"Soli Deo Gloria: PUP BHS Earns Grand Prix, Highest Gold Awards in Three Categories at YICF 2026"

The Bagong Himig Serenata (BHS) of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), under the guidance of Choirmaster and Artistic Director, Mark Gregory Isip earned the Highest Gold Award in Folk, Mixed, and Pop & Jazz Choir Categories at the Yogyakarta International Choral Festival, awarded last February 11, 2026. Moreover, it has triumphantly claimed the 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘅 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 on February 12, 2026 after sweeping the top awards in said three categories.

Carrying a working principle of prayers and best efforts, with the persistent synergy of the PUP University Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA) Music Section Chief Dr. Hemmady Mora, UCCA Director Bely R. Ygot, VP for Student Affairs Service (VPSAS) Tomas Testor and VP for Planning and Finance Alberto Guillo, together with the entire PUP Team, BHS has once again demonstrated world-class excellence—proving that they are a source of pride not only for the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, but for the entire nation.

Founded in 1969, the PUP Bagong Himig Serenata (BHS) traces its roots to Kapatiran sa Pagtatanghal (KaSaPa), established by Raffy Amoranto and Rey Tan. In 1974, the group officially became known as Bagong Himig Serenata, carrying forward a legacy of musical excellence and artistic commitment within the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).

For more than five decades, BHS has been a pillar of choral artistry in the university, nurturing generations of student-musicians and representing PUP in various local and national stages.

In a historic milestone, and with the full support of PUP, Bagong Himig Serenata achieved a remarkable grand sweep victory at the Yogyakarta International Choral Festival (YICF) 2026, held on February 9–12 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This marks the first time in the organization’s history that BHS has secured such a prestigious accomplishment in an international competition.

The grand sweep victory not only highlights the choir’s musical excellence, discipline, and dedication but also brings pride and honor to PUP and the Philippines. This achievement stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Bagong Himig Serenata and its continued pursuit of choral excellence on the global stage