The Founding Year

Ang Misyon, Inc. (AMI) was founded by ABS-CBN Chairman Emeritus Eugenio Lopez III, First Philippine Holdings Chairman Federico R. Lopez, and internationally renowned concert pianist Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz. Its founding was inspired by the hope of sparking social change through music.

Connecting with communities

AMI embarked on its mission to support less privileged Filipino children and youth through its Satellite Program, which was later named Community Youth Orchestra Program (CYOP) and focused on bringing orchestral music to far-flung areas in the Philippines.

Expanding Horizons

After playing at several pocket events, it was time for AMI’s scholars to participate in collaborative performances with esteemed music groups. Performances included Symphony Sunsets at Makiling conducted by Gerard Salonga and a major event at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) with Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Olivier O’Chanine and Gerard Salonga.

Reaching new heights

At the Child Aid Asia Kuala Lumpur’s “A Concert by Youth for Youth” the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth enchanted audiences beyond borders with an on-stage performance. OFY musicians showcased their exceptional talents, bridging hearts and cultures through the universal language of music.

First International Tour

The OFY had its first international tour in Qatar through the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs-Philippines, Philippine Embassy-Qatar and Ang Misyon’s generous donors. They played at Katara Opera House and Qatar National Library (QNL), where the OFY was the first Philippine group to ever perform since its inauguration, conducted by Joshua Dos Santos.

Growing together

The OFY and its younger orchestra group at the time, Ang Misyon Children’s Orchestra (AMCO), performed together consisting of over 100 musicians. Under the baton of Joshua Dos Santos, this was their first performance combining all scholars, held at the Sun Life Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City.

In-depth with classical music

For the OFY’s 7th Anniversary Concert, they played for an audience of close to 800 at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University with a repertoire of classical pieces including Richard Wagner’s Rienzi Overture, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.1 “Titan” IV Stürmisch bewegt and a medley of timeless local compositions arranged by Ria Villena-Osorio entitled “Songs for the Youth.”

Remarkable changes abound

The OFY and ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra (ABSPO) had a collaborative performance called “Side by side” at ABS-CBN Compound’s Studio 4. This was the last live, in-person concert of the OFY before the world locked down because of COVID-19.

Playing through the pandemic

In the face of the global pandemic, OFY shifts to virtual platforms, ensuring music education continues despite the limitations. AMI delved into producing virtual concerts and workshops, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of its scholars in the midst of uncertain times. This year marked the campaign “Namamasko Po!” which was the OFY’s way of gifting and gathering their supporters through music.

A decade of transforming lives

OFY Tenth Year Anniversary at CCP
To celebrate the remarkable tenth year milestone, a live concert was held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on October 8, 2022, in partnership with National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA). A first since the pandemic, this live performance filled the seats at CCP with a repertoire featuring classical pieces and Filipino compositions.

Puso ng Pasko at The Metropolitan Theater
OFY was part of the all-Filipino Christmas ballet “Puso ng Pasko” where they played live under the baton of Mr. Ryan Cayabyab (National Artist for Music), with the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) and the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, with the guidance of Ms. Alice Reyes (National Artist for Dance).

The misyon continues

Ang Misyon and its music scholars finally stationed back home to Rockwell Business Center headquarters and to face to face activities. The young musicians embraced the change from virtual lessons and rehearsals and they are happy to reunite with their peers and mentors.

The OFY’s annual Music Camp has commenced at Eugenio Lopez Center, Antipolo. This four-day intensive camp includes learning a challenging repertoire, sectionals, technique and developmental workshops which aims to enhance their music skills and group dynamics as an orchestra.

The OFY shines in Rama, Hari

In the vibrant world of Filipino music and dance, "Rama, Hari", a ballet-musical masterpiece, takes center stage. With National Artists at the helm and live orchestral music to be performed by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) Rama, Hari is a production that combines history, legacy and hope for the arts.

During the selected shows that feature live orchestra music, the OFY will be conducted by Toma Cayabyab, whose roots are inherent to the world of music. A familial bond between father and son, Toma and Mr. Cayabyab working together symbolizes the power of continuing legacy. Having trust in the musicality of the younger generation, Toma highlights that their presence is as vital as the seasoned professionals surrounding them. Their participation signifies the youth’s potential to shape the future of music.

Rekindling the Filipino Christmas Spirit

Every year, the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth’s tradition is to launch the holiday season with a Christmas performance. During the pandemic, this had to be translated into a virtual show to keep the festivities going online. This December 2023, the OFY’s annual Christmas Caroling came back home for an in person performance.

Rama, Hari Repeat

OFY’s impact was showcased when the group was hand-picked by National Artists Ryan Cayabyab & Alice Reyes to perform live music during the restaging of "Rama, Hari" in September 2023, affirming our musicians' talent and the transformative power of music education. Due to its success, Rama, Hari had a rerun in February 2024 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati, where the performers was accompanied by live orchestral music performed by the OFY under the baton of Toma Cayabyab.