From Roots to Heights: FEU Bamboo Band Elevates Tradition in ASCEND

One stage. One night. A journey of sound shaped by heritage and lifted by innovation.

The Far Eastern University Center for the Arts (FCA) presents the Far Eastern University Bamboo Band (FBB) in “ASCEND: Reaching New Heights in Music”, a special concert on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the historic FEU Auditorium.

This year’s performance helps celebrate FEU’s 97th founding anniversary and the 76th year of the FEU Auditorium—a dual celebration of legacy and artistic excellence. In honor of these milestones, the FEU Bamboo Band returns to the historic stage with ASCEND, a concert that highlights the limitless potential of bamboo music through a captivating blend of sound, culture, and creativity.

Following the emotional depth of last year’s kundiman-themed concert Ang Tangi Kong Ikaw, the FBB now invites audiences on an expansive musical journey. ASCEND features a richly curated repertoire combining cherished Filipino classics with powerful international pieces—demonstrating how bamboo instruments and Filipino musicality can transcend genres and cultures.

Leading this project is Mr. Norberto Cads, Jr., an accomplished bamboo musician, key member of Banda Kawayan Pilipinas and artistic director of the FBB. Under his guidance, the FBB continues to blend tradition and modernity.

Mr. Norberto Cads

The FEU Bamboo Band is composed of dedicated student artists from across a wide range of disciplines including Nursing, Medical Technology, Psychology, HRM, Tourism, Architecture, Marketing, Business, and Accountancy. Despite not being music majors, these students devote over 12 hours each week to practice, fueled by passion and a shared love for music.

The evening will also feature special performances by the FEU Chorale, the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps (DBC), and guest artists: Mr. Marlexis Del Mundo on the Saxophone and Mr. John Erin Gonzaga on the flute, both former FBB members; and Mr. Jhon Mark Isla on trumpet – a proud FEU alumnus from the Institute of Arts & Sciences Class of 2018, former member of the FEU DBC, and the current Section Head at the FEU Center for the Arts. Each artist brings a distinctive voice to the stage, promising a night of rich musical tapestry.

The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Far Eastern University Bamboo Band or Far Eastern University Center for the Arts on Facebook. You may also drop by the FCA office from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, or call (02) 8849-4145 ext. 310.

Come and ASCEND —a celebration of music without borders.

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The FEU Dance Company takes center stage on March 28 and 29 for their major concert entitled “FRAMES: Elevating the Unseen.”

Following the recent success of the FEU Dance Company (FDC) in World of Dance Philippines 2025 where they placed 2nd and won both the Best Costume and Best Theme categories, the FDC stages their annual major concert in the historic FEU Auditorium on Friday and Saturday, March 28 & 29, 2025 at 6PM.

Using the backdrop of Philippine folk dances and an open style segment choreographed by the FDC’s members and artistic director, Michael Barry Que, FRAMES: Elevating the Unseen presents a collection of stories of FEU’s “unseen” community — the individuals who contribute to the University in one way or another yet remain in the background.

A frame highlights an image, draws attention to its details, and emphasizes its significance. In the concert, frames symbolize the windows through which we witness the narratives of the unseen — those whose efforts remain unrecognized yet are essential to our school’s smooth operations. Through frames, the audience is offered a structured yet intimate view into these stories. More than just a visual element, frames also highlight each performance as a captured moment, a snapshot of truth presented piece by piece, much like a moving gallery of untold experiences. Through this concert, the pieces do not just tell stories; they are curated and framed, allowing them to be seen in their full depth and humanity.

A key goal of the concert is to amplify these stories, enhancing recognition and shedding light on the invaluable social contributions of our school’s unsung heroes—to “elevate” their visibility as an expression of gratitude and empowerment. Through movement, the performance aims to bring life to their stories, honoring and celebrating their essential roles within the community. For this year’s concert, Artistic Director Michael Que highlights that “It’s not about creating perfect pieces, but making honest ones to authentically highlight the stories being told through the language of dance.”

