Filipino baritone Cipriano 'Zip' de Guzman wows in Rome concert

ROME, Italy — Even as a veteran of live performances that have garnered international acclaim, Filipino baritone Cipriano "Zip" de Guzman Jr. still felt excited and nervous at the same time as he mounted his first solo concert in Rome.

This was how De Guzman described his pre-Valentine's presentation of "Arias for Eros II: Love Songs from Italy, the Philippines, and the World." The evening was made even more meaningful as it coincided with his 20th year as a professional performer.

"I didn't know whether to cry or to rejoice," he shares. "There were tears and sweat all at once."

Love, music, and cultural harmony filled the air on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as De Guzman captivated the audience with timeless classics including La Vie en Rose, 'O Sole Mio, Minamahal Kita, Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas, and Con te Partirò, accompanied masterfully on piano by maestro Simone Maria Marziali.

Organized by the Embassy of the Philippines in Rome, the concert gathered consular officials from various Southeast Asian embassies, members of the Italian media, Filipino professionals, and the vibrant Filipino community.

"This evening serves as a meaningful cultural bridge between the Philippines, Italy, and the wider international community—celebrating love through the universal language of music," said Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial in his welcome remarks.

Photo by: Boyet Abucay

Two decades of dedication

De Guzman's artistic journey reflects two decades of perseverance, faith, and international achievement. Now based in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, he has built a career that spans continents—not only as a performer, but also as a chorister and music educator.

His accomplishments include prize-winning performances in prestigious international vocal competitions across major cultural capitals such as New York, London, Rome, Tokyo, Yokohama, Barcelona, and Salzburg.

It was in 2006 when he first stepped onto the stage. What began as a young artist's dream has grown into a 20-year journey marked by courage and conviction—and what he firmly believes to be a calling.

Zip's big break

In an interview, De Guzman recalled the defining turning point of his career in 2013. Through social media, he applied to join an opera production in Kuala Lumpur as a chorus member. At the time, most of the cast members were Malaysian artists trained in the United States and Europe. Only two Filipinos dared to audition.
Initially accepted into the chorus, his trajectory changed unexpectedly when the French conductor later entrusted him with the lead role.

"That was when I realized," he recalls, "that I could stand alongside international professionals."

That breakthrough became the start of a flourishing global career. International invitations soon followed—concerts across Southeast Asia, Japan, the United States, and Europe.

Photo by: Boyet Abucay

Historic, international recognition

Among his most remarkable milestones is becoming the first Filipino to win twice at the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition.

These victories led to performances at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2016 and 2017—an achievement many classical artists aspire to reach.

He also earned top honors at the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, further cementing his standing on the international stage.

In December 2025, his excellence was recognized in his homeland when he received the Best Male Filipino Artist Based Abroad award at the 38th Aliw Awards—a respected Philippine recognition for live performers.

His artistic journey continued to expand across Europe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, De Guzman found himself in Andorra. Immediately after restrictions eased, he once again secured a lead role—a testament to his resilience and unwavering dedication.

Another deeply memorable milestone was performing in La Bohème in Taranto, Italy. The experience, he says, was overwhelming.

A calling beyond career plans

Interestingly, music was not his only early ambition. A graduate of Communication Arts, De Guzman once envisioned a future in media. He worked with Roots & Wings Magazine and served as a host for "Concert at the Park," pursuing what he believed was his intended path.

Yet music consistently called him back.

"It is truly a calling," he reflects. "No matter what I plan, I always return to music."

For De Guzman, talent is a gift entrusted by God—one that must be nurtured and shared. His advice to aspiring artists extends beyond music:

"If you have talent, any passion—not only in music—pursue it. Your passion can eventually become your profession. If it is your calling, stick with it. That is the talent given to you by the Lord—develop it."

Photo by: Boyet Abucay

Voice without borders

Beyond his musical achievements, De Guzman is also a gifted linguist. He speaks English, Filipino (Tagalog and Bisaya), Italian, French, and Catalan, and is currently studying Luxembourgish. He also speaks and teaches Japanese—an ability that has enabled him to connect deeply with diverse audiences and students around the world.

Despite his distinctly European-sounding name, he proudly affirms that he is "100 percent Pinoy." As a child, he once disliked his name. Today, he views it differently.

"I now realize it was also His way of preparing me for my career and my stay here in Europe."

What he once questioned has become part of his unique identity—bridging cultures, languages, and continents. 

20 years, 1 purpose

As he marks his 20th year in the profession, Cipriano "Zip" de Guzman Jr. carries not only experience, but deep gratitude. From chorus member to international lead performer, from competition laureate to award-winning Filipino artist abroad, his journey stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the courage to seize opportunity.

Excited. Nervous. Emotional.

But above all, certain of one thing: It was always a calling.

— VDV, GMA Integrated News