98.7 DZFE | The Master's Touch

Carmencita Arambulo's mentorship extended far beyond the piano community: for violinist Cynthia Sanchez, Mrs. A was practically a second mother, and a fount of much-needed encouragement through all seasons of life. On MAESTRO FILIPINO, she and Carolyn Cheng join DZFE's Daniel to look back on the life, work, and legacy of Mrs. A. (pt. 2/2)

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes its new music director! Irene Obligacion meets Maestro Grzegorz Nowak on CULTURE CAROUSEL, where he shares his vision for the PPO, and how he and the PPO might contribute to the Philippine musical landscape at large.

Q: How is the word made effectual to salvation? A: The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching, of the word, an effectual means of convicting and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation. — Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 89 Journey with Pastor James Chu through the Westminster Shorter Catechism in HOLY & HA...

A peerless piano teacher, Carmencita Arambulo was also the life of many a party, an indefatigable photographer, and, to many, a second mother. To those who knew her, she was Mrs. A, who gave her life and resources to her students. Two of them—Janna Peña and Carolyn Cheng—join DZFE's Daniel on this edition of MAESTRO FILIPINO, as we look back on the legacy of Mrs. A. (pt. 1/2)

Baritone, photographer, entrepreneur, and recently, communications graduate—how does Kris Gonzales do it all, and what lies in the near future? Join him and Irene Obligacion on this edition of CULTURE CAROUSEL.

How should Gilopez Kabayao's folk song transcriptions sound? Sweet, but not too sentimental; never too flashy; and always, always subject the lyrics. The nonagenarian violinist and his wife, pianist Corazon Pineda-Kabayao, gave a masterclass on just that, after which they joined DZFE's Daniel to discuss the history and character of these works. Also sharing their thoughts are violinist Jim...

The white beaches of Boracay are home to the Ata—or Ata, as they call themselves. The Ata have harnessed music in the struggle to preserve their island home, which was recorded by Dr. Maria Christine Muyco in the album, The Music of the ATA/ATI of Boracay. Joining DZFE's Daniel, she shares how their music connects the Ata to the land, and upholds their identity.

More than ten years ago, guitarist and composer Florante Aguilar set out in search of the original haranistas—singers of the traditional Philippine serenade. At first unsure where to look, he eventually found the three Harana Kings—Celestino Aniel, Romeo Bergunio and Felipe Alonzo—whose music lies at the heart of the documentary, Harana. That film recently found new life online, and Aguilar joins...

Q: What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption? A: The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation — Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 88 Journey with Pastor James Chu throu...

Night-time music takes center stage on CULTURE CAROUSEL, where composer Niño Tiro tells us about his new album, Octurnals, written for, and performed, by his sister, pianist Marie Antonio. Irene Obligacion is the host.

The Philippines has always been at the heart, and the fingertips, of Minnesota-based pianist Horacio Nuguid, who numbers Filipino pieces in the core of his performing repertoire. He shares some of these works in the newly-launched anthology, Philippine Piano Pieces, which he talks about on the next program of MAESTRO FILIPINO, with DZFE’s Daniel.

Q: What is repentance unto life? A: Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, does, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience. — Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 87 Journey with Pastor James Chu through the Westminster Shorter...

Guitarist Sting—now Samuel—Asistores is back in the Philippines, and in the DZFE studio, all in anticipation of his concert, Melodies Across Borders. On MAESTRO FILIPINO he joins DZFE's Daniel in a conversation about that event, his time in France, his own personal sound, and building his repertoire.

It is not easy balancing motherhood and an onstage career. On CULTURE CAROUSEL, soprano Iona Borja talks about what keeps her going, and what other projects she would like to undertake. Irene Obligacion is the host.

Q: What is faith in Jesus Christ?  A: Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.  — Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 86 Journey with Pastor James Chu through the Westminster Shorter Catechism in HOLY & HAPPY. This weekly series is presented by Pilgrim Community Church and 98.7 DZFE.

Guitarist Raffy Ronquillo had previously played part of a Weiss lute suite, and of a set of impromptus by Ric Ickard. Soon, he will finish what he started in the concert, Homenaje—an homage to both the pillars of the guitar repertoire, and his mentor, Ruben Reyes. Hear more as Ronquillo joins DZFE’s Daniel on MAESTRO FILIPINO.

Tenor Nomher Nival recently starred in Viva Voce’s production of La boheme—but the latest in a long list of performances. After years of singing, is he anywhere near his life’s goal? He shares his insight and music—with pianist Gabriel Paguirigan—on CULTURE CAROUSEL hosted by Irene Obligacion.

Q: What does God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin? A: To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with diligent use of all outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption. — Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 85 Journey with Pastor James Chu through the W...

After long neglect, scholars both here and abroad have been drawn in recent years to the study of Philippine music in the Spanish era. Dr David Kendall is among them. He talks to DZFE's Tiffany about the trove of documentary riches that have only begun to be discovered and the fact that it supports with ever growing certainty: There was indeed a Filipino music and organ culture in colonial Phi...

The past month, pianist Jerzy Maciejewski has been giving masterclasses at the UP College of Music, at the invitation of keyboard department chair Ena Maria Aldecoa. Shortly before he returns to Poland, Maciejewski and Aldecoa—now donning her soprano hat—celebrate 50 years of Philippine-Polish relations with art songs and piano works from both countries. They join DZFE’s Daniel on MAESTRO FILIPINO...

Having played on radio and television, guitarist Radlee Laquian is set to make his mark as a classical guitarist on the international competition stage. He shares his story, and his upcoming events, on CULTURE CAROUSEL with Irene Obligacion.

Joshua Morales has not outgrown his love for the tiple repertoire: he now leads the Tiples de San Jose, and sings as a countertenor. He spends time with Irene Obligacion on CULTURE CAROUSEL.

Q: What does every sin deserve? A: Every sin deserves God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come. — Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 84 Journey with Pastor James Chu through the Westminster Shorter Catechism in HOLY & HAPPY. This weekly series is presented by Pilgrim Community Church and 98.7 DZFE.

ALERON embark one one of their most ambitious projects: a two-act exploration of the struggles and joys of love, loss, life, and death, entitled For Light I Close My Eyes. We hear about the roots of this theme, and the daunting music the choir will perform as DZFE’s Daniel spends time with ALERON ensemble director baritone Christopher Arceo, assistant conductor tenor Karl San Jose, and counterteno...

Ballet Philippines opens its 54th season with the romance, jealousy, and early animatronics of Leo Delibes’ Coppelia. Ballet Philippines president Kathleen Liechtenstein joins Irene Obligacion to talk about the upcoming performance and what the new season has in store, today on CULTURE CAROUSEL.