In celebration of Philippine National Arts Month, the Philippine Embassy in Rome organized a pre-Valentine concert “Arias for Eros II: Love Songs from Italy, the Philippines and the World,” at the Chancery Hall on Thursday.

The special evening gathered members of the diplomatic corps and Asian community leaders for a musical celebration that highlighted love, culture, and artistic excellence.

The evening featured Filipino baritone Cipriano De Guzman Jr., an accomplished opera singer, chorister, licensed professional teacher and music educator based in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Accompanied by Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali, De Guzman captivated the audience with a repertoire that blended Italian arias, Filipino classics and international love songs.

Philippine Ambassador to Italy Nathaniel Imperial emphasized the importance of Filipino music as a powerful expression of cultural identity, noting that music serves as a universal language that connects communities and strengthens cultural diplomacy.

He said the arts are not merely decorative expressions, but vital forces that give voice to truth, inspire courage and build bridges.

De Guzman has earned recognition in prestigious international competitions, including the American Protégé International Music Competition and the Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition.

He was also honored in the Philippines as the “Best Male Filipino Artist Based Abroad” during the 38th Aliw Awards in December 2025. His operatic repertoire has led him to perform leading roles in productions across Europe and beyond.

One of the most moving moments of the evening came when De Guzman performed traditional Filipino Kundiman songs — ballads that are rich in sentiment and national identity.

Accompanying him was Maestro Simone Maria Marziali, a distinguished conductor, vocal coach, lyric manager and artistic director of the Accademia Verdiana Carlo Bergonzi in Busseto, Parma.

The month-long National Arts Month celebration promotes and showcases the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, highlighting the artistic excellence of Filipinos both at home and abroad.

Events like Arias for Eros II demonstrated that through music, love and culture can transcend borders. (PNA)