The Enduring Partnership of Dr. Raul Sunico and Rowena Arrieta
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...