SBS FILIPINO RADIO GUESTING

14 DECEMBER 2024

Our grand finale for 2024 was a radio star moment on SBS Filipino’s Tugtugan at Kwentuhan with amazing DJs Claudette and Papa Dan! We had a blast chatting about how the Kiko Choir is keeping traditional Filipino music alive and kicking in Australia, believing that these songs still hit the right notes for Filipinos here and help spread cultural love and understanding. And the fun didn’t stop there – we had the ultimate holiday sing-along, belting out classics like Pasko Na Sinta Ko and Ryan Cayabyab’s Munting Sanggol. As a final act at our radio gig, we had a blast with the “Complete the Lyrics” Christmas game by our gracious DJ hosts! It was an unforgettable, festive experience we’ll remember in the new year!

CHRISTMAS CAROLS 2024

08 DECEMBER 2024

The last Filipino Mass of the year at St Francis’ Church Melbourne was held on 8 December 2024. Before the mass, we sang Christmas carols for the Filipino community in attendance. The songs included Pasko Na Sinta Ko, Simbang Gabi, Munting Sanggol, and Canticle of Joy. After the carols, the mass was celebrated by our very own Rev Fr Alfred Yap, SSS. Our members also celebrated our year of hard work with a year-end Christmas gathering.

KWENTONG PINOY 2024: KWENTONG LAKBAY

09 NOVEMBER 2024

The UP Alumni Victoria hosted the Kwentong Pinoy: Kwentong Lakbay event at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne, celebrating Filipino heritage through storytelling, crafts, music, and traditional dance. The Kiko Choir participated in the event and performed three songs for the audience. The first was Rosas Pandan, a traditional Filipino folk song from the Visayan region. Next, we sang A Million Dreams, a song that conveys a message of hope and the ambition to follow one’s dreams. Lastly, we performed Iisang Bangka, originally sung by The Dawn band, completing a diverse and heartfelt musical presentation.

SAN LORENZO NOVENA MASS

05 OCTOBER 2024

We were invited to sing at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Mass held at St Brigid’s Parish, Fitzroy North. This special occasion celebrated the life and faith of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, known for his unwavering devotion and martyrdom. One of the songs we sang was Sanlibong Buhay, which includes San Lorenzo’s powerful words, “Sanlibo man aking buhay, sanlibo ring iaalay.” These words reflect his deep commitment to his faith. We thank Monsignor Joselito Asis and the St Brigid’s Filipino Community for inviting us to be part of this yearly celebration.

MIGRANT YOUTH FESTIVAL

29 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Kiko Choir is grateful to Monsignor Joselito Asis and Archbishop Peter Comensoli for inviting us to share our music at the Migrant Youth Festival in Melbourne last 29 September 2024. Singing at the Cathedral Hall of the Australian Catholic University was truly a memorable experience, filled with warmth and hospitality from the various youth groups involved in the event. We performed the Migrant Youth Festival theme song, Here We Are Lord, along with Filipino classics Rosas Pandan and Chitchiritchit.

ST. MICHAEL’S 7TH FILIPINO MASS ANNIVERSARY

21 JULY 2024

The Filipino Mass in Southeast Melbourne marked its 7th anniversary on 21 July 2024, at St Michael’s Church in Berwick. The celebration was led by Monsignor Joselito Asis, Rev Fr Alfred Yap, and Fr Paul Zaher from St Michael’s. We are truly grateful to have been invited to sing at this significant milestone with our friends from the Southeastern Filipino community.

TASTE OF THE CHAMPION

04 JULY 2024

The “Taste of the Champion” charity dinner at the Horizon Room, Marvel Stadium, was an unforgettable evening of camaraderie and celebration in support of Filipino Chef Princess Anne’s World Food Championships competition in November 2024. The Kiko Choir had the pleasure of performing in front of 200 guests, delivering inspiring renditions of When You Believe and Tagumpay Nating Lahat. The energy in the room was amazing, and thank you to Chef Princess Anne and family for making us part of such a special event.

ALAY KAY INAY – MOTHER’S DAY EVENT

11 MAY 2024

On 11 May 2024, the Kiko Choir had the privilege of performing at Alay Kay Inay, a meaningful Mother’s Day event organised by the UP Alumni Victoria at the Community Hub in Docklands. The event was attended by over 100 guests, including the Consul General of the Philippines, the Honourable Maria Lourdes Salcedo. Alongside Filipino recording artist Chedi Vergara, a member of the award-winning Smokey Mountain singing group, we performed Ili Ili Tulog Anay, a traditional Ilonggo folk song. This heartfelt performance added a special touch to the celebration, honouring the love and sacrifices of mothers.

ASEAN-AUSTRALIA SUMMIT (FILCOM NIGHT)

04 MARCH 2024

Australia hosted the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne from 3-6 March 2024. The Kiko Choir had the incredible opportunity to perform at the FilCom Night at the prestigious Melbourne Town Hall on 4 March 2024, an event attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and various Cabinet members. We performed Tagumpay Nating Lahat and Dahil Sa’yo, and our very own tenor lead, Niño Deomano, joined Mary Ann Van der Horst for a duet of Umagang Kay Ganda. This experience enhanced our appreciation for commitment and collaboration with the Office of the Philippine Consulate in Melbourne during an official state visit of a Philippine President to Australia.

STO. NIÑO FEAST IN CRANBOURNE

21 JANUARY 2024

Viva Pit Señor! On 21 January 2024, the Filipino community in Cranbourne, Victoria, came together to celebrate the vibrant Sinulog Festival. This annual celebration honours the Santo Niño, the Child Jesus, and commemorates the pivotal moment when Filipinos embraced Christianity. The day began with the Sto Niño Feast Mass at St Agatha’s Parish in Cranbourne officiated by Fr Rene Manubag. We were delighted to sing during the mass and be part of this meaningful occasion.

SIMBANG GABI IN BERWICK

16 DECEMBER 2023

The Kiko Choir was invited to sing on the first day of Simbang Gabi at St Michael’s Parish in Berwick. The Simbang Gabi is a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition, and this serene event in the SE suburbs was filled with uplifting prayers and a strong sense of community amongst the locals. We supported the mass with heartfelt songs, adding to the special celebration of all attendees with the intent of making them feel nostalgic about the Philippines.

AUSTRALIAN-FILIPINO COMMUNITY SERVICES EVENT

18 NOVEMBER 2023

On 18 November 2023, our choir had the privilege of performing at Maharlika Lodge for the Australian-Filipino Community Services. It was a heartwarming experience as we shared the gift of song with our beloved seniors, taking them on a nostalgic journey through the timeless beauty of Filipino kundiman, folk songs, Christmas songs and OPM classics. The afternoon was filled with singing, dancing, and heartfelt interactions, making it a truly special experience. It was an honor to share music that rekindled fond memories and connected generations. We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to more moments like this.