The OFY scholars with First Philippine Holdings Corporation chairman and OFY cofounder Fed­erico R. Lopez (front row, in blue shirt)Ang Misyon Inc. (AMI) and its main performing arm, the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY), are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year with a live concert entitled “OFY X” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Oct. 8, 2022

 The concert will showcase how far the scholars have progressed in the program and will be their first major in-person event since the pandemic; this is also their first live performance with maestro Gerard Salonga as music director and conductor.

“OFY X” is hosted in partnership with the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), the music competition that has been a principal instrument in discovering major music talents from all over the country. Celebrating 49 years of recognizing Filipinos’ innate love for music, the concert will feature performances from OFY mentors and scholars who have been NAMCYA finalists and winners through the years.

Spark social change

Founded in 2012 by ABS-CBN Corporation chairman emeritus Eugenio Lopez III, First Philippine Holdings Corporation chairman Federico R. Lopez and concert pianist Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz, AMI, along with its OFY flagship music program, believes that teaching the youth orchestral music can spark social change in the Philippines.

Under the baton of Salonga and the guidance of professional mentors, OFY’s curriculum is carefully curated for a high-quality youth orchestra. There are one-on-one lessons, camps, sectional workshops and master classes that allow the OFY members to learn challenging pieces ranging from classical to pop music.

AMI and OFY have helped over a thousand scholars and continue to provide programs focused on orchestral training and instrument support. The children and youth are introduced to the world of music and its possibilities, with the values of commitment, discipline and community ingrained in their orchestral training. These empower them to become professionals in their craft and, ultimately, responsible members of society.

What does the future look like for AMI and OFY? AMI will keep transforming lives through the power of music. This means continuing the organization’s “misyon” in helping children and youth through music education, reaching more people who can be part of OFY’s advocacy and creating more awareness about orchestral and classical music through performances.

A glimpse of the organization’s bright future is seen through the success stories of the OFY scholars. When looking at the last 10 years, the passion and resilience of the OFY scholars shine through. Some pursued music as a career and are now able to support themselves, their families and, more importantly, teach the younger generation as a way of paying it forward.

“These are inspiring results that reaffirm the work that we do and a great example that art is an essential part of life and is a form of livelihood for many. There are various art forms out there, and music serves as a universal language we can all connect with. It can also be one of the most transformative, as it can uplift lives and bring hope to others,” said Salonga.

To secure tickets for the concert on Oct. 8 or to inquire about scholarship packages and verification of deposit slips, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To donate to OFY’s music education program, deposit to Ang Misyon Inc., account numbers 000-668-079-237 (Banco de Oro) and 0201- 0471-61 (BPI) or send to paypal.me/angmisyonph. (Story/Photos by: Alyanna Chio)