meet the choir
meet the choir
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Ally Alipio
Influenced by her parents, she dreamed of singing alongside them one day and to follow in their footsteps, but never got past her stage fright until she joined her first elementary choir. She eventually picked up a guitar for her parish youth ministry and participated in theatre as both actor and technician which sparked the love of music and drama on stage. Ally finished school at Vancouver Community College (VCC) and pursued a career in hairstyling and occasionally assisting HKCS with both hair and makeup during performance and big events.
Many thanks to my friends & family for sharing their love of music from our culture, for keeping me close to my roots and for your love and support each and everyday. I’d also like to thank my teachers at Frank Hurt Secondary, the alumni of CFC-Youth for Christ & the rest of the Frank Hurt Stingworks Production for making me become the person I am today.
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Thea Angeles
With a history of involvement in elementary school choirs and church choirs, Thea always had a passion for music since she was young. Her musical talent isn’t limited to voice, as she can also play the ukulele and flute. Now in her last year of high school at Delview Secondary School, Thea plans to study in a university to pursue a career in graphic designing after high school.
Special thanks to my family and friends for encouraging me to do music and for helping me embrace my culture more!
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Rane Beato
Rane’s passion for music has been a longtime love ever since she could utter her first words. One of her first memories was of her singing ‘Kanlungan’ into a green toy mic at the age of two years old, and now, much older and (hopefully) wiser, she continues to showcase her talents through a variety of musical ensembles- such as her school’s senior concert choir, vocal jazz choir, and our very own Himig Kabataan! Now, she is part of her school’s Music Student Leadership Team and is one of Himig Kabataan’s social media executives.
Thank you so much to everyone who has been such a big part of my musical journey, especially Holy Cross Regional High School for helping me foster this huge passion of mine and my family for being so supportive in every step of the way.
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Marc Billedo
Marc is an original member of Himig Kabataan Cultural Society when it began in 2022. Surrounded by music and hobbyist musicians growing up, Marc had his first choral experience at fifteen, singing with his high school choir. Since then, Marc went on to join Vancouver Youth Choir and further develop his skills in choral singing. Outside music, Marc is currently studying International Studies at Douglas College.
I’d like to thank my family for being very supportive of my passion for music, as well as the Holy Cross Regional Secondary School Music Program and Vancouver Youth Choir for providing positive spaces to musically push myself.
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Samantha Caindec
Samantha is a Graphic Design Head of Himig Kabataan Cultural Society. Music’s melodious magic has continuously impacted her from a young age, fostered through her love for karaoke and playing the piano. Her parents always encouraged her to do what she loved most, pushing her out of her comfort zone to join both her church and school choirs. However, her musicianship is not limited to voice as she plays ukulele, french horn, and piano. Outside of music, Samantha enjoys photography and playing volleyball, and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field due to her passion for helping others.
Thanks to my family and the Holy Cross community for the unconditional support throughout my journey and teaching me to embrace my story through my love for music. I’d also like to thank God for providing me with this gift to spread to all those I encounter.
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Diego Cloma
Diego Cloma is one of the Music Directors for Himig Kabataan Cultural Society. His interest in music began at the age of six when he began taking piano lessons and his love for music has only grown through involvement in several school choirs and bands. In addition to singing and playing the piano, Diego can also play the French horn and guitar. He is currently studying at Simon Fraser University to pursue a career in engineering.
Big shout out to all the teachers, musicians, and singers that have pushed me to be a better musician and many thanks to my family for supporting me and this choir.
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Bea Correa
Bea is the Founder and Executive Director of Himig Kabataan Cultural Society. With a history of involvement in elementary school musicals and high school choirs, Bea has had a passion for the stage since the age of seven. Her musicianship is not limited to voice, as she also plays the bass, guitar, and drums. Now in first-year university, Bea is studying Chemistry at SFU to pursue a career in food science.
Many thanks to the Holy Cross Music Program for igniting my love for choral music; thanks to my family for teaching me to embrace my culture and supporting me unconditionally from the very beginning of this project!
