Mr. Manuel V. Eco - by Lorna N. Figueroa

2006 Achievement Award For Arts & Culture

Mr. Manny Eco is known to be the champion maker of Sorsogon in the field of music arts. He is the trainor & conductor of Gintong Siyap Children’s Choir of Bacon East Central School, a National Finalist at the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in 1987. Although Gintong Siyap was unfortunately subjected to a personal grudge of the late Professor Rivera who was one of NAMCYA judges, it captured the hearts of all who witnessed its exceptionally brilliant performances in the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Under the baton of Mr. Manny Eco, Gintong Siyap Children’s Choir of Bacon was the performer at the 200th anniversary of the Concert at the Park at the open stage of the Rizal Park & became the only children’s choir to perform in that program. They also performed at the National Teacher’s Convention in Manila in 1981.

Mr. Eco also made SORECO II Chorale the regional champion at KANTARAMA in 1990. He also created Bugkos Bicol, an NFA Choral Group as well as DPWH Singing Group. A string of champions in Kundiman fests is due to the intense dedication & passion for the true spirit of the Filipino of Manny Eco.

He put together & trained the first, if not one-of –its-kind men’s choir in the province of Sorsogon called Korong Manonggol that gave a very successful concert in December 2001.

Manny Eco, a Bacongnon who truly placed our Alma Mater & hometown’s name into the national consciousness in the field of music arts, is an alumnus of Bacon Central School from Batch 1953. For a few years he worked as office clerk & as radio announcer before he found his true calling – as his Alma Mater music teacher for several years.

Presently, a retired teacher, Manny remains to be active as the trainor & conductor of the Sorsogon City Chorale. Under his baton, the Sorsogon City Chorale performed at the WOW Philippines in Intramuros, Manila twice & won First Prize in the Provincial Kasanggayahan Choral Singing Contest. He was also invited to represent Sorsogon City in the Kalahi Cultural Caregiving Convention at the Albay Astrodome.

Manny V. Eco- truly a jewel of Bacon.