Ramoncito Carpio

Filipino classical guitarist Ramoncito "Monching" Carpio is recognized as one of the leading guitarists and pedagogues in the Philippines today, championing the classical guitar through performance, teaching, and his work organizing concerts, festivals, and competitions across the country.

Carpio earned his Bachelor of Music in guitar at the UP College of Music under Prof. Lester Demetillo, followed by a Master of Music at the Philippine Women's University School of Music. He has taken master classes with internationally renowned guitarists including Jorge Luis Zamora, Aniello Desiderio, Berta Rojas, Judicaël Perroy, and Shin-Ichi Fukuda.

His formidable competition record includes first prize at the 2012 Asia International Guitar Competition in Thailand, first prize at the 2011 Philippine International Guitar Competition, and prizes at international competitions in Taiwan, Singapore, and Bangkok. As a concert soloist, he has performed Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Arturo Molina.

A composer and arranger for solo guitar and guitar ensembles, Carpio is a founding member of the Manila Guitar Quartet and directs the Manila GuitarFest. He teaches at St. Scholastica's College and Santa Isabel College in Manila. His recording of Philippine Treasures, Vol. 3 for VGo Recordings continues the label's acclaimed series celebrating the classical guitar music of the Philippines.