Mission Statement:
The FEU Center for the Arts (FCA) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive artistic community that nurtures talent, celebrates cultural diversity, and encourages artistic expression among its student artists. The FCA is committed to exposing and engaging the FEU community with diverse art forms that highlight Philippine art and culture, inspiring creativity and patriotism throughout the community. The FCA aims to transform lives through the arts by nurturing talent, encouraging artistic expression, and providing platforms and opportunities for engagement and performances across a wide range of creative disciplines. The FCA strives to inspire and empower the FEU Community to contribute meaningfully to Art and Culture in FEU and beyond.
Vision Statement:
To be continuously recognized for its commitment to the arts, the FEU Center for the Arts envisions a community where creativity flourishes and artistic expression is celebrated. It aims to be a transformative cultural institution, recognized for enriching lives and building an engaged and creative FEU community through the arts. The FCA envisions a campus where its members and stakeholders can experience, appreciate, and contribute to Arts and Culture — setting the standard for artistic outputs. The FEU Center for the Arts embraces its role as a hub for nurturing artistic talent and enriching cultural understanding within the FEU community and society.
Arts and culture are alive in FEU!
The FEU community is provided with numerous opportunities to appreciate the best artistic and cultural outputs from its students, the rest of the Philippines and other countries. In 1990, Dr. Lourdes Montinola, the FEU Chair at the time and then President Felixberto Sta. Maria established the President’s Committee on Culture and the Arts (PCCA) to uplift and develop the cultural awareness of FEU students in particular, and the FEU community in general. From the PCCA under the leadership of Nick Agudo, it became the PCC or President’s Committee on Culture under Jesus Cruz and Rustica Carpio. It eventually became the FEU Center for the Arts (FCA) under Martin Lopez.
The FCA continues the rich history of the FEU Auditorium, the cultural center of the Philippines in the 1950s by presenting worthwhile artistic programs from FEU, the rest of the Philippines and other countries. The FCA hopes to enrich the University experience of students by inculcating in them the value and necessity of the arts and culture. The FCA programs a year-round calendar of cultural activities including theater, music and dance performances, campus tours, film screenings, exhibits, festivals, competitions, lectures and workshops. These programs not only showcase the artistic talents of FEU’s students but also those of established local and foreign artists with the goal of building awareness, appreciation, and audiences for the arts.
Director Lopez states: “Each year, we see to it that we have a wide range of cultural programs for our students. This is not just to bring the arts closer to the student community, but also to help those involved in the cultural groups to develop skills that they may not necessarily learn in the classroom, such as collaboration, innovation, and self-esteem.”
– “Art and Culture Take Center Stage in FEU,” 2014
The FCA nurtures seven campus-based cultural groups (CGs) namely, the FEU Bamboo Band, Chorale, Dance Company, Drum and Bugle Corps, Drummers, Guides, and Theater Guild. These groups perform on and off campus, locally, internationally, and online. CG Members who meet academic and artistic standards enjoy partial or full scholarships. Exceptional student artists who are recognized not just by their Artistic Directors and peers but also by respected professionals in the arts may qualify for full scholarships plus miscellaneous fees.
More information on the CG’s and their achievements as well as the annual cultural season may be found on the social media pages of the FCA:
- IG and X (Twitter): @FEUCenterArts
- FB: facebook.com/FEUcenterfortheArts
- YouTube: FEU Center for the Arts
The FCA Cultural Groups
FEU Bamboo Band
In 1966, Far Eastern University (FEU) President Dr. Nicanor Reyes Jr. with the help of Mr. Victor Toledo, established in the FEU Grade School the Singing Bamboo Band also known as the “FEU Pangkat Kawayan (FEUPK).” The FEUPK transferred to the FEU Girls High School, then to FEU Diliman before eventually returning to the Manila Campus. In 2007, the group was reorganized and changed its name to the “FEU Bamboo Band (FBB)”.
At present, it consists of 50 young and talented FEU students from different institutes conducted by Mr. Norberto Cads.
The basic instruments that the FBB uses are the marimba, which produces the melody, bumbong, which carries out bass and chord rhythms, and angklungs, which provide melodies and counterpoints to the marimba tunes. These instruments are ingeniously crafted from indigenous materials, mainly bamboo and narra. Most of them are handmade by Professor Siegfredo Calabig.
The FBB not only performs regularly for major activities and programs in FEU. It has also performed in Malacañang Palace, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Quezon Memorial Circle, Folk Arts Theater, hotels, and museums. They were featured artists in “CONCERT AT THE PARK” in Rizal Park, “SINING AT KALINANGAN SA BAYWALK”, the Filipino Heritage Festival’s tour of Naga and Albay, SinagTala’s “Come to the Stable” Christmas concert, and the Filfest Cultural Foundation. Recent concerts in FEU include “Dreams a Disney-Inspired Concert”, “Music Evolution”, “A Toast to Broadway”, and “Let It Beatles”.
