The Philippine Embassy and ASEF mark Philippine Music Week with an intimate chamber performance celebrating Filipino talent.
SINGAPORE — The Philippine Embassy in Singapore, in partnership with the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), held An Afternoon Concertino featuring the Mecosono Chamber Orchestra on 25 July 2025 at the ASEF Headquarters in Singapore.
The special concert formed part of the celebration of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (Philippine Music Week) and a post-commemoration of Philippine Culture Consciousness Week, both observed annually in July.
Welcoming over 40 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, the Filipino community, and cultural partners, the event opened with remarks by ASEF Deputy Executive Director Mr Zhang Lei, followed by a keynote message from Philippine Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig. Ambassador Macaraig highlighted the important role of music in shaping Filipino identity and advancing cultural diplomacy. He also delighted the audience with a performance of two Spanish songs accompanied by the orchestra — a nod to the host institution’s cross-cultural mission.
Founded in 2018 under the leadership of Executive Director Mr Carlo Florendo, the Mecosono Chamber Orchestra is composed of young musicians from the province of Rizal. The ensemble’s name combines “MECO” (Metro East Chamber Orchestra) and sono — the Latin word for “sound”.
The orchestra’s members — Mary Charlize Gozum (Flute/Vocals); Maxine Mary Vianney Gozum (Saxophone/Vocals); Jemely Apayo (Clarinet); Karl Raphael Chaves (Violin); Dane Grant Perpetua (Viola); Irish Glenn Portugal (Cello); and Rhon Dave San Diego (Contrabass) — alongside Mr Florendo on keyboard, captivated guests with a 90-minute programme. The repertoire ranged from classical and jazz to Latin American tango and Original Pilipino Music (OPM). The performance closed with a moving rendition of “Home” by Singaporean artists Dick Lee and Kit Chan, paying tribute to Singapore’s upcoming SG60 milestone.
The event highlights the growing contributions of Filipinos to Singapore’s performing arts landscape and reflects the Embassy’s continued commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding through music and the arts. The Embassy expressed its appreciation to Mecosono for showcasing Filipino talent and encouraged the Filipino community in Singapore to continue championing OPM and local artists.
