The UP Center for International Studies (UPCIS) warmly congratulates the 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 (𝗡𝗝𝗣) and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines 在フィリピン日本国大使館 on the resounding success of “𝗔 𝟳𝟬-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝘂𝘀: 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀–𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁,” 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 𝗠𝗮𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝘁𝘀𝘂𝗷𝗶 and featuring the acclaimed violinist 𝗠𝘀. 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝘂𝗸𝗼, 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 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝘇𝘂𝘆𝗮, 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.