Showcasing Kapampangan music through a concert titled “Singsing,” the HAU Chorale and Orchestra performed at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre on October 29.
In collaboration with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the event also marked the NHCP’s 92nd founding anniversary and the observance of 2025 as the Year of the Youth in the Philippines.
Led and arranged by Mr. Edwin Lumanug, the HAU Orchestra and Chorale opened the program with a series of Kapampangan musical pieces representing the province’s cultural and artistic heritage.
The first set featured “Ing Mangaibugan,” “Tucnang Na Ca Ining Sinta,” “Ing Singsing Kung Mana,” “Iniang Malati Ku,” and “Maring, Mareng.”
“Atin Ku Pung Singsing,” “Aro! Katimyas Na,” “Atsing Rosing,” “Abac a Maranun,” “Kanyaman Lulugud,” “Cauran,” and “Lugud ning Indu” were featured in the concert’s second set.
A Kapampangan medley concluded the concert, followed by encore performances of “Masaya Ya Ing Pasku” and “Ing Pangalinging Ku.”
In attendance at the concert were HAU President Mr. Leopoldo Jaime Valdes, Jose “Ping,” De Jesus, Gerry Nepomuceno, Peter Nepomuceno, and former Senator Joey Lina, alongside others.
In an interview with Mr. Valdez, he cited the talent showcase of the university’s musician-scholars as the event’s primary importance — noting their efforts amid the end of final examinations and the beginning of the enrollment period for the second semester.
“It’s very significant ngayon dahil — can you imagine, katatapos pa lang ng final exam tapos nag-eenroll sila, and so they have to squeeze — and nagkaroon pa ako ng event — and so they have to squeeze their rehearsal in only, I think, two days. So medyo it’s very challenging for them as students and at the same time as performers. I’m looking forward to this because I know that they have done very well in the past,” the university president said.
Several individuals and institutions were also recognized by the NHCP for their efforts to cultural preservation and public service during the same event.
