PH EMBASSY CELEBRATES LINGGO NG MUSIKANG PILIPINO 2026

28 July 2026, Cairo — The Philippine Embassy in Cairo marked the 2026 Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (Philippine Music Week) with a cultural program entitled “A Celebration of Filipino Music – From Harana to Kundiman to OPM”. This is in line with this year’s theme, “Musika at Himig Natin: Tradisyon, Industriya, at Bagong Tinig” (“Our Music and Melody: Tradition, Industry, and New Voices”). The celebration highlights the preservation of traditional Filipino musical forms, the growth of the local music industry, and the emergence of new voices shaping national identity.

Ambassador Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil delivered the opening remarks, warmly welcoming distinguished guests and representatives from Al-Azhar University, Cairo Opera House, locals and members of the Filipino community in Egypt. She underscored the significance of Philippine Music Week which is observed annually during the last week of July pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 933 (s. 2014). Ambassador Aviquivil also emphasized the role of music in bridging cultures and strengthening the 80 years of friendship between the Philippines and Egypt.

The program featured a video lecture by Mr. Florante Aguilar (https://www.youtube.com/FloranteAguilarGuitar), an internationally recognized Filipino composer and performer who has championed Philippine music through film, recordings, and live performances. His lecture provided insights into the beauty and distinction between harana (serenade) and kundiman (traditional love songs).

The celebration continued with live performances by members of the Filipino community in Cairo. The Six O’clock Ensemble, led by Mr. Antonio Carreon, Jr., performed beloved Filipino classics including “Dungawin Mo Hirang”, “Ikaw ang Ligaya Ko”, “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal”, and “Pag-ibig Mo’t Pag-ibig Ko”. Ensemble member Ms. Hermie Hashiguchi also sang “Harana” by Parokya ni Edgar. Solo performances included Ms. Maribel S. Bacay, who sang “Bayan Ko” and “Ikaw”, and Ms. Kim Sowter, who closed the program with stirring renditions of “Maalaala Mo Kaya”, “Tanging Mahal”, and “Pangako”.

To ensure accessibility and appreciation among Egyptian counterparts, non-Filipino guests were provided with pamphlets containing song details and Arabic translations of the lyrics.

Through this event, the Embassy showcased the richness of Filipino musical heritage from the timeless traditions of harana and kundiman to the evolution of Original Pinoy Music (OPM), underscoring the enduring role of music in cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchange. END

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/345961_0c389f1562b244948bf3d7a08b55a0ee/720p/mp4/file.mp4