PH Christmas Concert in Minato Brings Joy and Cheer To Filipino and Local Communities
World-renowned Filipino mixed choral ensemble, the University of Santo Tomas Singers, topbilled the Philippine Christmas Concert organized by the Philippine Embassy in Japan, in cooperation with Minato City, on 02 December 2025 at the Akasaka Civic Center in Minato City, Tokyo.
TOKYO, 11 December 2025 – To welcome the Christmas season, the Philippine Embassy in Japan, in partnership with Minato City, organized the annual Philippine Christmas Concert on 02 December 2025 at the Akasaka Civic Center in Minato City, Tokyo.
“Now on its third year, the Philippine Embassy, in cooperation with the Minato City Government and the residents of Minato, brings to the audience the Filipino Christmas spirit and Philippine culture through the Christmas concert featuring Filipino and international Christmas carols, as well as well-loved songs for adults and children alike. We hope that the audience will experience the joy of Christmas and yuletide cheer, and the spirit of goodwill and camaraderie, through this event,” said Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano during her remarks at the concert.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano during her remarks ushering in the opening of the Philippine Christmas Concert.
The event was top-billed by the world-renowned University of Santo Tomas Singers (UST Singers), led by conductor Fidel G. Calalang, Jr. The UST Singers serenaded the audience with a repertoire of original Filipino music, as well as Japanese and international hits.
Japan-based Filipino artists Beverly and Ron Bautista, along with performing groups Syncho and Himig Koenji Music Ministry, completed the concert lineup of performances, with their renditions of Filipino pop songs, Disney classics, and Christmas songs.
Himig Koenji Music Ministry, a Minato-based Filipino Community choir, sang well-loved Christmas carols.
Syncho, a group of Filipino working professionals based in Japan. Composed of Filipino working professionals Roanne Fernandez, RD Fernandez, Alex Alano and Sarce L Junior, performed a medley of all-original Filipino music.
Mr. Ron Bautista, a Japan-based Filipino vocalist, sang the Japanese hit song, Sukiyaki, during the Philippine Christmas Concert.
Japan-based Filipino recording artist, Beverly, performed her original song, “Xmas With You”, during the Philippine Christmas Concert.
Hosted by Filipino vocal artist, Mr. Brahm Pascual, the Philippine Christmas Concert was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, Japanese government officials, civic organizations, and the Filipino and local communities.
The UST Singers returned to Japan this year following their very successful Christmas concert also at the Akasaka Civic Center in 2024. Founded in 1992 by Professor Calalang, the group has won numerous awards in international competitions, including the Luciano Pavarotti “Choir of the World” Trophy in Wales – making history as the first Asian group to receive the distinction, and most recently, the 13th City of Derry International Choir Festival in Northern Ireland.
While in Japan, the group held a series of performances at the Philippine Festival on 30 November 2025, and at the Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal and the Thank You event of the Christmas Around the World celebration on 01 December 2025.
