PH-Laos Cultural Exchange and Collaboration in Action at Masterclass and Concert in Vientiane
The Nightingales and Lao artists of the Lao National Art Ensemble perform a collaborative rendition of the Lao Song, Yen Sabai Sao Na. (Vientiane PE photo)
VIENTIANE 03 July 2025 — In celebration of the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence and the 70th anniversary of the Philippines-Lao PDR diplomatic relations, the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the Lao PDR organized a back-to-back Masterclass on the Vocal Music of the Philippines and Concert on 25-26 June 2025.
In his remarks, Third Secretary Jorge Philippe Arjona on behalf of the Embassy highlighted that the events foster meaningful exchange between the Philippines and Laos and that when people work together, tasks become lighter and easier, reflecting the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and the Lao PDR. This has also inspired the title of the concert, “Sabai-Sabay,” as “Sabai” in Lao means easy or relaxed, while “Sabay” in Filipino means together.
The Masterclass on Vocal Music of the Philippines with The Nightingales, a soprano duo from the Philippines, drew participants including students and teachers from the Lao National College of Arts, artists from the Lao National Art Ensemble and members of the Filipino community in Laos.
During the Masterclass, The Nightingales delivered a presentation on the rich history and development of Philippine vocal music—from its early roots before the 16th century to its modern expressions. They also shared insights into the distinct characteristics of various Filipino vocal folk music, shaped by the Philippines' archipelagic geography and culturally diverse communities, and as a reflection of and means of preserving the Philippines’ cultural heritage. A workshop focused on proper singing techniques, including vocal exercises and warm-up routines, was conducted after the presentation. The Nightingales likewise delighted the participants with their rendition of the songs, “Never Enough” and “Iduyan Mo.”
Continuing the milestone commemoration, the Philippine Embassy subsequently hosted the Sabai-Sabay Concert, which featured The Nightingales and artists from the Lao National Art Ensemble.
For the opening act, Filipino teacher and singer Mr. Darwin Donque rendered “Kay Ganda ng Pilipinas” (How Beautiful is the Philippines). Meanwhile, Ms. Lodchana Anoulack, a singer of the Lao National Art Ensemble, sang “Laos is Really Beautiful”. Both songs highlight the beauty and scenic attractions of the Philippines and the Lao PDR, respectively.
The Nightingales performed a medley of Philippine folk songs representing some of the Philippines’ ethno-linguistic groups, which included O Naraniag A Bulan (Ilocano), Malinac Lay Labi (Pangasinense), Atin Cu Pung Singsing (Kapampangan), Sarong Banggi (Bikol), Dandansoy (Hiligaynon), Lawiswis Kawayan (Waray), Pobreng Alindahaw (Cebuano), and Paru Parong Bukid (Tagalog).
The Lao National Art Ensemble performed the “Pha Mai Tai Sam,” a dance showcasing the distinct textile patterns of the ethnic communities in Houaphanh, celebrated for their beauty and cultural significance in traditional Lao silk weaving; the classic Filipino love song “Dahil Sa’yo” (Because of You), “Lam Tang Waiy”, a song and dance number reflecting the strong bond of women to boost production toward shared development, and a number by the Proud To Be Lao dancers showcasing Lao traditions and ceremonies handed down through generations and representing Lao unity and pride.
Following the performances by the Lao National Art Ensemble, the Nightingales then rendered classic, popular, and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs namely “Granada,” “Tell Him,” “Shine,” and “Paraiso.” Aside from their catchy melody and dramatic flair, the songs aptly described the Philippines-Lao PDR “shining” moment in bilateral relations, and the Philippines’ championship of the environment in its foreign policy work.
For the finale, both Filipino and Lao artists performed “Yen Sabay Sao Na,” capturing the spirit of unity and shared cultural appreciation.
The concert was graced by Vice Minister Phongsamouth Anlavan of the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attended by over 200 guests including Lao officials, members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations and members of the Filipino community in the Lao PDR.
The Nightingales is a soprano duo of the Philippine Madrigal Singers Company of Artists and has enthralled various audiences in the Philippines and in the world through their unique style of performing a wide-range repertoire of opera arias, Broadway classics, folksongs and even popular standards, all in a unique style of singing - bel canto or beautiful voice.
The Lao National Art Ensemble was established on February 25, 1955, and has now been in existence for 70 years. It operates as an artistic troupe under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. Its primary role is to research and create compositions, songs, music, dances, and other performances for both domestic and international audiences.
The Masterclass and Concert are among the activities being conducted by the Philippine Embassy throughout the year in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Philippines-Lao PDR Diplomatic Relations. These also follow the flag-raising ceremony with members of the Filipino community in Laos held on 14 June at the Embassy’s premises. END
The Nightingales conduct a masterclass on the Vocal Music of the Philippines for Lao students, teachers, and artists and some members of the Filipino community. (Vientiane PE photo)
Participants of the Masterclass on the Vocal Music of the Philippines show their certificates after completing the whole-day masterclass. (Vientiane PE photo)
The Nightingales perform, among others, a medley of popular Filipino folksong during the Sabai-Sabay Concert. (Vientiane PE photo)
Pha Mai Tai Sam, one of the Lao performances, during the Sabai-Sabay Concert. (Vientiane PE photo)
Philippine Ambassador-designate Elizabeth T. Te, Lao officials, and Heads of Missions in the Lao PDR pose with The Nightingales and artists of the Lao National Art Ensemble at the conclusion of the concert. (Vientiane PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.vientianepe.dfa.gov.ph or www.facebook.com/PHinLaoPDR.