Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán Jr., the Filipino Baritone, Shines on the World Stage

An Opera Singer, Chorister and Music Educator

Hailing from one of the oldest cities in Metro Manila, Pasig, Philippines, Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán Jr. grew up with music in his soul. At age 16, he joined the church choir in Pasig.  When he was studying Communication Arts in college, he mustered all his courage and worked with passion by joining The University of the East Chorale which gave him an opportunity to sit-in during the rehearsals of the famous Madrigal Singers.  In 2001, he was inspired to take extension classes in the University of the Philippines College of Music Extension Program. Zip was toying with an idea of becoming an English teacher when he stumbled upon a life-changing opportunity to work in Thailand. However, a sudden plan took over — his love for music prevailed — he enrolled and started taking formal music classes at the Conservatory of Music in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in June 2006.  

When Zip stepped into the University of Santo Tomas for the first time, he did not expect the great opportunities which were on the horizon. He was offered a minor role as “Monsieur Guillot” and a place in the chorus in the first full opera production of the Conservatory of Music in September 2006, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s beloved opera, “Eugene Onegin”, which was staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater. It didn’t take long after his enrolment before he was included in several opera productions, concerts, and events of the conservatory. His voice mentors at the UST Conservatory, Prof. Randy Gilongo, Jun Jaranilla, and Maestra Irma Ponce-Enrile Potenciano incredibly helped him during his formative years in the conservatory. In 2012, Zip graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education Voice Emphasis minor in Piano, Cum Laude. He was able to perform again at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater in the co-production opera of the CCP and Daejeon Opera Company, Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata”.  He was given the minor role of “Marquese d’Obigny”. 

Zip continued to travel an extraordinary path — facing and surmounting difficult challenges along the way — to harness his natural vocal instrument with an unstoppable pursuit of excellence in his craft through sheer hard work and unrivalled determination. He went as far as New York from the Philippines to take vocal lessons from a famous teacher. Despite deflating and mocking criticisms which are harsh realities in the music industry, Zip remained zealous. He was not deterred by his detractors. Passion, focus, resilience, hard work, and professionalism are Zip’s undeniable qualities.  When asked how he became very successful and conquered global stages, he expressed, “I always believe that hard work always beats talent. I wasn’t born with a talented voice like many other Filipinos — mine was not of sheer luck and talent — what you are seeing now is a byproduct of sweat, tears, and blood — of pure hard work. There are millions of talented people but the only way to outshine the talented is to relentlessly work as if your life depends on it - no excuses, no luck, and nobody will save you but yourself.  People will only see the tip of the iceberg so you better work tirelessly.”

In 2013, Zip had the opportunity to perform his first lead role outside of the Philippines, in Georges Bizet’s opera, “Carmen” — he played the main role of “Escamillo”. In 2013, The New Strait Times Malaysia published an article which described him as the Filipino baritone, Cipriano De Guzmán Jr. — “the charming and debonair Escamillo who easily steals the heart of Carmen from Don Jose”. This marked the beginning of his international career — he performed in many hugely successful concerts far beyond the Philippines. He graced international stages in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Guam, Canada, the United States, Japan, and all over Europe with his musical prowess. 

Zip attained his first Master’s Degree in Music -  Vocal Performance - with Distinction (St. Cecilia Award) at Elisabeth University of Music in 2015 in Hiroshima, Japan, where he performed extensively in the university as a soloist in Handel’s “Messiah”, and in various opera productions of Hiroshima City Opera. He clinched 2nd Prize at the 10th Yokohama International Music Competition, special prizes at the 8th Tokyo International Vocal Competition, and the prestigious Espoir Prize in the Lieder Category at the coveted 18th Osaka International Music Competition. He earned his second Master en Interpretación de Òpera from the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu in Barcelona, studied under the tutelage of Joan Martín-Royo, and received  opera coaching from the renowned mezzo-soprano, Teresa Berganza. 

De Guzman has been creating nothing short of a luminous career throughout the years. He is a world-class opera singer, chorister, and music educator based in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. He has garnered acclaim by winning prizes in prestigious international vocal competitions in different cities across the globe such as New York, London, Rome, Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Lugano, Barcelona, and Salzburg. Notably, he became the first Filipino to be a two-time winner at the American Protégé International Music Competition — he performed at the Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2016 and 2017. 

During the Covid pandemic, Zip was living in Andorra la Vella, Principality of Andorra. He sang  with the Andorra Lírica (Opera d’Andorra). In 2022, he moved to Luxembourg where he received his business license in 2024, and opened his own music school, the Accademia Musicale Cipriano S.à.r.l.-S, a hub for artistic excellence, in Differdange, Luxembourg. He is also a Professor of singing at Centre d’Education Musicale Altrimenti in Luxembourg City. He performed his first operetta in the Luxembourgish language, “An der Schwemm”.  

