Key Points
- The DLSZ Rondalla earned a Gold Award for their outstanding performance at the 33rd Australian International Music Festival held in Sydney this July.
- The ensemble consists of 22 students from Grades 6 to 12, along with their conductor from their school in Muntinlupa, Philippines.
- The group takes pride in performing for international audiences, showcasing their unique instruments and sounds while contributing to the global promotion of Filipino music.
International stage
De La Salle Zobel Rondalla made its historic debut in Australia, participating in the 33rd Australian International Music Festival alongside hundreds of musical groups from around the world.
"Music has brought us here [in Australia]. We want to perform outside the Philippines.
We want to show our talents to other people and the world," band conductor and teacher Philip Dagang shares.
Following the five-day festival, the group was awarded the Gold Award in recognition of their exceptional performances.
The DLSZ Rondalla consists of 22 students from Grades 6 to 12, accompanied by a teacher-performer and their band conductor. Credit: Supplied by Philip Dagang
Alongside hundreds of choral and orchestral groups and wind bands, the DLSZ Rondalla performed at iconic Sydney venues, including the Sydney Opera House.
Their performances also featured an Opening Concert at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium at the University of New South Wales, a Pop Concert at the Maritime Museum in Sydney’s CBD, and an Adjudicated Performance at the Chatswood Concourse in northern Sydney.
The DLSZ Rondalla has performed in some of the iconic buildings in Sydney Credit: Supplied by Philip Dagang
The group is no stranger to international performances. In 2024, they won the Gold Award at the Los Angeles Sounds of Summer Festival, and in March 2025, they also participated in the Pacific Basin Music Festival in Hawaii.
Strings of heritage
"I feel a sense of accomplishment that we are performing internationally with my bestest of friends, and we get to showcase our Filipino sound and music," Elyse Degal, one of the group's longtime members, stresses.
The Rondalla's president, Lyon Libunao, echoes this sentiment.
"I enjoy it very much performing with everyone in our band while we get to bring our instruments and music to an international audience."
The Rondalla is a traditional Filipino ensemble featuring a distinctive blend of string instruments, including the banduria, octavina, laud, guitar, string bass, and percussion. Credit: DLSZ Rondalla/Philip Dagang
"We are also able to promote our culture and music, for people to see where our sound comes from, how unique it is, and people are mostly surprised since they only hear orchestra, or band, and our rondalla is very unique because we use string instruments," Libunao points out.
Championing rondalla
Through their performances on international stages, the group has helped elevate and promote the rondalla.
"If we do more concerts, there will be more people who will be able to see and listen to the unique sound of the rondalla," the youngest member, Marco Tividad, believes.
The DLSZ Rondalla recently visited SBS Studios in Artarmon, NSW, where they performed several pieces from their OPM medley repertoire. Credit: SBS Filipino
Rondalla is a traditional ensemble of stringed instruments, including the banduria, octavina, guitar, and bass.
The term 'rondalla' comes from the Spanish word ronda, meaning 'serenade' in English.
While the rondalla traces its origins to indigenous bands in ancient Spain, it has since evolved, embracing a distinctly Filipino sound with its unique string instruments.
Most of the Rondalla's performances often feature Filipino songs, including Original Pilipino Music (OPM), showcasing the rich musical heritage of the Philippines.
The Rondalla has already performed in the United States in 2024 and Hawaii in March 2025 before their performances in Australia. Credit: SBS Filipino
Love for Filipino music
For DLSZ Rondalla, every performance—whether in the Philippines or abroad—is the result of their dedication and intense rehearsals.
Each member commits fully, giving their time and passion to ensure they deliver their best performance.
Founded in 2007, the group was formed under their school's Special Music Program in Muntinlupa, Philippines.
The 25-member Rondalla is headed by its main conductor and teacher, Philip Dagang (3rd from right). Credit: SBS Filipino
Embracing and learning more about the sound of the rondalla makes you more Filipino," Lyon Libunao encourages young Filipino Australians to explore and appreciate rondalla music.
For those interested in playing the rondalla, music teacher Daryl Galicia believes that true progress comes from being open to learn and embracing the craft.
"Once you fall in love with rehearsals and practice, that's the time when you truly grow with your music."
📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
🔊 On Air – Tune in to SBS Filipino on radio stations across Australia and website live stream, and TV Channel 302 from 10 AM to 11 AM AEST daily.
