A night of musical brilliance

Musica Singers dazzle audience with Tanghalan

	The energy was electric, and the atmosphere was joyous as the audience joined in the finale, dancing and singing along with the performers. Photo by Rollan Temporosa

“What a performance! The music was breathtaking, and the setting was perfect. The welcoming and exciting atmosphere made it an unforgettable occasion! Looking forward to the next show!” exclaimed Estrella Asido, a first-time attendee at the Musica Singers concert.

Lita Cahanap Nofuente shared a similar experience, saying, “Every performance was wonderful! I was thrilled and completely enjoyed the show. The energy was contagious, especially when the Filipino tunes played – everyone stood up, danced, and clapped along!”

For Yolly Bullan, the concert felt like a nostalgic trip home. “It was as if I were back in the Philippines for a night. The performers were outstanding, and the song choices were fantastic. I loved every moment of it!”

Yolly Remacha and Lita Nofuente echoed this sentiment, saying, “The show was very entertaining, and we could feel the excitement in the crowd from start to finish. The setlist was a perfect blend of classic and new hits, making it enjoyable and relatable to audiences of all ages! Overall, it was an unforgettable event, and we would highly recommend this to anyone who loves music. We are already looking forward to the next one!”

Even seasoned concertgoers were left in awe. Liesl Puentespina, a devoted music lover, marvelled at the performance, saying, “Congratulations on an impressive show! A 23-song concert – how did you manage that? Absolutely incredible!”

Sheila Anne Tan, owner of Di Erbe and executive director of the Norwood Grove Business Improvement Zone, and a longtime supporter of Musica Singers since their first concert, also shared her appreciation: “A huge congratulations to my dear friends for yet another remarkable show! Your talent and dedication continue to inspire.”

Held on February 8th at the Royal Ballroom of the Viscount Gort Hotel, Musica Singers’ second concert of their second season, Tanghalan: Gems from the Stage and Screen, was a full-house spectacle. The evening featured an eclectic program of songs from beloved musicals and iconic movies, brought to life by the Musica Singers and MY Band, and hosted by Lendyll Soriano.

The concert opened in grand fashion, with the choir donning elegant Filipiniana attire designed by Marlon Tuazon, a double gold medallist in the Philippine Ternocon 2018. The stage was graced by collaborating artists Hector Arroyo, Hannah Cachero, and Lorenzo Camus, alongside MY Band members Jim Lopez (keyboard and music director), Shawn Porteous (guitar), Jerome Endaya (guitar), Jaymar Tria (bass), Crisanto Aquino (drums and percussion), Paolo Camus (violin), and vocalists Jesse Alcasabas, Ariel Fernando, and Lorenz Edward Sarrondo.

The pre-concert dinner was made even more special with a performance by baritone Ricardo L. Manalang, who serenaded guests with timeless classics, accompanied by MY Band.

A standout moment of the evening was the heartwarming rendition of Tomorrow by Musica Kids – featuring young singers Amiel Arcos, Sky Arcos, Zion Figueroa, Alijah Lopez, Jamie Lopez, and Jeremiah Lopez – earning a wave of applause from the audience.

The carefully curated repertoire took concertgoers on an emotional journey, from the uplifting anthems of Magsimula Ka and The Impossible Dream, to the cinematic magic of Eye of the Tiger and Bohemian Rhapsody. The show closed on a high note with Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Kofollowed by encores of Dancing Queen and Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko.

Adding to the evening’s significance was the graduation of three trainees – Jay Aguilar (baritone), Ampy Carlos (soprano), and Carlos Arcos (tenor) – who are now full-fledged members of the Musica Singers. Auditions for the training program is ongoing.

Musica Singers and MY Band, under the management of Musica Singers of Manitoba Inc., a non-profit organization, continue to bring exceptional choral performances to audiences. With another successful show under their belt, excitement is already building for their next production, Awitan, a celebration of Filipino folk songs and contemporary hits. This concert will be held on June 28 at the University of Manitoba Desautels Concert Hall as part of Filipino Heritage Month in Canada.

For those who missed Tanghalan, or for those eager for another unforgettable musical experience, tickets for Awitan are now available at www.musicasingersmb.ca.

Musica Singers is composed of vocalists across different musical interests and professional careers:

• Sopranos: Jesse Alcasabas, Ampy Arcos, Jean Lopez, Catherine Tomo
• Altos: Ira Alejo, Zabeth De Leon, Ma. Ashley Medina, Rowena Sta. Ana, Jacqueline Unlayao
• Tenors: Carlos Arcos, Reniel Bonifacio, Keith Chacon, Jerome Endaya, Ariel Fernando, Lorenz Sarrondo
• Basses: Jay Aguilar, Dante Aviso, Jim Lopez, Ricardo L. Manalang, Luis Manguerra, John Zedrick Reyes, Jaymar Tria

The group is led by their music directors: Jim Lopez (keyboardist of On the Que band), Oscar Pantaleon Jr. (former member of the Philippine Madrigal Singers), and Lorenz Edward Sarrondo (former conductor of the University of the Philippines Manila Chorale).