UPAA-W Voices Elevate the First Dedicated Filipino Stage at Make Music Madison 2026

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin (UPAA-W) Choir made history on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Garner Park (333 S. Rosa Rd., Madison, Wisconsin), delivering a deeply moving performance at the recently concluded Make Music Madison festival.

Hosted and organized by PAMANA (Philippine-American Association of Madison and Neighboring Areas), this year’s event marked a monumental milestone: the festival’s first-ever stage dedicated exclusively to Filipino music.

Originating in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, Make Music Day is a global summer solstice celebration spanning more than 1,000 cities worldwide. Madison joined the tradition in 2013, but 2026 will be remembered as the year Filipino music took center stage in a historic way. As the second act of the day, the UPAA-W Choir delivered a soulful and carefully curated performance that earned enthusiastic praise from the audience.

Performance Highlights

Meet the Ensemble

Sopranos

• Maye Berroya
• Lot Dela Cruz
• Nellie Ann Garcia (Choir Director)

Altos

• Elsa Clemente
• Fe Visaya

Tenors

• Norie Dela Cruz (Special Participant)
• Omar Dumdum (Pianist)
• Linus Santo Tomas (Guitarist)

Bass

• Beaver Flores

The success of the performance relied on the immense dedication of our talented choral members and musicians.

The Repertoire: A Journey of OPM and Classics

The performance showcased an exquisite blend of traditional Filipino classics, contemporary Original Pilipino Music (OPM), and beloved choral works.

Opening Number

Tenor Linus Santo Tomas set a powerful tone, opening the program with solo guitar and vocals on ASIN’s iconic folk-rock anthem, “Balita.”

Choral Favorites

The full choir followed with heartfelt renditions of:

• “Payapang Daigdig”
• “Bayan Ko”
• “Jocelynang Baliwag” — featuring a stirring bass solo by Beaver Flores, accompanied by Linus Santo Tomas on guitar
• “Ugoy ng Duyan”

Contemporary Selections and Duets

Transitioning seamlessly into contemporary repertoire, the ensemble performed:

• “Seasons of Love”
• “Ikaw Lamang”

A standout moment came with a powerful tenor duet of Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak,” performed by Linus Santo Tomas and special participant Norie Dela Cruz, with guitar accompaniment by Linus.

Lyrical Solos

The audience was treated to expressive renditions of:

• “Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran”

These performances featured a brilliant solo by Nellie Ann Garcia, accompanied by Omar Dumdum on piano.

Grand Finale

The concert concluded on a joyful and celebratory note with a full-choir rendition of Ryan Cayabyab’s timeless anthem:

“Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika.”

A Bittersweet Farewell

While the day was filled with joy and community pride, it also carried a bittersweet moment.

This historic performance marked the final curtain call for Choir Director Nellie Ann Garcia, who will soon be relocating to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Nellie Ann Garcia, Choir Director

The UPAA-W community extends its deepest gratitude to Nellie for her years of musical leadership, artistry, dedication, and heart. She will be profoundly missed, but her legacy will remain woven into the fabric of the choir for years to come.

Deepest Thanks

We extend our warmest thanks to PAMANA for their incredible hospitality and for hosting a stage that allowed Filipino culture to shine so brightly.

Most of all, thank you to the wonderful audience whose active participation and warm applause made the day unforgettable. Everyone walked away with full hearts, reminded once again of just how beautiful our music truly is.

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Image Source

📷 Photo gallery and event images: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19kzdHV48z

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