Sharing Heritage Through Choral Music

The Auckland Choral Ensemble

We are a community choir based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland that brings people together through music. The Auckland Choral Ensemble (ACE) brings together Filipino singers from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to artistic excellence and cultural representation.

Through a repertoire that blends Filipino works with global choral music, ACE engages diverse audiences and builds connection across communities.

ACE creates spaces where people feel welcomed and connected. The choir fosters cultural pride and strengthens community life through music.

Our Music Team

Meet Our Conductor

Aldwin Anastacio is a Filipino choral conductor, educator, composer, and performer with a passion for artistic excellence and community building through music. He graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines College of Music with a degree in Choral Conducting.

Throughout his career, Aldwin has led school, community, and church choirs, helping singers of diverse backgrounds grow as confident musicians and ensemble performers. His approach combines strong musicianship with a commitment to creating meaningful and inclusive musical experiences.

Now based in New Zealand, Aldwin continues to champion choral music while celebrating Filipino culture and heritage. As the founding conductor of Auckland Choral Ensemble (ACE), he leads the choir's artistic vision and inspires its members to share music that connects communities and enriches New Zealand's vibrant choral landscape.

Meet Our Vocal Coaches

Ann de Guzman is a vocalist, educator, and music director with a strong background in choral, jazz, and contemporary vocal performance. A pioneering member of Auckland Choral Ensemble (ACE), she sings soprano and has helped shape the choir's musical identity since its formation.

Ann holds a Bachelor of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of the Philippines and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Her experience includes serving as Music Director for Bread from Heaven Philippines and New Life Church New Zealand, and as a singing teacher at the renowned Ryan Cayabyab Music Studio.

Today, Ann is the owner and vocal coach of The Vocal Performance Studio, where she mentors singers of all ages and levels.

At ACE, Ann serves as Vocal Coach while singing alongside her fellow choristers. Her expertise, musicianship, and passion for developing voices continue to inspire and strengthen the ensemble.

Soprano & Owner of The Vocal Performance Studio

Ann De Guzman

Soprano 1 & Owner of MusikAvila Studio

Liz Avila

Liz Avila is a vocalist, educator, and music therapist with a diverse background in performance and music education. She is a graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts and holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice, magna cum laude, from the University of the Philippines, as well as a Master of Arts in Music Therapy from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

With extensive experience as both a soloist and chorister across classical and contemporary genres, Liz brings a deep understanding of vocal artistry and performance. Through her private teaching studio, MusikAvila, she teaches singing, piano, and ukulele, helping students develop their skills, confidence, and musical expression.

At ACE, Liz sings as a soprano and is one of the choir's pioneering members. Since the ensemble's formation, she has contributed to building its strong sense of community and musical excellence. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to ACE's mission continue to enrich the choir and support its growth.

Bass 2

Marcus San Pedro

Marcus San Pedro is a seasoned choral singer and vocal mentor with a rich background in some of the Philippines' most respected choral groups, including the Kilyawan Boys Choir and the Philippine Madrigal Singers. His passion for choral music and vocal excellence continues to shape his work as a performer, mentor, and advocate for choral singing.

Based in Wellington, Marcus is also a member of FilCoro Wellington Filipino Choir. A pioneering member of Auckland Choral Ensemble (ACE), he has supported the choir's growth and musical development since its formation. He sings in the bass section, bringing extensive choral experience and musicianship to the ensemble.

Marcus shares his vocal expertise and passion for choral music with fellow ACE members. Through mentorship and encouragement, he helps singers strengthen their skills, musicianship, and confidence, enriching the choir's culture of learning and excellence.

Meet the Choir

  • Angel Albao-Adem
    Keziah Aurelio
    Jessica Avila
    Clariane Liz Avila*
    Trisha Caryl Garde
    Ann De Guzman*
    Olerie Genotiva
    Ysabel Kis-ing
    Marilyn Real-Lackar*
    Cristelle Sobejana
    Mhae Turla

    *Founding member

  • Ina Asis-Abary*
    Noreen Caringal
    Rowena Cruz
    Mary Rose Fuerte
    Majalia Magno*
    Love Anne Raganas*
    Mira Torririt
    Zosie Yanez

    *Founding member

  • Jhon Dell Abary*
    Kurt Cabanes
    Edoo Jr. Cose*
    Tony Fernando
    Mark Louie Guevarra
    Louie Maglaqui
    Kristian Misa*
    Carl Ferdinand Oledan
    Eugene Pacifico*

    *Founding member

  • Eric Abenes*
    Joritz Philip Cabriga
    Keith Carpio
    Henrick Guevara
    Junie Jumig
    Marcus San Pedro*
    Melchor Labagala
    Paulo Selena

    *Founding member

Trust Board and Management Team

Aldwin Anastacio
Musical Director, Trustee

Majalia Magno
Choir Manager, Alto, Trustee

Ysabel Kis-ing
Choir Coordinator, Soprano

Eric Abenes
Treasurer, Bass, Trustee

Ann De Guzman
Choir Advisor, Soprano, Trustee