Young Filipino Violinist Gives Special Performance at Philippine Embassy
Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus (center) welcomed young Filipino violinist, Mr. Willie Munar (2nd from right) during the latter’s courtesy call on 26 August 2025. Also present were Ms. Kate Henry (2nd from left) who provided the piano accompaniment during Mr. Munar’s special performance. He was accompanied by his parents, Mr. Mark and Mrs. Azenith Munar.
TOKYO, 29 August 2025 – Mr. Willie Munar, a young Filipino violinist based in Qatar, displayed his musical talent in a special performance at the Philippine Embassy in Japan during his courtesy call on 26 August 2025.
“Every note you play is a note of pride for us Filipinos. We hope that you will continue to pursue your artistic endeavors and further promote Filipino artistry on the world stage,” said Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus on behalf of Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano.
Mr. Munar gave moving renditions of Filipino classics “Bayan Ko” and “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal”. Japan-based pianist, Ms. Kate Henry, provided the musical accompaniment during the performance. Also present were the parents of Mr. Munar, Mr. Mark and Mrs. Azenith Munar.
Mr. Willie Munar during his special performance at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.
Initially a self-taught violinist, Mr. Munar’s perseverance paid off when he emerged as a Junior String prize awardee during the 2024 iteration of the prestigious National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in the Philippines.
Mr. Munar, along with two other Filipino violinists, Mr. Cedie Nuñez and Mr. Gavril Yaselle Tiburcio, are the Philippine representatives to the 2025 Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) which is currently on a multi-city tour in August 2025, with performances in Japan on 23-26 August 2025 in Ibaraki and Tokyo.
Embassy officials, led by Deputy Chief of Mission De Jesus, attended the orchestra’s Tokyo performance to show support for the Filipino performing artists, alongside their fellow musicians from various countries whose collective talent made the evening memorable.
AYO was founded in 1990 by conductors Richard Pontzious and Yehudi Menuhin. It brings together talented young musicians in Asia for a cultural exchange program and concert series, with performances from internationally celebrated artists.
The Asian Youth Orchestra during its performance at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall on 26 August 2025.