Norberto Cads, Jr.
Artistic Director
More information may be found on the social media pages of the FBB:
- FB: facebook.com/FarEasternUniversityBambooBand
- YouTube: FEU Bamboo Band
- IG: @FEUBambooBand
- Email: feubambooband@feu.edu.ph
PAST EVENTS
FEU Chorale
The Far Eastern University Chorale is the premier and official choir of Far Eastern University (FEU) under the FEU Center for the Arts (FCA). It was revived in 2004 by then FEU Chair Dr. Lourdes R. Montinola, with Mr. Emerson Hernandez as its Artistic Director (AD). The group joined and won in several choral competitions, performed in various television programs, and graced multiple functions in and outside the University. From 2017 to 2023, Mr. Karl Angelo Tangco took over as the AD and conductor of the group. In 2019, the FEU Chorale won first place in the Senior Choir Category of the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA). Also in the same year, the group, comprised of non-music students from the different institutes of the University, embarked on its first international choral competition, the 4th Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival, bagging first place in the Mixed Category and second in the Folk Song Category. With this feat, the FEU Chorale was chosen as one of two choirs to represent the Philippines in the 2nd Asia Choral Grand Prix in Bali, Indonesia in July 2023. Before they flew to Bali, they joined the Sing, Tarlac, Sing Choral Festival & Competition in July 2023 and won 1st runner-up. They also won the Folk Song category.
The group had the opportunity to collaborate and perform together with some of the country’s best choirs, most notably with the Philippine Madrigal Singers in a joint concert in 2009, a performance of Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem” together with Cantus in 2020, virtually with the De La Salle University Chorale and other university and community choirs in a concert hosted by the former during the height of the pandemic in 2021, online with the Filamer Christian University Chorale and the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute Saring Himig and Himig Scientia through Musica FEUROPA and in person with Kammerchor Manila and the Letran Singing Ambassadors in 2022.
Musica FEUROPA was the annual choral competition and festival organized by the FEU Center for the Arts through the FEU Chorale in partnership with the European Union. This event held every May for 14 years showcased the talents of various choirs from all over the country and fostered an awareness and appreciation of the music, languages and composers of the Philippines and different European Union countries.
In 2024, Roijin Suarez took over as the Artistic Director and conductor of the group.
More information may be found on the social media pages of the FEU Chorale:
- FB: www.facebook.com/FEUChoraleOfficial
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@feuchorale6543
- IG: @feuchorale
- Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@feuchorale
- Email: feuchorale@feu.edu.ph
FEU Dance Company
The FEU Folk Dance Group, now the FEU Dance Company (FDC), was formed and conceptualized in 1957 by Alejandro Roces, then Dean of the Institute of Arts and Sciences who became a National Artist for Literature, in response to an invitation for schools to present Philippine folk dances at the Brussels World Fair of 1958. Though the trip did not materialize initially, 100 dancers were recruited from the entire Physical Education Department under Alfredo Reyes, son of FEU Founder Dr. Nicanor Reyes. Corazon Iñigo, a member of the faculty, became the dance coach. The group made its debut in the Philippine Folk Dance Festival at the Rizal Coliseum on October 1, 1957. Of the original 100, the group was reduced to the most talented 25 members. The FEU Folk Dance Company finally made it to Europe in 1959. It became the first Philippine university-based group to compete and win in Europe. The group extended its stay to accept a prolonged engagement at the Sarah Bernhard Theater in Paris
The members got to have an audience with Pope John XXIII, now a Saint. They received a red- carpet welcome when they landed in Manila.
Currently, the FDC’s goal is to provide students with a venue to express and develop their artistic talents in dancing. It is the only collegiate dance company doing all dance genres, namely Classical & Modern Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz, Folk, Street, and Dance Sport.
The FDC won the 2014 Folk Dance Competition sponsored by the Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which paved the way for their participating and winning third place in the Cheonan World Folk Dance Competition in Korea in October 2015. In 2017, they were the Grand Champions in the Dance Supremacy Dance Competition and 1st Runner up in the Ego Dance Competition. In 2018, the FDC Street Alliance won the UAAP Street Dance Competition then won 1st Runner up the following year. Also in 2018, the FDC represented the country in the prestigious Andong Mask Festival in South Korea, taking home the silver medal. The FDC participated and won 2nd place in the College Kings division of Dance Supremacy 2023, held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Also in 2023, Deborah Afuang took over as the FDC’s new Artistic Director. Just two months later, the group won the College Kings and Queens divisions of Dance Supremacy 2024.
