UP Diamond Jubilarian, National Artist for Music Ramon Santos to lecture at PICF 2025

Aside from his forthcoming recognition as a recipient of the University of the Philippines’ Alumni Association’s Diamond Jubilarian in the celebration of the UP General Alumni Homecoming in 2025, National Artist for Music Ramon Santos will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 Palawan International Choral Festival (PICF) in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan on August 13 to 16, 2025.

At the moment, Dr. Santos, a graduate of two courses in 1965, namely Bachelor of Music and Teacher’s Diploma, from the UP College of Music, is prepping up his trip to Palawan.

“A towering figure in Philippine and Asian contemporary music, Dr. Santos’s legacy spans groundbreaking contributions in avant-garde composition, ethnomusicology, and cultural advocacy.

“His pioneering work in bridging indigenous and experimental forms has brought global recognition to Filipino music. .

“From his formative years in UP…to his celebrated works as National Artist, Dr. Santos continues to be an inspiration to generations of musicians, scholars, and cultural workers,” heralded by the UP Alumni Association’s citation.

According to an insider at the PICF, Dr. Santos will deliver a stirring speech on the sociological aspects of choral singing.

The PICF will run a series of workshops, master classes, seminars and conferences about the significance of music for Filipinos.