The Embassy of the Philippines in Seoul successfully hosted a musical concert featuring the internationally-acclaimed Kabayao Family Quartet and guest violinist Jimmy Tagala Jr. at the Embassy Multi-purpose Hall, on 17 April 2012.

The Kabayao Family Quartet is composed of Gilopez and Corazon Kabayao, international concert violinist and pianist, respectively, and their musically-gifted daughters, Sicilienne and Farida.

“The Kabayao Family Quartet and Jimmy Tagala, Jr. are among the best cultural envoys for the Philippines, they have enthralled diverse audiences from elementary students to classical music aficionados during their various performances in the Philippines and around the world,” said Ambassador Luis Cruz during the program. The concert was organized in line with Post’s cultural diplomacy program.

Gilopez Kabayao, the patriarch of the family, has received numerous awards, notably the TOYM award in 1961 and the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1972.

The Kabayao Family Quartet performed classical pieces, Filipino folksongs and well-loved original Filipino music to an enthusiastic crowd composed of the members of the diplomatic corps, Korean government officials, representatives of cultural centres and members of the Filipino communities in Korea.

The concert also featured young violin virtuoso and Kabayao protégé Jimmy Tagala, Jr., who is competing in the on-going 8th Seoul International Music Competition in Violin.