14 February 2026, Rome – Filipino Baritone Cipriano “Zip” de Guzman, Jr partnered with Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali of the Accademia Verdiana di Carlo Bergonzi last 12 February in hosted “Arias for Eros II: Love Songs from Italy, the Philippines, and the World,” concert hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Rome at the Chancery’s Social Hall.
Held on the eve of Valentine’s Day, the concert offered an evocative musical journey across cultures, languages, and generations—celebrating the universal language of music while highlighting the rich traditions of the Philippines and Italy in song.
From the heartfelt strains of “Júrame” by María Grever and the immortal French classic “La Vie En Rose,” to the operatic brilliance of Donizetti’s “Bella Siccome un Angelo” from Don Pasquale, De Guzman’s rich baritone resonated powerfully within the Chancery halls. Italian favorites such as “O Sole Mio, Con Te Partirò,” and Morricone’s hauntingly beautiful “Cinema Paradiso (Se)” further enthralled the audience.
One of the most moving moments of the evening came when De Guzman performed traditional Filipino Kundiman songs — ballads rich in sentiment and national identity, in a moving tribute to the Philippines’ rich musical heritage, featuring “Minamahal Kita” by Miguel Velarde Jr., “Pobreng Alindahaw” arranged by Philippine National Artist for Music Lucio D. San Pedro, and the enduring OPM classic “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas” by Willy Cruz—pieces that drew warm appreciation from both Filipino and Italian guests alike.
Ambassador Neal Imperial poses with Luxembourg-based Filipino baritone Cipriano de Guzman Jr. and Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali.
In a report filed for GMA News by Pia Gonzalez Abucay, Maestro Zip, an accomplished opera singer, chorister, licensed professional teacher and music educator who is a part-time faculty at the Liceo de Cagayan University Music Conservatory but is now based in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, expressed excitement and nervousness at the same time on his first solo concert in Rome even if he was already a veteran of live performances who has garnered international acclaim celebrating his 20th year as a professional performer.
“I didn’t know whether to cry or to rejoice,” he shared. “There were tears and sweat all at once.”
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.
Filipino baritone Cipriano De Guzman Jr. performs the timeless La Vie en Rose.
During the intermission, Maestro Marziali showcased his virtuosity with stirring piano interpretations from Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut” and Mascagni’s “Cavalleria rusticana,” further elevating the evening’s artistic depth. Maestro Marziali is a distinguished conductor, vocal coach, lyric manager and artistic director of the Accademia Verdiana Carlo Bergonzi in Busseto, Parma.
“The concert, spanning arias from Italy, the Philippines, and the wider world, reminds us that while our languages may differ, the emotions that move us are shared. In hearing these arias and love songs side by side, we are invited to listen not only with our ears, but with our souls—to recognize ourselves in one another,” Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial said.
His Excellency disclosed that the concert was part of the Embassy’s celebration of the Philippines’ National Arts Month, anchored on this year’s theme, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting” (“Fruits of the Arts: Truth and Bravery”).
He emphasized the importance of Filipino music as a powerful expression of cultural identity,
Noting how music serves a universal language that links communities around the world and strengthens cultural diplomacy. He added that the arts are not merely decorative expressions, but vital forces that give voice to truth, inspire courage, and build bridges across cultures.
Filipino baritone Cipriano de Guzman Jr. and Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali of the Accademia Verdiana di Carlo Bergonzi in Busseto
Highlighting music as one of humanity’s most powerful connectors, he noted that long before borders were drawn and treaties signed, melodies traveled across nations, expressing shared human experiences of love, longing, joy, and hope.
The event gathered members of the diplomatic corps, Italian officials, and leaders from the Italian and Asian communities, for a musical celebrating love, culture and artistic excellence.
Through initiatives such as this concert, the Embassy seeks to highlight Filipino artists based in Europe and promote Filipino talent on the international stage. Through music, the evening strengthened bonds between Italy and the Philippines, demonstrating how culture transcends borders and unites communities.
With “Arias for Eros II,” the Philippine Embassy once again reaffirmed its role as a platform for cultural exchange—celebrating artistic excellence, showcasing Filipino talent, and strengthening the enduring friendship between the Filipino and Italian peoples.
(Consolidated with reports from Alona Cochon/PNA, Pia Gonzalez Abucay/GMA News Online, and Naive Mamhot / the Philippine Embassy in Italy.)
