Text and photos by UP Manila Chorale
The UP Manila Chorale (UPMC) successfully staged its Buwan ng Wika concert, titled “Tanglaw: Pamana ng Himig,” last August 16, 2025, at the Adamson University Theater.
Under the musical direction of John Steven Verrosa and with accompaniment by Martin Sean J. Inanuran, the UPMC paid tribute to luminaries such as Nicanor Abelardo, Ryan Cayabyab, Levi Celerio, Lucio San Pedro, Lucrecia Kasilag, Francisco Feliciano, and Dr. Ramon Santos, breathing new life into their timeless works.
In celebration of Buwan ng Wika, UPMC’s three-part program, Tanglaw showcased how music preserves history, promotes advocacy, and fosters nationalism.
The first segment highlighted the enduring faith of Filipinos through sacred works, including Dr. Ramon Santos’ “Dinggin mo, O Yahweh” and Lucrecia Kasilag’s “Purihin si Yahweh.”
The second part of the program brought the audience to scenes of folk life, featuring Francisco Feliciano’s playful “Pokpok Alimpako” and Lucio San Pedro’s lively “Kaming Magmamani.”
The final part showcased the range of Filipino emotion and character, from the poignant love songs of Abelardo’s “Kundiman ng Luha” and Levi Celerio’s “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal,” to the humor of “Kenkoy,” arranged by Federizon, and the serene peace of San Pedro’s “Payapang Daigdig.”
The evening culminated in Cayabyab’s “O Bayan Ko,” a powerful call to unity and patriotism that left the audience with a resonant reminder of the richness of Filipino heritage and the importance of embracing it.
Through “Tanglaw: Pamana ng Himig,” the multi-awarded chorale sought to amplify the richness of Filipino culture and inspire the present generation to sustain the musical traditions that embody our national identity. In doing so, the UPMC continues its lifelong purpose of uplifting the nation through music—truly the voice of UP Manila to the world.
The concert was made possible through the generous support of the Office of the UP President as Sapphire Event Sponsor, Arts Geek Manila as Emerald Event Sponsor, Manzano’s Creative Kitchen as Major Food Sponsor, and Sachi Baked Goodies as Minor Food Sponsor. Media partners included ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), WhenInManila.com, Monster RX 93.1, 98.7 DZFE, Ang Tagamasid, and Coverstory.ph, with major publicity support from the UP Center for Ethnomusicology and the UP Museum of a History of Ideas. Additional production support was provided by UPM Salinlahi, Public Health Artists’ Circle, and Nursing Artists’ Corps.
The UPMC extends its heartfelt gratitude to its audience, partners, and sponsors for their invaluable support. The concert reaffirmed the ensemble’s mission to advance both artistic excellence and social advocacy, serving as an ambassador of cultural goodwill for UP Manila and the Filipino people.#
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