All-male choir Aleron recently launched its debut Christmas album, “Dakilang Hiwaga,” which includes songs from its European concert and competition repertoire.

The group aims to further cement the Filipino’s reputation as part of the world’s most formidable musicians.

The group is set to compete in the most prestigious choral singing festivals and competitions from May to July 2017.

The most important leg of its tour is the 11th World Symposium for Choral Music in Barcelona, Spain. The event is hosted by the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) and will feature the world’s finest choirs and choral leaders.

Aleron is one of IFCM’s ambassadors for 2017, the only Filipino performers invited to the event.

Aleron, translated from Latin as “the winged one,” explores the male part of the choral soundscape. It was founded in 2006 as the alumni ensemble of the Ateneo de Manila High School Glee Club under the musical direction of Christopher Ong Arceo.

Today, the group is composed of male choristers from different backgrounds.

Aleron hopes to broaden the all-male choral genre by continuously commissioning and premiering new works throughout its concert seasons.

The group has performed original works by several established and up-and-coming Filipino composers such as Josefino “Chino” Toledo, Robin Estrada, Mary Katherine Trangco.

Surprises from Power Mac Center

This holiday season, Power Mac Center is giving wonderful surprises to everyone who happens to be at any of its stores when the clock strikes 7 p.m.

As a form of thanksgiving, the activity, dubbed “Heaven Sent,” will happen every day in select Power Mac Center Metro Manila stores until Jan. 1, 2017. The venue of the surprise remains undisclosed.

Unsuspecting customers of Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3 were recently treated to a cup of premium hot chocolate. Prior to that, Christmas cookies were given away to spread holiday cheer.

“It was a small gesture, but it felt extremely good to see their smiles when they received the surprise,” said Joey Alvarez, marketing director of Power Mac Center.

He added, “This season is all about giving, so while they are in our store to find gifts to give their loved ones, we, in turn, will make them feel extra special and give them a little token of appreciation for supporting Power Mac Center for the past 22 years.”