AITAN JOM S. CASTRO

Aitan Jom S. Castro is an incoming grade 8 student at the Philippine High School for the Arts, major in music with a focus on piano. He is under the mentorship of Ms Mary Anne Espina who undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his musical talent. Aitan has also had the privilege of attending masterclasses led by esteemed musicians such as Dr. Abel Galang, Dr. Paul Rickard-Ford and Carles Lama. He was given an honorable mention in the last 2024 New York Young Performers Prize Competition.

AIJA CARYS S. CASTRO

Aija Carys S. Castro is a 16-year-old student born and raised in Baliwag, Bulacan. She is a student at the Philippine High School for the Arts, major in violin under the tutelage of Ms. Gina Medina Perez. Aija's passion for the violin began a t the age of 3, when she started her musical journey under the guidance of her father, Jamer Castro. With the unwavering guidance of Ms. Gina, Aija is continuously refining her skills, techniques, and performance. She also attended a duo masterclass under Carles Lama and Sofia Cabruja at the Manila Pianos.

ANDREA ABAD

Andrea Abad, 13, has been passionate about the arts from a young age. She began ballet at 3 and switched to violin at 4, studying under award-winning pianist Mr. Gabriel Allan Paguirigan. A year later, she transitioned to piano, continuing her studies with Mr. Paguirigan. At 9, she performed at the PTGP Festival, and at 11, she was featured in Steinway's Rising Star Series. Last year, she became a scholar at the Philippine High School for the Arts, majoring in Piano under Asst. Prof. Mary Anne Espina.

Andrea has participated in various masterclasses and competitions, earning accolades such as Honorable Mention at the 2024 New York Young Performers' Prize. Currently an 8th grader, she also enjoys reading, baking, drawing, and writing. Andrea dreams of becoming a concert pianist.

GABRIELLE ABAD

Gabrielle Abad, 17, developed a love for the violin early on, despite her parents' efforts to steer her towards piano. She began formal violin lessons at age 6 with Mr. Joey Ysla and later studied under award-winning pianist Mr. Gabriel Allan Paguirigan, who introduced her to the Philippine High School for the Arts. She also received guidance from Ms. Elaiza Jem Tangalin and Prof. Jorge Joy Sababan.

At 10, Gabrielle performed as a guest at a concert featuring soprano Ms. Mary Louise Alcantara. B y 12, she earned a scholarship to the Philippine High School for the Arts, majoring in Violin under Dr. Gina Medina Perez.

She has participated in masterclasses with Mr. Gilopez Kabayao and Spanish pianists Mr. Carles Lama and Ms. Sophia Cabruja. Now a Grade 12 student, Gabrielle is a member of the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth under Maestro Gerard Salonga and dreams o f a career in violin performance.