27 May 2025, Guam - The Philippine Consulate General in Guam attended the KAPWA Rondalla Ensemble launching concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church on 25 May 2025. The event was organized to coincide with the celebration of Philippine Heritage Month.
In her remarks during the concert, Vice Consul Daniella Bianca M. Villamin-Oriondo congratulated the members of the KAPWA Rondalla Ensemble for their first public concert and commended their hard work and enthusiasm in sharing Philippine music to the Filipino and Guam community. She said, “Thank you for being musical Ambassadors of our homeland and for cultivating and enriching the cultural ties between the Philippines and Guam. May you continue to take pride in the richness of our cultural heritage and continue to share your musical talents, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Philippine music.”
The Rondalla is a traditional Filipino string ensemble with Spanish origins. It features plucked instruments such as the bandurria, octavina, laud, and guitar, with the bandurria and octavina being uniquely associated with the ensemble. Rondalla groups often performed during joyful events in the Philippines, such as town fiestas and family celebrations.
KAPWA Rondalla Ensemble is the first Rondalla group in Guam, organized by Mr. Norman Babia, a Filipino-American choir director at St. John’s School. The Ensemble is composed of students, most of whom are of Filipino lineage, from various high schools and middle schools in Guam. During the concert, they showcased a mix of timeless Filipino classics, including Usahay, Ikaw ang Mahal Ko, and Ang Pipit, as well as the contemporary hit Ang Huling El Bimbo of Eraserheads. In addition, St. John’s School band members also performed musical renditions of Bato sa Buhangin (Trombone), Kastilyong Buhangin (Saxophone), and Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang (Violin).
The event was attended by Ms. Michelle Untalan and Mr. Robert Kelly, St. John’s School Principal and Assistant Principal, respectively, together with the students, parents and teachers of said school and esteemed members of the Filipino and Guam community. END
