Philippine Embassy in Santiago Celebrates 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, Showcases Musical Talents of All-Filipino Quintet Cor Et Anima
(Left to right) Philip Mabunga, April Sunddie Manalo, Rica Goldyn, Sheem Leem Sanchez, and Melvir Ausente of Cor et Anima performing at the 127th Proclamation of Philippine Independence Day concert. (Santiago PE photo)
SANTIAGO 02 July 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Santiago, on the occasion of the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, organized back-to-back concerts in Santiago on 18-19 June 2025 featuring Cor et Anima, an all-Filipino vocal quintet composed of classically trained artists and former members of the internationally acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers.
The Embassy hosted a diplomatic reception and organized a concert on 18 June 2025 at Teatro Carabineros de Chile.
The concert was attended by more than 300 guests, including Chile’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Alberto van Klaveren Stork, diplomats, Chilean government officials, and members of the academe, the private sector, the Filipino community, and the Chilean public.
In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Chile Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat underscored the shared values between the Philippines and Chile and the growing relationship between the two countries.
“Our two countries remain beacons of democracy in our respective regions. We both uphold and value international law, human rights, support for multilateralism and free trade, and the commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes,” expressed Ambassador Vinzon-Balatbat.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile Alberto van Klaveren highlighted the strengthening relationship between the two countries especially in disaster risk reduction and management and in trade and investment as the Philippines and Chile commenced the negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
“The Philippines is one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia…and we are confident that we will be able to finalize the CEPA signing…this agreement represents a significant step toward consolidating a more robust and strategic relationship,” said Foreign Minister van Klaveren.
Colonel Dario Goldberg, Head of the Historical Museum Department and Cultural Center Carabineros de Chile, described the Philippines as "a cultural mosaic where indigenous, Asian, European, and modern worlds converge." He also highlighted the joyfulness of Filipinos, whose warmth is reflected in their smiles.
To introduce Filipino music to the Chilean public, Cor et Anima serenaded the audience with traditional Filipino songs such as Rosas Pandan, Dahil Sa’Yo (Because of You), and Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas (I Wish There Was No End). The group also sang classical pieces and Spanish musical pieces including Gracias a la vida (Thanks to Life), Duerme Negrito (Sleep, Little Black One), Te quiero (I Love You), and Aquí te amo (Here I Love You) that paid tribute to iconic Chilean personalities, such as Pablo Neruda.
The back-to-back celebrations also commemorated the 164th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, emphasizing Rizal’s contribution in laying the groundwork for the nation’s sovereignty.
The group performed Canto Patriotico de Maria Clara, a song from a poem written by Rizal. The poem is a tribute to Maria Clara and weaves Rizal’s themes of love for one’s country.
The Embassy offered guests flavors from the Philippines prepared by Filipino Chef Miguel Dimatac of Tachi Restaurant and showcased a booth with samples from Luisita Rum and ProFood International Corp.
Guests enjoyed Luisita Rum’s Oro Single Estate Rum and Profood’s dried mangoes and dried guyabano, expressed appreciation for the complementary flavors and unexpected pairing of the liquor and dried fruits.
After the concert, Chilean Aliskair Maestre Carles, a Chilean, remarked, “My soul is filled.”
Lukas Schatzmann, a German attendee, described the event as spectacular, including the music, food, venue, and guests.
When asked about his favorite part of the concert, a Chilean attendee expressed admiration for the quintet's repertoire, praising the group’s commitment to showcasing artistic expressions from diverse cultures.
Emelyn Fabon, a Filipina guest, shared that the experience resonated deeply with her, evoking a sense of nostalgia for her Motherland.
On 19 June 2025, the Embassy, in partnership with the Municipality of Lo Espejo, likewise organized a concert for the Chilean public and students of the Escuela Republica de las Filipinas. The Day 2 concert was attended by over 100 people.
As part of the Embassy’s cultural diplomacy initiatives to foster inclusivity and connect with communities across Santiago, the Embassy chose the municipality of Lo Espejo, whose diverse community presented an opportunity to share the Philippines’s national identity through music.
Mayor Javiera Reyes of the Municipality of Lo Espejo, in her key remarks, welcomed more collaborative events with the Philippine Embassy in the near future.
“The event was dazzling…being able to witness first class artists, and the link with the Filipino community in Chile, allows us to directly access Philippine culture that is fascinating…the show was thrilling and a gift to us who appreciate different cultures,” said another Chilean guest from Lo Espejo. END
Ambassador Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat welcome the diplomatic corps and guests to the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence Day concert. (Photo courtesy of Museo y Centro Cultural Carabineros de Chile)
The Guest of Honor, Foreign Minister of Chile, Alberto van Klaveren, address the audience with his key remarks. (Photo courtesy of Museo y Centro Cultural Carabineros de Chile)
Ambassador Balatbat welcomes Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren during the diplomatic reception. (Photo courtesy of Museo y Centro Cultural Carabineros de Chile)
Ambassador Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat (center) with Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren and Head of the Historical Museum Department and Cultural Center Carabineros de Chile Colonel Dario Goldberg. (Photo courtesy of Museo y Centro Cultural Carabineros de Chile)
Cor et Anima serenade the diplomatic corps and the Chilean public with a repertoire of classic Spanish and Filipino folk songs at Teatro Carabineros (L-R: Philip Mabunga, April Sunddie Manalo, Sheen Leem Sanchez, Rica Goldyn, and Melvir Ausente). (Photo courtesy of Museo y Centro Cultural Carabineros de Chile)
Santiago PE personnel with Cor et Anima members. (Photo courtesy of Museo y Centro Cultural Carabineros de Chile)
Guests savor a selection of Filipino culinary delights, Luisita Rum, and Profood products during the diplomatic reception. (Santiago PE photo)
Ambassador Balatbat share a moment with the Tachi Asian Food team. (Santiago PE photo)
Luisita Rum’s Oro Single Estate Rum. (Santiago PE photo)
Samples from ProFood International Corp. (Santiago PE photo)
Guests sample the Luisita Rum and Profood dried mangoes and guyabano. (Santiago PE photo)
Cor et Anima quintet perform for the community of Lo Espejo (L-R: Melvir Ausente, April Sunddie Manalo, Sheen Leem Sanchez, Rica Goldyn, and Philip Mabunga). (Santiago PE photo)
Ambassador Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat welcome the community of Lo Espejo at the Cor et Anima concert. (Santiago PE photo)
Ambassador Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat and Mayor Javiera Reyes Jara with the student performers from Escuela República de las Filipinas. (Santiago PE photo)
Mayor Javiera Reyes Jara deliver her remarks during the community concert of Cor et Anima. (Santiago PE photo)
Audience in Lo Espejo being serenaded by the Cor et Anima quintet. (Santiago PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.