Manila Philharmonic Orchestra

The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra or MPO is an all-Filipino orchestra that is "owned and managed by the artists." This makes the MPO unique from the other orchestras in the country, as all decisions are collectively made by orchestra members, including concert programs and choice of guest performers to mundane issues, such as rehearsals. According to MPO music director and principal conductor Rodel Colmenar, "The orchestra members do not receive a single centavo during rehearsals. We all gather together solely for the love of music. We perform because we love to play and we love to make music."