About Us

Well-known in the performing arts community as one of Edmonton’s leading Filipino show choirs, Koro Filipino (formerly The Philippine Choral) actually started as a small church choir in 1991. Through their unique harmonies, they inspired many churchgoers with their uplifting spiritual hymns and mass songs. Their love for music and community service eventually widened their repertoire to include classic and contemporary Tagalog songs as well as English, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish and even South African pieces. Today, Koro Filipino boasts of 25 energetic singers eager to captivate and engage their audience with their signature showmanship. They have had numerous concerts all around the city including a sold-out performance at the Winspear Centre. They are often asked to perform at Filipino events, senior centres, and civic functions that showcase cultural talent. As well, they are sought after for weddings, anniversaries, and other private functions.

Although they have grown in number and reputation, Koro Filipino never forgot their roots as a church choir. They still sing regularly at Sunday masses at various parishes. And every Christmas, they make a special music ministry at the Simbang Gabi (Filipino Christmas Night Mass). Koro Filipino singers are truly perfect music ambassadors of Filipino-Canadian goodwill.

Our History

We were probably the earliest adopters of the karaoke craze of the early 90’s. We’d gather at a friend’s house every Friday to unwind after a hectic workweek to do our best Sinatra, Manilow, and Humperdinck impressions. But when we started doing Bee Gees and Beach Boys hits, we realized we were naturals at harmonies. So we said, why not form a show choir. We later learned that a famous Filipino composer was quietly retired in Edmonton, and that maybe he could mentor us. In March 1991, we managed to coax Mil Villareal to dust off his Yamaha DX7 and arrange our first SATB pieces. They were catchy, unique, and definitely show choir material. When the city called for auditions for local talents to perform at the opening of the new city hall in 1992, we decided to give it a go.

We must have impressed the judges because after hearing just the first of two planned songs, they asked us to stop; we were in. And so began the Koro Filipino (we went by Philippine Choral back then).

Since then, we’ve done the Winspear, Horowitz, Jubilee, and other venues as well as festivals, cultural and church events, senior residences, fundraisers, etc. Our membership has grown from 16 to 24, although our average age seems to have stalled in the 30’s. Our repertoire is mostly Filipino songs, but we’ve also learned a few Spanish, French, and Italian tunes. Music, after all, is a universal language.

Meet our Leaders

Chito Atienza

President
Lyn Puyat

Vice-President

Juan Bituin

Secretary
Martin Penaco

Treasurer
Bertita Elvina

Auditor

Special Committee

Behind the scenes of every successful performance is a dedicated team that makes everything possible. Our Special Committee is composed of passionate individuals who offer their time, creativity, and leadership to support the group’s vision.

From organizing costumes and musical arrangements to maintaining our digital presence, their contributions ensure that our choir continues to grow in excellence and unity.