VIA Times Filipino American Lifestyle and Culture in the Greater Chicago Area
Christine Cadlaon Cabiltes, soprano, was born in Manila, but grew up in Cebu City. She comes from a musically-inclined family. Her mother, Elizabeth Lucero Cadlaon {a graduate of the Conservatory of Music from the University of the Philippines Diliman) is the musical director of the Sampaguita Singers of Chicago.
“Sweetie,“ as she is fondly called, was a member of her Mom’s choirs in the Philippines, and is the Soloist of the Sampaguita Singers of Chicago. She went to the University of Santo Tomas College of Music and the University of the Philippines College of Music. Her teachers were Professor Irma Ponce-Enrile Potenciano and Professor Gay Quinitio.
While in UST, she had the opportunity to be a soloist of Handel’s “Messiah ” during their Christmas celebration. She was a member of the Kayumangging Kaligatan (the Brown Race), a six-member singing group that toured the United States in 1987 with Professor Ernani Cuenco and Prof Irma Ponce -Enrile Potenciano.
She also portrayed the young Conching Rosal, for “Tribute to Conching Rosal,” with Ms, Sylvia La Torre (Philippines’ popular singer/performer) in 1986.
She made her debut as Tia Isabel in the “Noli Me Tangere Opera” in 2012 with daCorneto Opera company, which was premiered at the Harris Theater, Chicago, Illinois.
To name a few, here are the different prominent community functions and organizations that Christine has participated in and contributed her singing talent: Christmas around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry; Chicago Cultural Center; Thompson Center; Navy Pier; Illinois State Fair at Springfield;. Devotees of Our Lady of Manaoag (DOLMA), at St Hedwig; Levy Senior Center; Daley Center; FACC Rizal Center; Gawad Kalinga; Lions Clubs; Rotary Clubs; Field Museum; Simbang Gabi Novenas in different Catholic Churches, such as, Sacred Heart & St Peter Skokie; Our Lady of Manaoag Novena at St. Hedwig Catholic Church; San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena, St Hilary, St. Margaret Mary, Our Lady of Wayside, Arlington Heights , St Catherine Laboure , Glenview, St Nicholas Catholic Church, Evanston; and Santo Nino Novenas in different churches..
A much-sought-after vocalist, Christine has also been invited and made appearances in different states outside of Illinois, such as, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Indiana, singing in weddings, funerals, anniversaries, and other family special occasions. (Nominator: Elizabeth Lucero Cadlaon)