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Mireia Cuenca
Mireia is a 16-year-old with a longtime passion for music. She leads a student-led jazz combo, the “Pianorama Reeds”, at her school, using her history of involvement in school choirs and bands to guide the group in performance. She enjoys playing multiple instruments other than voice: guitar, piano, and saxophone.
Mireia credits her love for music to her family, especially her brother, for always encouraging her in her musical endeavours :)
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Chiasa Guerrero
Chiasa’s love for music can be dated back to videos of her singing from 2009 archives on her parents’ Facebook pages. Her love for music has grown through her involvement in liturgical and concert choirs throughout elementary and high school. She is especially passionate for connecting music to other aspects of her life such as volunteer work and her faith. Chiasa is a recent Holy Cross Regional High School graduate, and will be studying Psychology at the University of British Columbia. She is excited to continue her musical journey with Himig Kabataan.
Thank you to my family, who introduced music to my life and supported me endlessly, and to every group and mentor who has strengthened my passion for music and allowed me to partake in unique opportunities to share music.
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Jose Guilles
Jose has been a member of Himig Kabataan Cultural Society since its inception. He has had a passion for music performance since the age of seven . His musicianship extends beyond singing as he loves to compose, and arrange popular songs and jazz standards. Currently in Grade 11, Jose is attending Holy Cross Regional Secondary School and is hoping to pursue a career in music.
Special thanks to the Holy Cross Music Program for igniting my deep passion for music; thanks to my family and friends for helping me embrace my culture and giving their unconditional support from the very beginning of my musical journey :)!
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Heather Igloria
Heather is currently studying psychology at Douglas. She has always loved singing since she was young and took beginner piano lessons in elementary school. In grade 7, she joined band and learned to play the alto saxophone, continuing until she graduated from high school. Some fun hobbies she enjoys include snowboarding and dancing, although she retired dance three years ago. She was trained in Ballet, Jazz, and Street styles, and she also danced at a Filipino studio that taught Tinikling for a year.
Special thanks to my mom for always keeping me connected to my culture and supporting my love for music from such a young age.
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Raenard Macaspac
Raenard joined the group Himig Kabataan Cultural Society recently last year 2023. Although having no background in music other than playing the flute in elementary he joined mostly to make more bonds and spend time with the ones he values. He is currently working in auto body going in and out of university as an apprentice in the trade.
To all the people in Himig Kabataan I thank you for accepting me as a whole and allowing me to learn and make new bonds.
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Christian Manlapaz
Christian's love for music started during his elementary school days singing along to songs on the radio. Later on, to further his passion for music, he would join the Holy Cross music program, joining the concert band and choir. Now, Christian is a second year Computer Science major at Langara College. He also enjoys playing games and often goes to billiard clubs with friends to destress.
Shout out to Mr. Sinsay forcing me into Ave 88 against my will. Big thanks to my family for supporting me throughout all my endeavours.
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Nicholas Matig-a
Nicholas is currently a student at Langara College and, at present, is singing with the Vancouver Youth Choir. At the young age of five, Nicholas had begun his involvement with choral music by participating in school choirs from kindergarten to seventh grade. Now a returning singer, Nicholas had spent the previous four years being involved in the Holy Cross Regional High School senior choir VIBE as well as joining the Vancouver Youth Choir, being a part of the VYC: Chamber Choir pilot program, and the VYC: Culture Committee. At the present moment, Nicholas is studying at Langara College and plans to transfer to either UBC or SFU to pursue a career in astronomy.
I have nothing but gratitude towards my teachers and peers who have guided me upon my journey. I hope to learn more about my culture as well as gain understanding and insight into my heritage.
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Nathan McCreedy
Nathan has always loved music and always had a passion for it since a very young age. Starting off more as a percussionist he slowly started figuring out what he wanted to play which was ultimately playing the french horn. He started his music journey in his elementary years and he was involved with drama productions put on by his elementary school. As he got into his high school years he pursued choir which really ignited his love for choir. He is currently going into grade 11 and goes to Holy Cross Regional High School.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me through my whole music career and the people who ran the music programs he was apart of. I am very grateful for my music peers who have helped me with everything in my music career. Special thanks to my family for also supporting me through my music career and having to listen to my loud drums and trumpet.
