6 days Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Darlene Regis With a bow in hand and passion in his heart, Willie Munar, a 17-year-old Filipino violin phenom based in Doha, is making his mark on the national stage with his exceptional talent and musical finesse. Hailing from Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur, this young music prodigy is currently a student at the Philippine International School-Qatar (PISQ). Willie’s musical journey began at the Qatar Music Academy, where he honed his violin skills and developed his passion for classical music.
Arco Vio Violin Music Shop in Lusail, along with Lilya Bekirova and Sandor Onodi, supported Willie by sponsoring a beautiful violin for him. National Spotlight In November 2024, Willie participated in the prestigious National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) and emerged as a Junior String prize awardee. He earned the award for his impressive solo violin performance at the competition, which was held at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
His dedication and passion for music were evident as he competed in the 2024 NAMCYA Salinlahing Musika Junior Strings Category. In this competition, Willie secured the 3rd Prize, with Gavril Yaselle Tiburcio from Region IV-A taking the 1st Prize and Ling Gamyang Jayma from Region XI securing the 2nd Prize. Willie’s talents have extended beyond Qatar, as he also participated in Gabie Sa Pasidongog, 65th Araw ng Mahayag in Zamboanga del Sur, a cultural celebration organized by the Municipality of Mahayag.
This achievement highlights his growing presence in the classical music scene, having played beautiful classical pieces at the national level. Spreading Harmony In addition to his success at NAMCYA, Willie has made it his mission to share his music with the Filipino community in Qatar. He has performed at various events hosted by the Philippine Embassy.
His performances have included significant occasions such as the Rizal Day event at the Philippine Embassy in Qatar, where he captivated the audience with his violin renditions. In February 2025, Willie had the honor of a courtesy call with His Excellency Ambassador Mardomel Celo Melicor, where he was recognized for his remarkable achievement as one of the prize winners of the 2024 NAMCYA. Just recently, the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) announced that Willie is joining the prestigious ensemble after successfully passing this year’s highly competitive auditions, alongside numerous talented musicians from around the world.
Harmonising Hearts One of the most heartwarming aspects of his musical journey is his dedication to his 95-year-old great-grandfather, Vicente Munar, whom he offers his music to with love and respect. He is fond of playing touching renditions of “When It Rains” by Sally DeFord and “Ako Ay Pilipino,” showcasing his diverse musical repertoire. His growing list of accomplishments reflects his passion for music, his profound pride in his Filipino heritage, and his deep commitment to bringing joy to his community.
With a bright future ahead, Willie’s journey as a violinist is one to keep on your radar. Qatar Tribune had an exclusive interview with Willie, and here’s how it goes: What inspired you to start playing the violin seriously? My interest in the violin began when I watched cartoons like Bugs Bunny and Tom & Jerry, where I was captivated by the instrument’s sound. My passion grew after hearing my mentor play, as he introduced me to a technique I was eager to learn.
Watching professional violinists perform further fueled my determination to pursue the violin seriously. Does music run in your blood? Music plays a huge role in my life. I can’t imagine a world without it.
It has helped me through personal struggles, lifted my mood, and kept me motivated. More than just a passion, music gives my life meaning, and I’m grateful to express myself through the violin. Who were your biggest musical influences or role models? My biggest influences are my current and former teachers, along with violinists like Ray Chen and Hilary Hahn.
My teachers have been instrumental in developing my technique and refining my playing, while my favorite violinists have shaped my musical expression and interpretation. Their artistry continues to inspire me daily. What challenges did you face learning the violin, and how did you overcome them? I’ve faced many challenges.
Early on, I struggled to find a professional teacher, and affording one was difficult. I started with informal lessons before eventually receiving formal training. I faced exhaustion, time management issues, procrastination, and burnout, which impacted my practice.
However, I learned to stay disciplined by eliminating distractions and focusing on my goals. What are your most memorable moments in your music career? One unforgettable moment was winning 3rd prize at the NAMCYA, the largest music competition in the Philippines. It was my first time competing at the national level and performing in the classical scene.
Beyond the competition, I formed lasting friendships with fellow musicians, and the experience will stay with me forever. Do you have a favorite piece or composer? One of my favorite pieces is Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, which I performed in the NAMCYA finals.
I love its emotional range and energy. It’s always exciting to play. I also enjoy playing modern pieces like Only by Lee Hi, which feels even more special on the violin.
What are your future plans as a violinist, locally and internationally? My immediate goal is to join the Asian Youth Orchestra and tour with them. In the future, I aspire to perform as a soloist with the Qatar and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestras. I also hope to receive the Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) Award next year, a prestigious recognition from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, under the Office of the President of the Philippines.
Earning this award would be a great honor and a testament to my hard work. What does music mean to you, and how has it shaped your life? Music is more than sound; it’s emotion, memory, and self-expression. It has the power to change moods, evoke memories, and connect people even without words.
For me, music is the soundtrack of my life, helping me process emotions and reminding me of important moments. Whether I need motivation, comfort, or simply an escape, it has taught me discipline, patience, and creativity, allowing me to express what words often can’t. Copy 13/04/2025 10.
