Devotees of the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran thought it would be just another announcement after the Mass when its rector, Fr. Ino Cueto, CSSR, asked them to stay.
They were surprised when hundreds of choristers started singing on the altar and dancers performed on the aisle of the church.
As part of its 44th anniversary celebration, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) pulled a flash mob, a sudden burst of the performing arts in a public place last Sept. 18 at around 11:45 a.m.
Some 300 choristers from several choir groups, led by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, rendered songs.
CCP vice president and artistic director Chis Millado said the flash mob was in celebration of the CCP’s 44th anniversary. He said the anniversary rites used to be beld in CCP but the CCP felt there was need to bring culture and the performing arts outside, right in the midst of the public.
“We chose Baclaran because we knew that every Wednesday, many people flock there,” he added.
The choral groups came from De La Salle University-Dasmariñas chorale; Our Lady of Fatima University; Philippine Normal University; Philippine Veterans Affairs Office; Redemptorist Church; Technological Institute of the Philippines; and University of Makati and CCP.
The mob performed Ryan Cayabyab’s “Hibang sa Awit” along with “All Will Praise the Lord,” “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” and “One Voice.”
Fr. Cueto said this is the first time a flash mob happened at Baclaran Church. He explained he readily gave permission for the performance since devotees loved musical performances.
CCP did a flash mob last year at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Aside from the flash mob, the CCP celebrated its anniversary this year with a jazz festival.