Part I of the concert will feature an array of Philippine Folk Dances under the overall direction of Mr. Que and Zahreen Sadia, the FDC’s Folk Dance Coach. This segment features intricate dances from the Cordillera, Lumad, Muslim, Maria Clara, and Rural suites aiming to showcase, first and foremost, the unseen side of Philippine culture and rarely performed dances that need to be elevated. Part II will feature open style pieces that capture the unseen stories of the FEU Community with choreographies by Xyron Apostol (IAS, 2027), El Bautista (ITHM, 2026), Jaztin Correa (ITHM, 2028), Ronieth Dayao (IE, 2025), Alliana Dionisio (IAS, 2026), Arianne Dumol (IAS, 2027), Johann Jabrica (IAS, 2027), Eadward Lladoc (FIT, 2027), Jaina Noble (IAS, 2028), Tonnie Padayao (IAS, 2026), Akira Padilla (ITHM, 2027), Norberto Martin Pascual (IABF, 2026), Rose Adelaine Perez (IAS, 2026), Radiance Sta. Ana (IAS, 2027), Amadeus Sto. Domingo (IAS, 2026), Joseph Torres (IE, 2027), Caroline Vasquez (IAS, 2027), and Michael Barry Que.

The FDC Alumni are also set to participate with choreographies and staging by Jeffrey Inocencio (IE, 1998) and Julius Quitalig (IAS, 2001).

FRAMES: Elevating the Unseen graces the stage of the FEU Auditorium on the following dates:

- March 28, 2025 (Friday)
- March 29, 2025 (Saturday)

Tickets can be purchased through Ticket2Me and on the FEU Dance Company’s official Facebook page with prices at Php 100 for the FEU Community, Php 200 for those from outside FEU, and Php 300 for the Loge.

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From the field to the concert hall: The FEU Drum and Bugle Corps all set on September 28!

After years of performing primarily in outdoor settings, the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps (DBC) marks a triumphant return to the historic Auditorium of FEU Manila in their upcoming concert entitled “From the Field to the Concert Hall”on September 28, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

This upcoming concert of the FEU DBC will highlight their versatility and growth by showcasing their talents in playing brass and percussion instruments together with the artistic colorguard dance drills in a classical and modern repertoire specially arranged for them.

Each piece in the program was carefully selected by the FEU DBC’s Artistic Director Mr. Kevin Castelo, who graduated from the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University and Mr. Koowie Relevo, an alumnus of the Corps who is now the Assistant Artistic Director.

FEU Drum and Bugle Corps

By bridging traditional field performances and the refined atmosphere of the concert hall, the musical evening will celebrate the FEU DBC’s 89th year-old history. The program will show the dedication and passion of the FEU DBC members who come from various non-music courses within the University. The concert also provides an opportunity for both long-time supporters and new audiences to experience the energy and artistry of the Corps in the historic FEU Auditorium, which served as the Cultural Center of the Philippines during the 1950s and is currently celebrating its 75th year! This concert aims to be a memorable celebration of music and talent, demonstrating the FEU DBC’s ability to captivate and inspire across diverse musical landscapes.

Catch the FEU DBC’s FROM THE FIELD TO THE CONCERT HALL!

Tickets are priced at P100 for the FEU Community, P200 for guests and P300 for VIP seating.

For more information on the concert, please follow or message the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps on their Social Media accounts:

Facebook: FEU Drum and Bugle Corps
Instagram: @feu.dbc

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PUCCINI PA MORE all set on April 20

Vissi d'arte. Vissi d'amore.
"I live for art. I live for love."
- From Giacomo Puccini's Tosca (1900)

Dive into the interesting and somewhat controversial life and works of Giacomo Puccini, regarded as the greatest composer of Italian opera after Giuseppe Verdi.

Learn more about him on the occasion of the centennial of his death from radio host and annotator Joanna Go.

Dr. Renato Lucas, professor, esteemed cellist, and President of the National Music Competition for Young Artists will discuss Puccini and opera in the Philippines.

His Excellency Marco Clemente, Ambassador of Italy to the Philippines will discuss the importance of opera in 21st century society.

Tiffany Liong Gabuya, station manager of DZFE 98.7 FM, the country's only classical radio station will share how to best present opera to a new generation of inquisitive and interested audiences.

Martin Lopez, Senior Director of the FEU Center for the Arts will moderate the informal and engaging panel discussion.

Join us in this conversation commemorating the 100th death anniversary of Puccini on April 20, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the newly renovated University Conference Center (UCC), Far Eastern University, Manila.

Free Admission!

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/xmN4QqzxiL
(First Come, First Served - Limited Slots Only)


Presented by the Embassy of Italy in the Philippines and the FEU Center for the Arts in cooperation with the FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences.

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