ENSEMBLE 2025: When A Dream Becomes A Legacy

By: Regina Villanueva

There’s a fundamental question people have asked for centuries: “Why do we enjoy music? While some argue that music is merely a collection of pleasing sounds, this explanation often falls short. What allows us to connect so deeply with these notes? That we can feel it resonate in our bones and hearts with just that first beat? The Center for Music-Chorale (CFM-C) and Center for Music-Instrumentalist (CFM-I)’s ENSEMBLE 2025: Hiraya Manawari! answers this question for us. It’s title is driven from the ancient Tagalog term that figuratively means “reach your dreams.”

The event began with an opening prayer, “Awit ng Paghahangaad,” sung by Mica Mapas (CFM-C Secretary) and accompanied by Sam Mendiola (CFM-C PRO-External) on piano. CFM-I President Juls Buted captured the essence of the event, stating in their opening remarks, “Music doesn’t just take you anywhere; it brings you everywhere.” This sentiment is vividly illustrated by our emcees, Dakila (Luntian Santillan) and Mahalia (Mara Galvez).

The question of why music is so important to us is the idea that the program is based on. The audience watched as Dakila and Mahalia, two archaeologists, competed for glory and recognition in their quest for a legendary musical score hidden in a temple, said to grant its owner the greatest treasure known to man. In order to uncover this score, they must navigate a mythical forest filled with hidden musical notes. We follow them on their journey for these notes as we explore through the performances of the Center for Music classes, beginning with the event’s jingle, “Hiraya Manawari,” performed by the ENSEMBLE 2025 Jingle and Publicity teams.

The Center for Music classes and the pieces performed are as follows:

• Percussion (taught by Mr. Kent Capistrano) — “Cowbell Groove” by Wronzi
• Percussion & Paulinian Chamber Orchestra (taught by Mr. Kent Capistrano) — “Jupiter” by Gustav Holst, “The Imperial March” by John Williams,
• Paulinian Chamber Orchestra (taught by Mr. Kent Capistrano) — “Arrival of the Birds” by The Cinematic Orchestra
• Piano Beginner (taught by Ms. Monna Niere) — Pasilyo by Sunkissed Lola
• Chorale 1 (taught by Ms. Judith Dela Paz) — Akin Ka Nalang by The Itchyworms, Nahuhulog Na Sa’yo by Noah Alejandre
• Vox Paul (taught by Ms. Judith Dela Paz) — When I Met You by Apo Hiking Society, Tingin by Cup of Joe
• Guitar 1 (taught by Mr. Jonathan Gonzalez) — Di Na Muli by the Itchyworms, Tindahan ni Aling Nena by Eraserheads, Africa by Toto
• Guitar 2 (taught by Mr. Jerome Agbulos) — Sundo by Imago Panalangin by Apo Hiking Society
• Chorale 2 (taught by Mr. Edgar Sampang) — With a Smile by Eraserheads, Tuloy Pa Rin by Neocolours
• Piano Inter-Advanced (taught by Mrs. Maureen Doblon) — Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, Pinoy Ako by Orange and Lemons
• SPCP Chorale (taught by Mrs. Sheila Fetalvero) — Orasyon by Ian Gabriel T. Corpuz (from their NAMCYA performance, which won them the championship under the Equal Voice category), Kapag Tumibok ang Puso by Donna Cruz
• CFM Seniors 2025 (led by Mr. Edgar Sampang) — Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko by Cup of Joe

From OPM classics to traditional Filipino music, this year’s selections paid a heartfelt tribute to the Philippines’ musical heritage and history. Many of the pieces are instrumental versions of Filipino classics such as “Akin Ka Nalang” and “With a Smile.” In almost every instrumental performance, a subtle hum emerged from the audience — soft yet unmistakable. If you listen closely, you can hear various people singing along to the performance.

This phenomenon echoes the story told by our emcees. By the program’s end, Dakila and Mahalia realize that the true treasure is the connection with those around us. CFM-C President Zel Lovendino emphasized in her closing remarks that music serves as a universal language, uniting people. Music transcends words and language barriers. They encourage us to support musicians in pursuing their dreams, highlighting the power of music to bring us together.

As the curtain fell on this year’s ENSEMBLE, marked by a closing prayer performed by Purple Quintos (CFM-C Vice President) and Azriela Perez (CFM-C Treasurer), we see why ENSEMBLE is cherished as a celebration of music in the St. Paul community. The event concluded with the classes, production team, and core officers taking the stage, greeted by applause as they bow in appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Before and after every performance, every time someone takes the stage– there’s a symphony of different people screaming “I love you,” followed by the name of their loved one. It’s a mix of both family and friends shouting in admiration and support. While “I love you” is the most common, they’ll sometimes shout “Let’s go!” or “I’m proud of you.”

ENSEMBLE 2025: Hiraya Manawari! tells us why people love music. It brings us together, uniting us despite our differences, speaking to our hearts without the need for words. Love is woven into every aspect of the show, the sound of it resonating in each note. We love music and we love those who perform this art– the passion that brought these performances to life will remain as the center’s shining legacy.