In 2024, the 19th Congress of the Philippine House of Representatives passed House Resolution No.266 “Commending Filipino Classical Musician Cipriano De Guzmán Jr., whose dedication in investing himself to classical music has brought honor to the theater industry of the Philippines.”  At the same time, the City Government of Pasig, Metro Manila, honored him with the “Gawad Parangal sa mga Natatanging Pasigueño 2024” in the Culture and the Arts Category (Music).

Zip won First Prizes at the Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition in July 2024. He also performed at the Petit Palau de la Música Catalana Barcelona and Solitär Mozarteum Salzburg. In 2025, he became part of Fondation EME Luxembourg at the Philharmonie Luxembourg and performed in the circus opera production, “Lene fliegt ins Zirkusland”, at the Luxembourg Philharmonie.  

On December 15, 2025, Zip won the Best Male Filipino Artist Based Abroad Award at the 38th Aliw Awards held in Manila Hotel, Philippines. He also won the Best Male Performance in a Concert at the 35th Aliw Awards in 2022 in Manila, Philippines. In 2019, he became the first Filipino classical singer nominee in the Best male Classical Soloist Category at the 16th BOH Camerion Arts Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Cipriano De Guzmán Jr. performed in Rome on 12 February 2026 at the Philippine Embassy in Rome’s Valentine concert, “Arias for Eros II: Love Songs from Italy, the Philippines, and the World” which was held in Chancery’s Social Hall. He was featured as an acclaimed opera singer along with a distinguished Italian pianist, Maestro Simone Maria Marziali, of the Accademia Verdiana di Carlo Bergonzi in Busseto. According to a press release from the Philippine Embassy in Rome, “Held on the eve of Valentine’s Day, the concert offered an evocative musical journey across cultures, languages, and generations—celebrating the universal language of music while highlighting the rich traditions of the Philippines and Italy in song. 

From the heartfelt strains of “Júrame” by María Grever and the immortal French classic “La Vie En Rose,” to the operatic brilliance of Donizetti’s “Bella Siccome un Angelo” from Don Pasquale, De Guzman’s rich baritone resonated powerfully within the Chancery halls. Italian favorites such as “O Sole Mio, Con Te Partirò”, and Morricone’s hauntingly beautiful “Cinema Paradiso (Se)” further enthralled the audience. 

The program also paid tribute to the Philippines’ rich musical heritage, featuring “Minamahal Kita” by Miguel Velarde Jr., “Pobreng Alindahaw” arranged by Philippine National Artist for Music Lucio D. San Pedro, and the enduring OPM classic “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas” by Willy Cruz — pieces that drew warm appreciation from both Filipino and Italian guests alike. 

During the intermission, Maestro Marziali showcased his virtuosity with stirring piano interpretations from Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut” and Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana”, further elevating the evening’s artistic depth.

In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial said that “The concert, spanning arias from Italy, the Philippines, and the wider world, reminds us that while our languages may differ, the emotions that move us are shared. In hearing these arias and love songs side by side, we are invited to listen not only with our ears, but with our souls — to recognize ourselves in one another.”

The Ambassador underscored that the concert formed part of the Embassy’s celebration of the Philippines’ National Arts Month, anchored on this year’s theme, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting” (“Fruits of the Arts: Truth and Bravery”). He emphasized that the arts are not merely decorative expressions, but vital forces that give voice to truth, inspire courage, and build bridges across cultures. Highlighting music as one of humanity’s most powerful connectors, the Ambassador noted that long before borders were drawn and treaties signed, melodies travelled across nations, expressing shared human experiences of love, longing, joy, and hope. 

The event gathered members of the diplomatic corps, Italian officials, and leaders from both the Italian and Filipino communities, underscoring the Embassy’s continuing commitment to cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement. 

Through initiatives such as this concert, the Embassy also seeks to highlight Filipino artists based in Europe and promote Filipino talent on the international stage. Through music, the evening strengthened bonds between Italy and the Philippines, demonstrating how culture transcends borders and unites communities. 

With “Arias for Eros II”, the Philippine Embassy once again reaffirmed its role as a platform for cultural exchange—celebrating artistic excellence, showcasing Filipino talent, and strengthening the enduring friendship between the Filipino and Italian peoples.”

On every aria or song that Zip sings, the exceptional control, emotional depth, and unique timbre always shine through. On every vocal lesson that he teaches every student, his artistry, expertise, and experience instil a life-long and meaningful music education. 

Beyond the stage, De Guzmán is very committed to philanthropy, channeling concert proceeds to charitable initiatives in the Philippines and funding higher education for underprivileged students in Mindanao, Philippines. He currently serves as the Luxembourg Country Editor for Roots and Wings Magazine and Press Relations Officer for the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music Alumni Association.

Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán Jr., the Filipino Baritone, is truly a force to be reckoned with.