UST guitar group places second in Malaysia music fest

A guitar octet from the University of Santo Tomas has brought honor to the country by placing second in a three-day music festival in Malaysia, according to the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
The UST Guitar Octet bested nine other countries that sent representatives to the event, with Indonesia’s Farabi Guitar Duo winning the top award and Malaysia’s Hin Hua Quintet placing third.
The Tarrega Malaysia International Classical Guitar Festival 2016 was held from August 28 to 31.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya praised the group, which is under the leadership of UST Conservatory of Music Guitar Department head Alberto Mesa.
"We once again showed the talent and the mastery of the arts by Filipinos by this victory," Malaya said in a statement Friday. "These young guitarists have brought honor to the country and proudly raised the Philippine flag in Malaysia."
He added that the team's victory "is also a testament to the vibrant classical guitar scene in the Philippines, and surely proved that we are at par with the world’s best."
Apart from performing at the festival, the group also played a collection of classical and Filipino compositions, including Ernani Cuenco’s “Kalesa”, at the Vista Hall of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
The UST guitar octet is composed of Marc Pajarillo, Kristine Balangue, Ruel David Reyes, Arbon Guieb, Nico Panopio, Ludwig Zerrudo, Charles Quizon and Christeven Valenzuela. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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