HISTORY
Tinig, which means “voice” in Tagalog, is a student-initiated, student-run, a capella choir under the Ethnomusicology Department of UCLA. Formed in 1988 under the student direction of August Espiritu and Rex Sampaga (pictured to the left), Tinig came together for the purpose of singing the Pilipino and American National anthems in UCLA's annual Samahang Pilipino Cultural Night.
Since then, Tinig has gone on to perform in numerous venues, including the Filipino American Library Gala at the Milennium Biltmore Hotel, the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture, UCLA's Pilipino-Graduation, the Los Angeles Premiere of the movie Mga Munting Tinig, Veterans' Hospitals, UCLA Worldfest, the Cathedral of our Lady of Angels, and UCLA's Spring Sing, catering to numerous public figures which include Randy Newman, Jennifer Paz (of Miss Saigon), Lou Diamond Philips, the Los Angeles Philippine Consulate and former President Bill Clinton. Tinig's awards include "Best Costume" at the 1994 UCLA Spring Sing, and "Best Ensemble" at the 1995 UCLA Spring Sing. Most recently, Tinig has been featured on the October 18, 2016 edition of The Daily Bruin.
Fall 2002, Tinig registered as an independent group of UCLA. By Winter 2003, under signatories Art Ambrosio, Richelle Chuatuan, and Amalia Millar, Tinig became an officially-recognized student organization, sponsored by the Ethnomusicology Department of UCLA. In Spring 2017, Tinig celebrated its 30th anniversary.
From Tagalog to Latin to English, from cultural to contemporary pop music, we spill our hearts into the lyrics of our songs. We hold no auditions, and we invite all current UCLA students who have a love for singing.
History of Names and Directors
CHORAL/CHORALE/CHOIR: 1988-1992
1988-1989: Rex Sampaga & August Espiritu (founders)
1989-1992: Rex Sampaga
1992-1993: Leila Espinosa & Rex Sampaga
TINIG NG SAMAHANG: 1993-2002
1993-1994: Jennifer Dailo & Robert Gaspar, Joseph Pascua & Melissa Remulla
1994-1996: Roger Mationg
1996-1998: Mike Trias
1998-2000: Randy Gomez
2000-2002: James Bartolome
TINIG AT UCLA: 2002-2011
2002-2003: James Bartolome & Richelle Chuatuan
2003-2006: Heidi Ambrosio
2006-2007: Alan Montemayor
2007-2008: Emily Bautista
2008-2010: Argie Mina
2010-2011: Heather Narag
TINIG CHORAL: 2011-Present
2011-2012: Martin Posadas
2012-2013: Cristina Prodigalidad & Michael Dimaya
2013-2014: Arielle Galeon
2014-2015: Jasmine De Jesus & Jiem Ronas
2015-2016: Francis Villaruz
2016-2017: Koichi Agapito
2017-2018: Katerina Dawis & Angel-Cenaura Marino
2018-2019: Gianna Villaluna & Robert Ursua
2019-2020: Rayleene Miranda & Sam Fisher
2020-2021: Gianna Kaye Apoderado
2021-2022: Melina Diaz & Bernadette Tropel
2022-2024: Josh Valerio
2024-2025: Josh Valerio & Charlene Solis