Mikhaela Cathrina Astom is a dedicated soprano, piano and voice teacher, and emerging choral conductor whose work spans music education, performance, and leadership. She teaches beginner to intermediate piano and voice students both in-person and online, grounding her instruction in classical methods while emphasizing strong musical

foundations and expressive technique.

An active performer, Mikhaela is a NAMCYA Senior Voice Category A Honorable Mention awardee (2025) and a NAMCYA Junior Voice Category Semi-Finalist

(2018). She has appeared in various operatic and concert productions, including Puccini at 10: Suor Angelica, Young Puccini, Cosi fan tutte, and West Side Story adaptations. She is a performing artist with PASIPO Opera Compay, an opera chorus with the Manila Symphony Opera, and has served as a Guest Conductor of the Vigan City Chorale.

Beyond performance,

Mikhaela is currently the

Musical Director and Trainor of the Provincial Government of locos Sur Chorale, leading adult government employees and guiding them in vocal technique, ensemble balance, and musicianship.

Under her leadership, the chorale earned 2nd Place at the Ilocos Sur SIGLAT Choir Competition (2024).

She is presently completing her Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Major in Voice) at St. Paul University Manila, where she also served as President of the University Chorale. Mikhaela continues to develop her artistry through masterclasses and workshops in vocal technique, Alexander Technique, and orchestra conducting, with a strong commitment to nurturing both individual musicians and ensembles.

Ickou Forton is a passionate vocal coach and music educator whose career bridges performance and pedagogy. With over a decade of teaching experience in the Philippines and abroad, he has nurtured confident and expressive musicians through his adaptive, student-centered approach.

As a versatile performer, Ickou has appeared in opera, classical, and commercial productions, including Noli Me Tangere:

The Opera, Les Misérables (Sampung Mga Daliri), Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, and Orff’s Carmina Burana. A finalist in the Singapore Lyric Opera’s ASEAN Vocal Competition, he has also performed with the Singapore Lyric Opera and the renowned UST Coro Tomasino.

A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music. Ickou is currently pursuing a Masters in Vocal Pedagogy and Vocal Performance. He believes that true music education goes beyond technique-empowering individuals to find and express their authentic voice.

Coach JM is a versatile and accomplished vocalist with a rich background in both classical opera and theatrical performance. A semifinalist in the prestigious National Music Competition for Young Artists, he has graced the stage of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in major roles such as Padre Salvi in Noli Me Tangere, the Opera. He is presently a member of the esteemed Pasipo Vocal Ensemble and has performed as a soloist in numerous concerts, showcasing his mastery of diverse musical repertoires.

His talent has been consistently recognized, earning him several awards and

nominations, including a nomination for Best Classical Male Performer at the Aliw Awards.

Beyond performance, Coach JM is a dedicated student of his craft, having attended numerous masterclasses with world-class artists like Maestro Arthur Espiritu and Susan Waters. He is also an avid participant in choral conducting workshops and vocal pedagogy seminars, continuously deepening his knowledge to expand his abilities as a performer and educator.