Tatsulok 1: Hope, Peace, Joy – Musica Singers illuminate the season. Photo by Rollan Temporosa.

by Oscar Pantaleon

The warm glow of the season filled St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church last December 6 as Musica Singers presented Tatsulok 1: Hope, Peace, Joy. Under the direction of Lorenz Edward Sarrondo, the concert was a celebration of artistry and community and a testament to the choir’s growth and aspiration.

“Tasulok 1 featured a repertoire that included contemporary choral music, classic Christmas carols, and beloved Filipino Christmas songs, “shared Sarrondo. “My goal was to highlight the choir’s discipline and musicality, and what we can do when we sing with purpose and teamwork. “

The stage came alive with the voices of Musica Singers and Musica Kids, joined by collaborating artists Lorenzo Camus, Jim Lopez, and Anica Warkentine. Musica Kids, Amiel Arcos, Sky Arcos, Zion Figueroa, Alijah Lopez, and Jeremiah Lopez, set the tone with youthful energy, while the adult ensemble delivered powerful harmonies.

Musica Singers is composed of sopranos Jesse Alcasabas, Ampy Arcos, Milyn Armenio, Marga Tan, Catherine Tomo, Storme Zapata; altos Ira Alejo, Zabeth De Leon, Jean Lopez, Ma. Ashley Bonifacio, Rowena Sta. Ana, Jacqueline Unlayao; tenors Carlos Arcos, Michael Carillo, Keitopher Chacon, Reniel Bonifacio, Jerome Endaya, Ariel Fernando; and basses Jay Aguilar, Dante Aviso, Jim Lopez, Ricardo L. Manalang, Luis Manguerra, Oscar Pantaleon Jr., John Zedrick Reyes.

Community support and impact

The evening was not only about music but also about mission. Portions of ticket sales will support ANCOP humanitarian relief for calamity victims in the Philippines and Musica Singers’ artist development program, reinforcing the ensemble’s commitment to using music as a force for good.

“Wonderful night with the Musica Singers. Such a joyful and inspiring evening and even more meaningful knowing the event is helping support ANCOP’s programs, “said Edwin Yazon, ANCOP Winnipeg coordinator. Ray Sator, Knights of Rizal Winnipeg Chapter commander, shared similar appreciation: “Thank you for a wonderful performance. We enjoyed it. “

The audience included distinguished guests such as Sen. Gigi Osler, former MLA Flor Marcelino, and leaders from the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival, Caring for our Environment Manitoba, and Dead of Winter.

Collaborations, performances, and a recognition

Tatsulok 1 marked another milestone since Musica Singers of Manitoba was established in 2023. As a member of Choral Canada, Folklorama, and the Manitoba Choral Association, the group has been invited to perform alongside Winnipeg’s finest choirs.

Recent collaborations include Paraiso with Polycoro in May, WinterSing! with Dead of Winter in November, and an upcoming appearance in Echoes of Home and Horizon with Ecco Singers in March.

Beyond these, Musica Singers has performed this season for RRC Polytechnic indigenous education students, Ethnocultural Council of Manitoba, Malaya Movement Canada’s online fundraising concert for the benefit of political prisoners and their families, and simbang gabi at St. Ann Church.

Musica Singers also earned recognition at the provincial level. On December 2, MLA Diljeet Brar delivered a member statement at the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.

Praising the choir’s collaboration with talented artists and a commitment to excellence, he said, “Musica Singers’ work enriches lives, promotes multicultural integration, and preserves the vibrant tapestry of Philippine heritage through the power of song. “

Looking ahead: Tatsulok 2

Anticipation is now building as the season moves forward. On March 21, 2026, Musica Singers will return with Tatsulok 2: Hollywood, Motown, Broadway, a collaboration with MY Band, curated by music director Jim Lopez.

“Music has the power to bridge worlds and unite hearts, “Lopez shared. “With Tatsulok 2, we celebrate the timeless magic of Hollywood, the soulful rhythm of Motown, and the dazzling spirit of Broadway, bringing them together in one night of harmony.”

This concert will raise funds for a bursary program supporting university students of Filipino heritage pursuing music degrees in Manitoba. As Musica Singers’ executive director Jesse Alcasabas notes, “This concert is the beginning of our investment in the future of Filipino heritage and creativity.”

For updates and tickets, follow @musicasingersmb on social media or visit www.musicasingersmb.ca. With every performance, Musica Singers continues to prove that music is not only an art. Music is a bridge of hope, peace, and joy.