Past artistic directors of the group include Rosalie Merino Santos, Josie Sison, Milagros Miguel, Rebecca Morales, Asuncion Alzona-Henry, Tony Bermudez, Yek Borlongan, Irma Lopez-Escobia, Cherissa Rodriguez-Chastain, Rob Villaroya, Gigi Felix Velarde-David and Eduardo Malagkit.
Artistic Director: Michael Barry Que
More information may be found on the social media pages of the FDC:
- FB: www.facebook.com/FEUDanceCompanyFCA
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FEUCenterfortheArts
- IG: @_feudancecompany
- Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@feu_dancecompany
- Email: feudancecompany@feu.edu.ph
FEU Drum and Bugle Corps
The FEU Drum and Bugle Corps (DBC) was organized in 1937 by FEU founder Dr. Nicanor Reyes, Sr. to perform for the school during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season and to participate in various area festivals.
Under the baton of Illumar Togado from 2003-2023, the FEU DBC won several local and international competitions, including 1st runner-up in the 2009 National Drum and Bugle Corps Competition that was held in the Quirino Grandstand, Manila. In 2016, the DBC Brassline placed third in the Brassline Battle of the Jember Open Marching Competition in Indonesia.
Under the direction of John Carlo Obrero (2013-2015) and Kevin Castelo (2015-present), the FEU DBC – DRUMLINE won several local, national, and international competitions including nine championships such as the 2015 Jember Open Marching Competition in Indonesia. Most recently, they won the 2023 Bakood Festival’s Drumline Battle in Bacoor City, Cavite. The FEU DBC’s Drumline was the first runner-up in the 1st Philippine International Marching Band Competition in 2018 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Some of the current performers have musical backgrounds; most of them do not. Those with no previous training are taught by the staff and other members of the DBC, including alumni. Members and alumni have been consistently recognized for the marching bands they lead in their respective locales outside the campus.
Other past Artistic Directors (AD) of the FEU DBC include Moises Panaguiton and Benedict Balagapo.
Mr. Kevin Castelo, who finished his master’s degree in Percussion at the University of Indiana, presently leads the FEU DBC with the assistance of Mr. Koowie Relevo, IABF Class of 2017.
The group has had workshops with Jun & Sandra Viray, Edgar Avenir, Antonio Reyes, Johnny Rogers, Reggie Padilla, Jacob Sawyer, Claude Diallo, John Carlo Obrero, Isaac de Alva III, JR Alberto, Ricson Poonin, and Cary Anderson.
Kevin Julius Castelo
Artistic Director
Koowie Relevo
Assistant Artistic Director
More information may be found on the social media pages of the FEU DBC:
- FB: www.facebook.com/FEUDrumandBugleCorps
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FEUCenterfortheArts
- IG: feu.dbc
- TikTok: feu.dbc
- X: FEUDBC
- Email: feudrumandbugle@feu.edu.ph
Drummers
The FEU Drummers specializes in hyping the crowd through loud drumming and cheers. They are the official pep drummers of Far Eastern University (FEU). They are mostly involved in selected sports events of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and school-based activities of the University.
On April 24, 2014, the FEU Drummers was established after the disbandment of its counterpart organization, the FEU Green Bisons. It was back to square one, with less than five members and a limited number of drums. In the years that followed, the FEU Drummers grew in number and equipment while also expanding its skills and performance opportunities.
The organization was first under the supervision of FEU’s Physical Education Department then transferred to the FEU Center for the Arts in 2017. Mr. Kevin Castelo served as its first moderator, followed by Mr. Isaac de Silva III. Mr. Kevin Castelo returned as their current Artistic Director after he took his Masters in Percussion from the University of Indiana.
Kevin Julius Castelo
Artistic Director
More information may be found on the social media pages of the FEU Drummers:
- FB: www.facebook.com/FEUDRUMMERS
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FEUCenterfortheArts
- IG/X/TikTok: feudrummers
- Email: feudrummers@feu.edu.ph
FEU Theater Guild
The Far Eastern University Dramatic Guild, which became the FEU Theater Guild (FTG), was founded in 1934 by professor–director Sarah Kabigting Joaquin, a notable figure in Philippine theater. The Guild first rehearsed in one of the theatres along Rizal Avenue. After a few months, the group moved to a small social hall in a former cigarette factory on Azcarraga (now C. M. Recto) Street.
“Call Me Mike,” a comedy in three acts by Reach and Taggart, was the Guild’s first production. It was directed by Mrs. Joaquin and actor–director Alberto Cacnio. The play was staged in the Metro Theatre, Manila on December 4, 1940. Despite a typhoon signal no. 4 at that time, the production was hailed a success by the audience. Manila’s Dramatic Critics placed FEU’s name in the city’s theatre history. After receiving positive reviews of “Call Me Mike”, FEU Founder Dr. Nicanor Reyes personally offered Joaquin a “world class theater” to serve as its permanent venue for productions.
