The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) made history with a breathtaking performance at Eluanbi, Taiwan’s southernmost point, where they sang with a direct view of Basco, Batanes in the Philippines. This landmark event, part of their Taiwanihan Awakening: A Musical Journey tour, featured a collaboration with the Taiwanese youth orchestra Strings of Hope and was live streamed to audiences at Batanes State College, symbolizing a cultural bridge between the two nations.
Relive UP Concert Chorus’ historic journey—from winning Gold in Prague to uniting cultures in Taiwan—and witness their musical excellence continue to inspire!
A Musical Bridge Between Taiwan and the Philippines
On January 21, 2025, the UPCC and Strings of Hope came together at the iconic Eluanbi site, performing against the stunning backdrop of the sea, just a bird’s-eye view from the northernmost islands of the Philippines. The UPCC sang their signature piece, Sama-sama Tayo’y Makapaniig (Together We Shall Overcome), arranged by conductor and artistic director Professor Janet Sabas-Aracama, while Strings of Hope performed classics like Canon in D and As the Deer Panteth for the Water.
“This event is a celebration of friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines,” noted the organizers, marking a historic first in choral and orchestral collaboration between the two countries.
Daryl Alva B. Duguran, Dean of International Affairs at Batanes State College, who organized the livestream in Basco, commended the groups for fostering unity through music.
Experience the UP Concert Chorus’ unstoppable musical journey—from winning the Grand Prix in Poland to building cultural bridges in Taiwan—celebrating unity through song!
Taiwanihan: Strengthening Cultural Ties Through Music
From January 14 to 22, 2025, the UPCC’s Taiwanihan Awakening tour featured over 20 performances and two full concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The project, supported by the Konsert Korus Foundation, Inc. and Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association, was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Eing Ming Wu, a visiting professor at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance.
UP Alumni Association (UPAA) President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton, alongside his family, joined the activities to support UPCC’s mission of uplifting communities through transformative music.
WATCH this UP Concert Chorus performance in Taiwan:
Award-winning writer Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. coined the term Taiwanihan—a fusion of “Taiwan” and “Bayanihan,” the Filipino spirit of communal unity. Through their diverse repertoire of folk, classical, and contemporary music, UPCC connected Filipino and Taiwanese communities in an inspiring cultural exchange.
“The power of UPCC’s choral music serves as a tool to touch hearts, not only to plant cultural seeds but also to inspire awareness and action that needs to grow thereafter,” shared Prof. Aracama.
Showcasing Filipino Talent on Taiwan’s Stages
UPCC’s performances resonated throughout Taiwan’s cultural and economic centers, including Kaohsiung City Hall, Formosa MRT Station, Banana Music Hall, China Steel Company, Intelligent Transportation Center, and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office. They also explored the Meinong District, a hub for Hakka cultural development.
Beyond concerts, UPCC members engaged in governance-oriented discussions, setting this tour apart from their 25 previous international goodwill tours. They also visited Filipino communities, participated in the Sinulog Festival, and performed at spiritual and artistic venues such as St. Mary’s Church, St. Joseph Church, Kaohsiung Music Center, and Dadong Arts Center.
The highlight of the tour was a joint concert on January 19 at Chien Chin Presbyterian Church, where UPCC, Strings of Hope, and Taiwan’s Century Voice Choir performed Sama-sama Tayo’y Makapaniig and the beloved Taiwanese song The Moon Represents My Heart.
Here are some snaps from the UPCC journey in Taiwan:
Looking Ahead: UPCC’s Grand Homecoming Concert
After two successful international tours, UPCC is gearing up for its highly anticipated homecoming concert on May 17, 2025, at the UP Institute of Civil Engineering David M. Consunji Theater. Open to the public, this special event will celebrate the group’s achievements and honor Prof. Aracama’s 25th anniversary as their conductor.
Reflecting on the tour’s success, Prof. Aracama emphasized the importance of sustaining this cultural exchange. “It doesn’t matter that it took 63 years to visit our neighbor Taiwan; what’s significant is that we have started this journey. The challenge now is to follow through,” she said. “This is just the beginning. We have been awakened!”
Join UPCC in their upcoming grand homecoming concert and stay updated on future performances by following their official pages. Let’s continue celebrating Filipino excellence in music! Find more Good Show stories here.
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