The University of San Carlos (USC), Classic Orchestra Music Studio (COMS), and SM City Cebu presented the “128th Independence Day Concert: Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas” on June 14, 2026, at the North Wing Atrium of SM City Cebu. This free public concert celebrated Filipino music, culture, and patriotism.
Performers and Musical Direction
The concert brought together the USC Choristers and Alumni, 61 members of Classic Youth Orchestra (CYO), and nine members of 7 Spirit Orchestra. Under the baton of Maestro Roberto G. del Rosario, the event paid tribute to the nation’s history, culture, and identity through Filipino folk songs, regional classics, Original Pilipino Music (OPM), and patriotic anthems.
Program Highlights
The program opened with “Overture on Philippine Folksongs,” arranged by American composer Bernard Green and performed by CYO and 7 Spirit Orchestra. The first segment, “Classic Cebuano Songs,” highlighted Cebu’s musical heritage with performances of Msgr. Rudy Villanueva’s “Cebu Cebu,” “Usahay,” “Rosas Pandan,” “Matud Nila,” “Cebuano Medley,” and “Barkada.” CYO also performed orchestral renditions of Florante’s “Handog” and Nicanor Abelardo’s Cavatina.
The second half focused on OPM, beginning with the theme song “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas” performed by USC Choristers and Alumni. The USC Choristers, one of the country’s oldest university choirs, celebrated its 61st anniversary. Established in 1965, the choir has represented Filipino talent internationally and remains a cultural ambassador for Cebu and the Philippines. They presented works including “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi at Musika,” “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,” “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo,” “Tagumpay Nating Lahat,” “Bagani,” and “Mabuhay Ka Pilipino.”
Anniversary Celebrations
The evening also recognized CYO’s 10th anniversary. Founded by Prof. Reynaldo Abellana, recipient of the Top 10 Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (2019) for Arts and Humanities-Classical Music, CYO made its debut in May 2014 at the Marcelo B. Fernan Press Center in Cebu City. It was officially launched on May 29, 2016, at SM Seaside Centerstage with pianist Dr. Ingrid Sala-Santamaria. Since then, CYO has presented over 100 major performances across the Philippines, including in Bohol, Negros, Leyte, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Surigao, Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite, and Manila.
International Reach and Outreach
CYO members have participated in international orchestral programs in Thailand, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Malta. Recent engagements include the NPO Japan Junior Orchestra 40th Anniversary Concert in Gunma, Japan (2023), the 26th International Junior Orchestra Festival in Saitama, Japan (2024), the 60th Anniversary of the Japan–Malta Bilateral Agreement in Valletta, Malta (2025), and the All-Beethoven Repertoire Concert in Gunma, Japan (2025). CYO also conducts outreach concerts throughout Cebu Province, promoting classical music in schools, churches, and communities.
Joining CYO was the 7 Spirit Orchestra, an initiative of the Japanese non-profit 7 Spirit that supports music education and youth empowerment in Cebu. Their collaboration highlighted music’s power to foster friendship and cultural exchange.
Grand Finale
The concert concluded with a grand finale featuring “Bayan Ko” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal,” performed by all participants. The finale brought performers and audience together in a moving expression of gratitude, unity, and love for the nation.
