The Cuartero National High School (NHS) Taliamba Ensemble once again proved the power of youth as it captivated the audience during its performance at Pasinaya Iloilo 2026, held at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA).

Taking the stage at 11:30 a.m., the award-winning student rondalla group delivered an energetic and crowd-pleasing set that drew not only cheers and applause, but brought festival-goers to singing and dancing. 

The ensemble, widely recognized for its commitment to preserving Filipino cultural heritage, showcased not only traditional artistry but also fresh, relatable interpretations of well-loved Filipino songs.

Their renditions of crowd favorites such as “Multo” by Cup of Joe, “Kisapmata” and “Liwanag sa Dilim” by Rivermaya, “Jopay” by Mayonnaise, “Nosi Balasi” by Sampaguita, and an Eraserheads medley brought a modern spark to the cultural celebration, delighting audiences and affirming the Ensemble’s growing reputation for homegrown talent.

Founded over a decade ago, the Cuartero NHS Taliamba Ensemble has become a symbol of youth-driven cultural advocacy in Capiz.

In 2019, the group earned national recognition as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations during the 16th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards. The honor was awarded for their Enhanced Lowa Documentation Initiative (ELOWDI), a project dedicated to recording and preserving the fading “Lowa” oral traditions of their community.

The ensemble specializes in traditional Filipino music, dance, and folk arts, while also bridging generations by reimagining contemporary Filipino songs through rondalla arrangements. This balance between tradition and modern expression has enabled them to reach diverse audiences in prestigious cultural platforms, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Pasinaya festivals.

Guided by their adviser and conductor, Ramie Capuyan—also a facilitator in National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)-partnered rondalla training workshops in Capiz—the students continue to grow as performers and cultural advocates.

Celebrating a decade of artistry in 2024, the Cuartero NHS Taliamba Ensemble marked another milestone with its performance at Pasinaya Iloilo 2026, delighting audiences and underscoring the vital role of young artists in keeping Filipino culture vibrant and relevant.

The ensemble’s appearance reinforced a clear message: Filipino youth, grounded in tradition and driven by talent, are carrying the nation’s cultural heritage to national and international stages, uniting communities through art and music in line with this year’s theme, “Paglikha sa Kinabukasan” (Creation for the Future).