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Karylle Micame
Kaye is the Business Manager of Himig Kabataan Cultural Society. She has grown her passion for music since she was a child. By performing in various school choirs and bands throughout high school, she has been able to grow her skills as a musician and performer. In addition, Kaye has been studying health studies and has been recently accepted to be a nursing student at Langara College. In her free time, she likes to watch tv shows/movies and hangout with her friends.
Special thanks to Holy Cross Regional Secondary School Music program for providing opportunities to further grow my passion for music and my family for their unconditional support and encouragement all these years!
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Matthew Perez
Matthew is the Conductor and Musical Director of Himig Kabataan Cultural Society. Music has always been a significant influence in his life, whether that be playing in bands or singing in choirs from elementary, secondary, and right through post-secondary. Matthew studied Vocal Performance at the University of British Columbia where he holds a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education as he hopes to fulfill his dream of becoming a Music Educator at the secondary level. He is also musical director of one of the choirs at Immaculate Conception Delta Parish and currently also sings with the Vancouver Youth Choir.
Thank you to all my friends, family, and musical mentors who have helped shape me into the person I am today.
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Ryiel Reyes
Ryiel began his musical journey at OLGC Elementary, joining the choirs and grade 7 band. At Holy Cross Regional High School, he expanded his talents through participation in multiple choirs, including the liturgical choir and concert choir Vibe, and played tenor saxophone from grades 8-12. Additionally, he was a member of the drumline and is currently the lead singer in the jazz combo 40 Cents.
Thank you to my parents and the individuals who have encouraged my musical growth.
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Kian Rotol
Kian’s love for music began with her old karaoke system and stickers on the key of middle C. Her parents always encouraged her to do what she loved most, and out of all the activities she did, the one thing that stuck with her through everything was music. Moving from one academy to the next, starting at the age of four, Kian’s musical education contributed to her growth as a performer but also as an individual. Her gratitude extends to her current high school directors for helping her rediscover the joy in her life through music and performing.
To my family, friends, and teachers, thank you for everything - for reigniting my passion as a musician and being my source of hope and encouragement!
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Angelo Sakai
Angelo is the Secretary and Society Manager of the HKCS. He has been immersed in the musical and choral setting since the second grade. Currently, Angelo is a member of the award-winning Vancouver Youth Choir, where he continues to nurture his dedication and passion for choral music. He feels strongly about learning more about his Filipino heritage and growing within the HKCS community. Studying at Capilano University, Angelo aims to use music as a tool for healing and connection through pursuing music therapy.
Thank you to the Holy Cross Music Program for having provided me with strong friendships and a great music community. Thank you to VYC and its community for continuing to foster my love for choral music.
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Ian Sakai
Ian Sakai is a Digital Media Head for Himig Kabataan Cultural Society. Ian’s love for music originated from the Immaculate Conception school plays and his love for music has carried through all the way into present day. Ian is heavily involved in music at Holy Cross Regional high school with him being apart of the Senior Concert Choir, Senior Wind Ensemble and Avenue 88, the senior vocal jazz choir. Outside of music, Ian loves sports, most notably hockey. He loves to workout, play golf and go hiking with some close friends.
I’d like the thank my family and my buddies.
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Julian Salvador
Julian is the Technology Director of Himig Kabataan Cultural Society. Having played the piano since the age of four, he enjoys performing and listening to all kinds of music. He has earned Gold at the South Fraser Music Festival for five years, between 2016-2020, and recently has earned the platinum award and $100 at the VAYA Festival for his performance of Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto in G minor and other works. Outside of singing, playing the sax, and playing frisbee, Julian enjoys programming and playing video games, and hopes to pursue a career as a software engineer.
Thanks to the Holy Cross community for re-igniting my passion for music, as well as introducing me to the broader Filipino community!
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Chelsea Totanes
Having played the piano since age 5, Chelsea has grown a passion for music. Outside this, she enjoys playing games, spending time with her family and friends, and dabbling in many forms of art, which includes painting, drawing, and sculpting. Chelsea is currently in highschool at Princess Margaret Secondary, studying to get into Registered Nursing.
Special thanks to my family for getting me into choral music and encouraging me out of my bubble to sing more!