Makati City, Philippines – MONCHING CARPIO’s launch of “PLAY FILIPINO” last November 21, 2024 at the YSpace, Yuchengco Museum, was enjoyed with a special live performance from the Metropolitan Guitar Quartet; It was an evening filled with music, art, and the joy of Filipino folk music.
Play Filipino features 18 Filipino folk songs arranged for classical guitar, blending traditional melodies with innovative rhythms and harmonies. Designed for intermediate to advanced players, the book offers a fresh perspective on familiar tunes, encouraging a greater appreciation of Filipino music and its vibrant traditions.
Filipino folk songs in the book are Ako Ay May Lobo, Bahay Kubo, Baleleng, Caturog Na Nonoy, Condansoy, Dandansoy, Ili-ili Tulog Anay, Leron, Leron Sinta, Lubi-lubi, Magtanim Ay ‘Di Biro, Pamulinawen, Paru-parong Bukid, Pen Pen de Sarapen, Sampung Mga Daliri, Si Pilemon, Sitsiritsit, Alibangbang, Tiririt Ng Maya, Tong Tong Pakitong.
About the Artist
The Metropolitan Guitar Quartet (MGQ) formerly formed as an ensemble group known as Metropolitan Guitar Ensemble. The idea started from the collaboration that happened between their schools during the 1st Philippine Guitar Festival 2010 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. This led to the formation of Philippine Guitar Sinfonia in 2013, the first national guitar orchestra in the country. The group has performed in various concerts and events such as Concert at the Park, The Philippine Guitar Festival and Competition, Metropolitan Guitar Ensemble Concert held at St. Scholastica’s College Manila, Pasinaya Festival, Classical Guitar Night at Dusit hotel, PWU Guitar Festival, Guitar Maestro: A Tribute Concert to Maestro Jose Valdez, and Cebu Guitar Festival. The current group consists of graduates from metropolitan conservatory schools, namely Kevin Reyes, Zean Saliendra, Ethan Escaño, and Carl Jaminola.
Filipino guitarist Ramoncito “Monching” Carpio is recognized as one of the leading classical guitarists and pedagogues in the Philippines today. He actively promotes the art of the classical guitar through performances, teaching, and organizing guitar concerts, festivals, and Competitions.
Monching earned his Bachelor of Music at the UP College of Music under the tutelage of Prof. Lester Demetillo and his Master of Music at the Philippine Women’s University.
In 2012, he won 1st Prize at the Asia International Guitar Competition in Thailand and 2nd Prize at the Taiwan International Guitar Competition. Other awards include 1st Prize at the Philippine International Guitar Competition (2011), 3rd Prize at the Singapore International Guitar Competition (2011) and 2nd Prize at the NAMCYA Guitar Category C (2009).
He has performed in numerous concerts across the Philippines and abroad and has served as a jury member in international competitions. He was also a soloist for the Manila Symphony Orchestra, performing Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez.
Monching has released three albums: “Pahinungod”, “Philippine Treasures Vol. 3” under VGo Recordings, USA, and “Jose Valdez: Philippine Music for Classical Guitar”, produced by The Guitar Friends. The third album features guitar compositions by Jose Valdez and was recorded using historic classical guitars from the GTY collection.
He currently teaches at St. Scholastica’s College Manila, directs the Manila Guitar Festival, and offers private lessons online and at his home studio in Santa Maria, Bulacan.