Kundiman Fills Barcelona's Historic Iglesia de Santa Ana in Tribute to Philippine Culture and Friendship

Mr. Alojado and Mr. Alfaras render Kundiman classics

BARCELONA 26 June  2025 — Filipino artistry took the spotlight at the historic Iglesia de Santa Ana, one of Barcelona’s oldest churches, as Catalonia-based Filipino tenors Romel Leo Alojado  and Joseph Romeo Alfaras  delivered a moving performance of beloved Filipino Kundiman classics. 

The concert, titled "Del Metro a l’Església" (From the Metro Subway to the Church), drew over a hundred guests for an unforgettable evening of music and cultural pride.   The concert opened with a warm welcome from Parish Priest Fr. Peio Sánchez Rodríguez, who lauded the cultural significance of the event.

Mr. Alojado, a licensed chemical engineer and seasoned chorister, has performed extensively in both the Philippines and Spain, including with the Coro Teatro Principal de Alicante. Mr. Alfaras, a Latin honors graduate of the University of San Agustin’s Conservatory of Music and a sought-after collaborative pianist, pursued advanced musical training at the Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Teruel and has performed widely across Europe.

Mr. Alojado, accompanied by Mr. Alfaras on the piano, captivated the audience with renditions of iconic Filipino pieces such as “Ugoy ng Duyan”, “Pinalangga”, “Ang Maya”, and “Mutya ng Pasig”, receiving enthusiastic ovations from a predominantly Spanish audience. They were joined by the church’s resident all-Filipino choir, Cor Francesc de Barcelona, in a program that paid tribute to celebrated Filipino composers including Francisco Santiago, Nicanor Abelardo, and Lucio San Pedro, among others.

“It was a very proud moment for us as our music, Kundiman, deeply moved the Spanish audience,” shared Mr. Alojado  after the performance. “The concert showed how powerful music can be, as it transcends language and touches hearts.” Mr. Alfaras added, “We want to show that Filipinos are not just hardworking, but also talented and versatile in the field of art and music.”

The concert concluded with warm exchanges between Filipino performers and Spanish guests, reflecting a growing appreciation for Philippine culture and music. These interactions demonstrated the power of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties and highlighted how music continues to bridge communities, celebrate shared histories in consonance with the theme of Kundiman, and at the same time reinforce the commemoration of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day this month. END

Cor Francesc de Barcelona sings sacred choral music

For more information, visit https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/.