In 1949, the promise of a professional theatre was realized when Architect Pablo S. Antonio Sr., who later became a National Artist for Architecture, built the FEU Auditorium. When the Guild resumed operations after World War II, it became one of the most active campus–based theatre organizations in Manila. It produced plays within and outside the campus, joined festivals, sponsored workshops, participated in fund-raising activities, and collaborated with other theatre companies such as the Barangay Theater Guild, which was also founded by Mrs. Joaquin. In the decades that followed, other Artistic Directors who lead the group included Ginnie Sobrino, Mark Aspiras, Dr. Jaime Ang, Normita Cadiz-Amacan, Karen Panela, Lauro “Lary” Simbol, Dr. Rustica “Rustie” Carpio, Dr. Gene Pamittan, Gloria A. Mendoza, and Atty. Christine Carpio-Aldeguer.
In 2009, Edward “Dudz” Teraña of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) became the FTG’s Artistic Director. Major changes in the Guild occurred including the introduction of laboratory productions, a four-year training program for area specialization, and the separation of organizational and artistic committees. The group now stages at least one major and one minor production per semester.
At present, FTG members are continuously being trained in different aspects of theatre performance such as creative musical theatre, dance theatre, acting, and directing through daily theatre classes, workshops facilitated by the artistic director himself, and/or other professionals, and exposure to actual theater productions. Members are also required to have their specialization in different production areas like Events and Production Management, Marketing Management, Public Relations, Production Design, Stage Management, and Technicals.
Through the years, the FTG has produced influential personalities in theater, film, and Convergent media such as internationally renowned drag queens Brigiding and Viñas Deluxe, actresses Divine Aucina, Kat Galang, Odette Khan and Yesh Burce, former Senator and radio/TV host Eddie Ilarde, Jayson Sarmiento, award winning filmmaker and visual artist Jet Leyco, broadcast journalist Jorge Cariño and Pete Roa.
Well-acclaimed productions of the group include Dudz Teraña’s “Pablemo”, “B(i)etter”, “Sampung Minuto Kada Buwan”, and “Usapang X”, Rody Vera’s “Summer Dreamin”, “Ang Unang Aswang” and “Dreamweavers”, Risa Jopson’s “Makikitawag Lang Ako” and “Ang Pinakamakisig sa mga Nalunod sa Buong Daigdig”, George De Jesus’ “Sala Sa Pito” and Liza Magtoto’s “Agnoia”.
Edward Terana
Artistic Director
More information may be found on the social media pages of the FTG:
- FB: www.facebook.com/FarEasternUniversityTheaterGuild
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FEUCenterfortheArts
- IG/TikTok: @feutheaterguild
- X: @FTG1934
- Website: feutheaterguild.com
- Email: feutheaterguild@feu.edu.ph, mediarelations.ftg@gmail.com
FEU Guides
The FEU Guides organize and execute the annual Creepiyu and Tamarace around the FEU Manila campus as a fun way of promoting the University’s rich history and treasure trove of important artworks and buildings.
The FEU Guides is currently lead by Mr. Ivan Man Dy, an Art Deco Expert and renowned tour guide of Binondo and Intramuros. Past advisers and Artistic Directors of the group include April Dopeño, Mel Dulalia, Evan Carl Ibarra, Jade Maniago, Clarisse Mae Nerida, and Mark Sinay.
The Far Eastern University Guides was established in 2008 as the Ushering and Tour Guiding Committee (UTGC). It was a partnership initiated by Mr. Martin Lopez of the FEU’s President’s Committee on Culture, now the FEU Center for the Arts and the Tourism Management Society. It was an answer to the growing demands for tours within FEU’s UNESCO awarded art deco campus. The members were initially Tourism Management Students. In 2014, the UTGC became the FEU Guides and welcomed students from other institutes. The Guides became FEU’s frontliners and help spread cultural heritage awareness through the tours they conduct. They are also the official ushers of the art deco FEU Auditorium, now a National Cultural Treasure, and other major venues on campus. Their ushering services have been engaged by organizations such as the Philippine Educational Theater Association, Children’s Hour, the Alumni Association of Xavier School, the Psychology Association of the Philippines and the Alun Alun Dance Circle in such venues as the PETA Theater, the Philippine International Convention Center and the Metropolitan Theater.
More information may be found on the social media pages of the FEU Guides:
- FB: www.facebook.com/FEUGuidesFCA
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FEUCenterfortheArts
- IG/X: feuguides
- Tiktok:www.tiktok.com/@feuguides
- Email: feuguides@feu.edu.ph
PERFORMANCE BOOKING FORMS
Cultural Events and Performances
