabitenyo.

At present, the choir is composed of talented students and young professionals from different fields, giving spare time in the service of GOD. The Choir Sings regularly at the 8:00 AM Sunday Mass at the Our Lady of The Pillar Parish in Imus, Cavite