Philippine Embassy Hails PH School-based Choir’s Performance in Tokyo Competition
mbassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (seated, middle) with the De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) Chorale, choirmaster Mr. Michael Kenneth Fabian (seated, leftmost), and Director Gerry Montes during the Chorale’s visit in the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan on 29 July 2025.
TOKYO, 1 August 2025 – In celebration of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino or Filipino Music Week this July, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano warmly welcomed the De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) Chorale, led by its choirmaster, Mr. Michael Kenneth Fabian, at the Chancery on 29 July 2025. The Ambassador commended the group for its award-winning performance at the 7th Tokyo International Competition (TICC) held on 25-27 July 2025 at the Dai-ichi Seimei Hall in Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan.
“I am very proud of the DLSZ Chorale for bringing honor to the Philippines at the 7th Tokyo International Choir Competition. Your remarkable performance not only showcased Filipino talent on the global stage but also reflected the vibrant cultural and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Japan. The Philippine Embassy is pleased and honored to support such cultural and artistic exchanges,” said Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano in her remarks.
The DLSZ Chorale won two gold prize awards in the under-18 Children’s Category and Folklore Category, during its inaugural participation in the TICC.
The 46-member choral group wowed attendees, and also won 3rd place and the Audience Award in the Folklore Category.
The chorale members, who were accompanied by their parents and officials from DLSZ, also rendered well-loved Filipino songs during their courtesy call on the Ambassador.
Founded in 1995, the DLSZ Chorale is composed of 5th- to 12th-grade students from the school’s Alabang and Vermosa campuses. In 2024, the group won two gold medals in the 1st Thailand International Choral Festival in both the Children’s Choir and Folklore Categories.
Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano congratulated the De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) Chorale for its award-winning performance at the 7th Tokyo International Competition (TICC) held on 25-27 July 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.
De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) Chorale gave a special performance for Embassy personnel and supporters at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan on 29 July 2025.
