MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), along with the Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office and in partnership with the Municipal Government of Sapian, brought Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) 2024 to Capiz. This marked the first time the LMP celebration was held outside Metro Manila, coinciding with Sapian’s Tilibyugan Festival. The grand celebration, “Gab-I sang Maragtas sa Tilibyugan 2024,” showcased KAIA, local talents, and an excerpt of Panay Bukidnon Sugidanon and komposo. The event was held at the Sapian Public Plaza, Sapian, Capiz, and enjoyed by both the crowds and online viewers via the NCCA Official Facebook page.
The main featured artist, KAIA, hit the stage with their pre-debut single “Kaya” and performed “Dalawa,” “5678,” and their latest single, “You Did It,” impressing the audience.
The province proudly presented and celebrated the music of their local artists, including Kristel Paras, a former member (soprano) of the CapSU Main Chorale (Golden Diploma Level IV Awardee at the World Choir Games 2023); Arnel Heremias; Rene Valencia; Pan-ayanon Bukidnon Indigenous Peoples Community; Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion Chorale, which received the Golden Diploma Level IV Award at the World Choir Games 2024; Cuartero NHS Taliamba Ensemble, awardee of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) in Culture, Arts, and Heritage; and Dagway Sigmahanon, Inc., awardee for Galing Pook for Trailblazing Program.
The Bugal sang Capiz: Search for Capiz Singing Ambassador grand winners from different years also delivered performances by Peter Jhon Acebuque (2020), John Pimentel (2021), and Mark Pieza (2024). Multi-medalists at the World Championship of Performing Arts, Gino Paulo Buizon, Maybelle Villan, and Mary Humbeline Horneja also showcased their local culture and music.
Officials and representatives from the NCCA and LGUs shared their insights, including Hon. Jose Oñas Villanueva, Mayor of Sapian, Capiz, and Alphonsus D. Tesoro, Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer. Jose “Joey” Soliman Jr., Vice Head of the Committee on Music of NCCA, delivered a message from Arvin Villalon, Commissioner of the Subcommission on Arts: “We fail to promote what is our own Filipino music. This is the reason why we have Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino celebrated every week at the end of July. Philippine music is alive. It continues to be our expression of relationships, values, and markers of celebrations.”
LMP Artist Talk, which was held at the Filamer Christian University Roblee Hall on June 26, was an enriching discussion with music professionals together with Jose “Joey” Soliman Jr., as the resource speaker Arvin Manuel Villalon, and Robert Delgado, choral conductor and arranger.
