The Choirmaster

Rodel M. Bugarin, or Sir Odie (as he's fondly known), has been the soul and driving force behind the A Cappella Manila since he co-founded the group in 1995. Being a researcher and educator by profession, he has helped shape new innovations in choral singing and vocal techniques for A Cappella Manila, and for the whole choral community in the Philippines.

A true visionary, Rodel Bugarin's philosophy in choral music is that it is a way of life. He focuses more on the intent, inspiration and meaning of each song and emphasizes more on a singer's fresh and natural voice to mold into one cohesive, vibrant and inspired whole. Sir Odie embodies the highest essence and ideals of music as an instrument for peace and goodwill. This is very evident in his very high demands on the learning and performance of religious songs. He admonishes that singers should, all the more, give their absolute best when singing to God.

Rodel Bugarin is a self-taught musician, but this has not hindered him from attaining renown and respect in the choral community. He believes that music is a means to breakdown barriers such as language, culture, religion and social status; and unite all people, even for just the duration of one night's concert, through music.

Sir Odie resides in Makati city and is a professor and administrator at the De La Salle University College of Saint Benilde.