With their rendition of the Iglesia Ni Cristo original song “Battle Cry 2.0,” the choir representing the Ecclesiastical District of Batangas North was declared champion during the regional competition “Songs of Salvation: Acapella Edition” on September 28, 2024 at the Tiaong Convention Center in Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines. It bested other choirs from six other districts in Southern Luzon.

Other participating choirs were from the districts, namely, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro; Catanduanes; Naga City, Camarines Sur; Palawan; and San Pablo City, Laguna; and Quezon East.

The choristers from Palawan and San Pablo City, Laguna Districts were adjudged first and second runners-up, respectively. All winners and other participants received plaques and certificates of recognition.

Mixing engineer and INC Acapella president James Laurence Legaspi of the Local Congregation of F. Manalo in the Ecclesiastical District of Cavite; Lyricist, composer, and choir member Lee Troy Calimlim of the Templo Central Local Congregation in the Ecclesiastical District of Central; and INC Acapella member Arjay Carlo Supe also from Templo Central Congregation served as judges. They evaluated the performances based on originality, musicality, voice quality, and stage presentation.

“Achieving this success is indeed rewarding as it reflects the dedication we put into our practice and performance,” said Tyler Angelo Manalo, one of the performers in Batangas North. “We are especially grateful to our beloved Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, and Brother Angelo Eraño Manalo, the Christian Family Organizations (CFO) Coordinator, for supporting such an inspiring event. It not only deepens our faith but also allows us to showcase our singing abilities,” he added.— With reports from Hector Delos Angeles and Leona Nadine Banaira