The UP Center for International Studies (UPCIS) warmly congratulates the ๐ก๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ต๐ถ๐น๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ (๐ก๐๐ฃ) and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines ๅจใใฃใชใใณๆฅๆฌๅฝๅคงไฝฟ้คจ on the resounding success of “๐ ๐ณ๐ฌ-๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐ข๐ฝ๐๐: ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฃ๐ต๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐โ๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐,” held on June 24, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire.
In its historic first performance in Manila, the New Japan Philharmonic, under the masterful direction of ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ป๐ฎ ๐ง๐ฒ๐๐๐๐ท๐ถ and featuring the acclaimed violinist ๐ ๐. ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐ผ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ธ๐ผ, captivated the audience with magnificent renditions of Tchaikovsky and Beethoven. More than a display of extraordinary musical excellence, the concert was an evening that touched the heart. The orchestra performed with breathtaking precision and remarkable unity, while Ms. Kamio’s mesmerizing artistry on her Stradivarius brought every phrase to life with warmth, grace, and emotion.
The inspired fusion of “Anak” and “Sarung Banggi” was one of the evening’s most beautiful moments, while the unexpected Voltes V encore brought the entire hall to life with a joyful wave of nostalgia. The audience responded with enthusiasm, laughter, and heartfelt applause, making it clear that the music had found its way into every heart.
The evening was a beautiful celebration of friendship, shared heritage, and the universal language of music. It reminded everyone present that music has the power to transcend borders, connect cultures, and create lasting memories.UPCIS likewise expresses its sincere gratitude to the Embassy of Japan, under the leadership of ๐๐บ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฎ, for the gracious invitation to this memorable celebration of the enduring friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
Representing UPCIS at the concert were soprano and faculty affiliate Ms. Rica Nepomuceno, East and Southeast Asian Studies Coordinator Prof. Amparo Adelina Umali III, former UPCIS Director Dr. Cynthia Neri Zayas, and UPCIS staff members: Jianna de Celis, Nadeen Caasi, and Genevieve Avila. It was truly an unforgettable evening, and we look forward to welcoming the New Japan Philharmonic back to the Philippines in the future.
