From Binondo to Belgium

MANILA, Philippines – Street kids from Divisoria are making their dreams come true– they are going to Belgium and Paris to sing.

Devon Wong reports.

Every week for the past year, Dioscorra takes the jeepney from her home in Binondo to choir practice in Makati.
It’s a long trek across town, but Dioscorra and her choir mates are passionately preparing for their biggest performance yet.

DOLLY ALEJANDRO, CHOIR COORDINATOR: This is the first time the children will go out of the country.

The Virlanie Children’s Choir is making their international debut in Belgium and France, and they couldn’t be more excited.

JANELLE RABE, FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR: They’re very, very excited! They’ve actually been having French lessons to learn how to speak French when they go there. And they’re also always telling me they want to see the Eiffel tower and other places in Paris!

It’s a dream come true for all the kids in the choir but it’s a particularly special opportunity for the four members who come from Divisoria.
Dioscorra, Ramil, Jomar and Trixie, the choir’s youngest member, were discovered through the group’s street education program.
Volunteer teachers and social workers collect street children in the area for afternoon lessons in a portable classroom.
Most of the students have never gone to an actual school.
These simple lessons are the only way for them to meet positive role models who open their eyes to opportunities in the world.
Dioscorra and the others auditioned for the choir program, and they haven’t stopped coming since.
Now, they’re looking forward to their first overseas performance, and their first ride on an airplane.

DISCORRA: I’m happy and excited that I’ll be able to go to a new place and see new places!

Their big adventure is being supported by a handful of donors, helping out with airline tickets to clothes for the chillier climate.
But they still can’t afford other expenses on the trip.

JANELLE RABE: We’ve been getting some sponsorships and donations, but at the moment we’re still looking for financial donations from individuals or companies who’d want to help in the living expenses for the choir in Europe.

The Foundation hopes that last minute donors will step forward in the final hours.
But for the next three weeks, the choir members are busy practicing their repertoire and excited to pack their bags for new horizons ahead.

Devon Wong, Rappler, Manila.