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A Philippine Treasure: Remembering Chino Bolipata

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Today, we say goodbye to Chino Bolipata—a Philippine gem, a real treasure whose life was a testament to the power of music and the depth of human expression. Chino was not just a musician. He was a storyteller. In his hands, his instrument was never just wood and strings—it became a voice. A voice that spoke of longing, of joy, of struggle, and of hope. He had the rare ability to make us understand something beyond words, something deeper than language itself. At his peak, the world took notice. Audiences across countries listened, admired, and applauded. And when someone like Yo-Yo Ma recognizes your artistry, it only confirms what we already knew—Chino was truly exceptional. In fact, there was a time when his path seemed destined for the very highest stages of the world. As early as 1976, while still a student at the Curtis Institute of Music, he performed Rococo Variations with the Philadelphia Orchestra. His performance drew praise from critics, who saw in him not just talent, but ...
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The Enduring Partnership of Dr. Raul Sunico and Rowena Arrieta

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I am deeply grateful to  Musika Pilipinas  for presenting two exceptional musical offerings:  R & R: duo (2024)  featuring Dr. Raul Sunico and Rowena Arrieta, and Dr. Sunico’s magnificent concerto performance with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (2025).  These events were not just celebrations of individual brilliance—they were affirmations of the richness of our national identity, embodied through  music. The beauty of the Filipino soul was made audible through every note, especially in Raul Sunico’s heartfelt interpretations and masterful arrangements of works by Filipino composers. In those moments, I was reminded of the power of music not just to move an audience—but to uplift a nation. When Friendship Struck the First Chord “I remember asking for his autograph. He asked me how much I practice- I told him I can clock 10 hours a day sometimes.” - Rowena Arrieta  The first meeting between Rowena Arrieta and Raul Sunico may seem like a simple moment...
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A Legacy Rekindled: Dean Chua and Dr. Sunico in Service of Filipino Music

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RAUL SUNICO AT ANG MSO: Gabi ng Piyano  Konsyertong Pilipino Opening Remarks by: Dean Sandy Iñigo Chua (February 6, 2025) “The rich and complex history of Filipino music is an integral part of our national identity, yet much of it remains unexplored, underperformed, or inaccessible to wider audiences. MusikaPilipinas, a research project supported by the National Research Council of the Philippines and the University of Santo Tomas, has taken on the vital mission of systematically retrieving, preserving, and disseminating our musical heritage. This initiative ensures that historically significant works, alongside contemporary compositions, are meticulously documented, performed, and studied. Beyond the stage, this effort encompasses rigorous archival research, the publication of critical editions, and sustained collaboration with artists, scholars, and institutions. Together, these endeavors aim to build a more comprehensive and accessible repository of Filipino music, one...
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What Vatican II Really Said About Liturgical Music

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  Vatican II and Liturgical Music: Tradition, Participation, and a Call for Respectful Dialogue I. Understanding Vatican II as a Whole The  Second Vatican Council  (1962–1965), known as  Vatican II , was one of the most significant events in the modern Catholic Church. Convened by  Pope John XXIII  and concluded under  Pope Paul VI , its aim was to address how the Church could engage more deeply with the changing world, renew its internal life, and make the message of the Gospel more accessible and alive for the faithful. The Council produced  16 documents , including four major constitutions, that addressed doctrine, the nature of the Church, the role of the laity, religious freedom, and the renewal of liturgical worship. One of the most influential of these is the  Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy ,  Sacrosanctum Concilium —the document that guided the Church’s liturgical reform. II. Vatican II on Music in the Liturgy In  Sacros...
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Raul Sunico: In the Eyes of a Fellow Master – Dr. Herminigildo Ranera on a Life of Excellence, Humility, and Legacy

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“ He  was offered a hotel, but he declined. Instead, he found an empty spot in the kitchen and slept there on the floor....  Just to be near the students. That’s Raul—no complaints, no airs. That simple gesture told us everything about his heart.” — Dr. Herminigildo Ranera More Than a Virtuoso: A Life Woven Into Music and Service In every era, there are artists who shine—and there are artists who shape the era itself. For Dr. Herminigildo “Hermie” Ranera, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra resident  conductor, composer, and professor at the UST Conservatory of Music, few names loom larger than Dr. Raul Sunico. But in their decades of friendship and collaboration, the Maestro was never just a figure of prestige. He was a constant, a compass, and in many ways, a quiet revolution. “He’s my boss in every chapter of my life,” Ranera begins with a chuckle. “At UST, at CCP, at St. Paul University. We always end up working together. Sometimes I ask, is he following me or am I ...
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