Intramuros Evenings: Serenata ng Banda celebrates Filipino symphonic and marching bands in the eve of Fiesta de Intramuros
Filipino symphonic and marching bands will liven up the walled city with Intramuros Evenings: Serenata ng Banda, slated on September 13, 2025, at 7pm., at the San Agustin Church.
The partnership of Intramuros Administration and the Cultural Center of the Philippines continues with the special symphonic and marching bands concert, dubbed Serenata ng Banda, celebrating the rich heritage and tradition of community bands.
The concert event opens the Patio de San Agustin to the public to witness bands across the metro as they sound their instruments into adobe stones of the city, in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa of Intramuros. The grand celebration with the bands will commence on the eve of Fiesta de Intramuros, under the direction and arrangement of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) resident conductor, Maestro Herminigildo G. Ranera.
Audiences can expect performances from Citizen’s Brigade Band of Dasmariñas (CBBD), Banda ng Maynila, Makati City Band, Pasay City Symphony Band (PCSB), and the Quezon City Symphonic Band (QCSB).
The historic CBBD will showcase the band tradition of Dasmarinas City. Since its establishment in 1988, the CBBD has evolved to become a renowned group thriving in national and international levels.
Banda ng Maynila will also grace the public with their musicality in the upcoming event. With history dating back to the incumbency of late Mayor Antonio J. Villegas, the band has been playing during official functions, participating in several band concerts in Luneta during Araw ng Maynila, and performing with the U.S. Army Band.
To uplift with their serenade, the Makati City Band, also known as the PSD Band, will fill the patio with unique arrangements. Founded in 1986, the ensemble stands as the embodiment of the city’s harmonious blend of service and artistry, promoting a community immersed in music.
PCSB brings its rich musical heritage to the patio. They symbolize the city’s commitment to nurturing the Pasayeño arts. Most recently, the PCSB represented the Philippines at the 22nd Asia and Pacific Director’s Band Association 2025 Conference in Singapore.
Intramuros will also witness the energy of the QCSB. Known as the Quezon City Brass Band when it first started in 1989, the QCSB expanded to a full symphonic band that showcases the city’s dedication to the development and dissemination of music. As a highly requested band, they take pride in the powerful sounds that fosters a strong and moving bond in a community.
The Serenata ng Banda follows the success of Intramuros Evenings’ initial salvo, featuring Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?, a devised production directed by CCP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan and written by Jose Victor Torres who interweaves the works of three National Artists exploring Filipino identity through the years.
Intramuros Evenings is a longstanding collaboration between the Intramuros Administration (IA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), two institutions dedicated to promoting and preserving Filipino culture and heritage.
Back then, the project featured performances by CCP resident companies in its live productions, including Ballet Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, and the PPO. On its 46th year, Intramuros Evenings blends live music with history and revives the serenata tradition of band performance reminiscent of the town fiestas.
As institutions for the arts and culture, IA and CCP reaffirm their commitment to promoting the arts. Intramuros Evenings is a celebration of talent and a proof of the enduring practice of band music.
Witness the walled city comes alive in Intramuros Evenings: Serenata ng Banda, on September 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Patio de San Agustin. The event is open to the public.
For more information on IAs events, visit their official website (www.intramuros.gov.ph). You may also visit the CCP’s official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok to get the latest news and updates on programs and events.
