Text and photo by UPM Chorale
The University of the Philippines Manila Chorale (UPMC) will pay homage to the works of national artists for music in an upcoming three-part concert on Aug. 16, 2026, celebrating the ingenuity of Filipino composers whose timeless classics continue to touch Filipinos’ hearts.
Under the baton of music director John Steven Verrosa and with accompaniment by Martin Sean J. Inanuran, the multi-awarded chorale will deliver their renditions of classics composed by Ryan Cayabyab, Ramon Santos, Levi Celerio, Lucio San Pedro, and Lucrecia Kasilag. The concert was timed to coincide with the celebration of this year’s Buwan ng Wika.
“This concert is our way of giving thanks to the Filipino artists who have shaped our cultural heritage,” said Music Director John Steven Verrosa. “We are incredibly proud to be able to celebrate the gifts of history, and we hope that through pieces like ‘Pokpok Alimpako’ and ‘Tuksuhan,’ we can help everyone appreciate the beauty and depth of our National Artists’ world-class artistry.”
UPMC is composed of alumni and students enrolled in different colleges at the university. Guided by its mission to advance artistic excellence and social advocacy, UPMC has a strong history of representing the country on the global stage. In 2024, the group bagged the grand prize at the 59th Prof. Jan Syzrocki International Choral Festival in Poland. In the same year, UPMC received the Gintong Parangal from the Office of the President and the Ani ng Dangal award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Previously, the group received the 1st prize for the Contemporary category and 2nd prize for the Mixed category in the 2nd Tokyo International Choir Competition in 2019.
Looking ahead, UPMC aims to remain steadfast in its mission to serve as an ambassador of cultural goodwill, representing the university locally and internationally, and serving as the voice of UP Manila to the world.
“Tanglaw: Pamana ng Himig” will be presented on August 16, 2025, 7:00 PM, at the Adamson University Theater. For ticket inquiries, visit https://upmchorale.helixpay.ph/.#
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