Souvenir ProgramME For MEn Concert

The Male Ensemble Philippines (MEn) is a distinguished vocal group composed of select artists from the country’s celebrated and award-winning choral institutions. United by a profound passion for ensemble singing, they are driven by a singular mission: to promote and elevate Philippine culture and the arts through the transformative power of music.

Emerging as a rising force in the global choral scene, MEn continued to gain international recognition through a series of successful concert tours across Asia and Europe in 2024. Their performances in key cultural and diplomatic venues in South Korea, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Macao were warmly received, further strengthening their role as advocates of Filipino artistry on the world stage. The year 2023 marked significant milestones for MEn internationally. The group won 1st Prize in the Secular Category and 2nd Prize in the Sacred Category (Vocal Groups Division) at the prestigious 54th Tolosa International Choral Competition in Spain. Earlier that year, they were invited to perform at two of Russia’s most esteemed concert venues—the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory and the Ekaterininskoe Sobranie in St. Petersburg—during the Universe of Sound International Music Festival.

Since their inception in 2018, the ensemble has graced stages across the Philippines and beyond, collaborating with esteemed musical institutions such as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philippine Madrigal Singers. They have also worked alongside the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and various private and non-government organizations, leading workshops, outreach programs, and benefit concerts that bring music to communities nationwide.

With a repertoire that bridges tradition and innovation, MEn explores a diverse range of musical styles—from classical masterpieces and jazz standards to contemporary Filipino compositions and traditional folk songs. Their commitment to expanding their artistry through newly commissioned works reflects their dedication to creating music that not only resonates in the ear but profoundly moves the soul.

Ily Matthew Maniano 

Musical Director

Ily is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning composer, conductor, choral clinician, and educator. His compositions are performed in prestigious choral competitions and festivals around the world and have been recorded and premiered by some of the most renowned choirs and Grammy-winning groups, including the King’s Singers and the Swingle Singers, among others.

Ily has served as a guest speaker, instructor, and adjudicator, and has facilitated numerous choral clinics and workshops across the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Canada, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. Among his accolades are being a two-time “Ani ng Dangal” awardee from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippines), winning First Prize at the 2022 Busan International Choral Festival Composition Competition (South Korea), placing Second at the 2021 Concurso de Composición Gustavo Gómez Ardilla (Colombia), and being named the 2017 Polyphonos Composition Competition Young Composer Winner (USA).

Ily studied Music Education at the University of the Philippines College of Music and is an alumnus, resident arranger, and composer for the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers and Manila Chamber Singers. He also facilitates OPUS, an online choral writing course that encourages individuals to begin composing and arranging music for their own groups. In pursuit of choral excellence, his works continue to set new standards, elevating the musical artistry and creativity of today’s dynamic choral industry.