Mr. Panganiban is the newest teacher in Saint Philip the Apostle School. He joined in the middle of the 2025-2026 school year and is already helping to make music a fun and exciting class for everyone. Since Mr. Panganiban is new, many students don’t know much about him. To solve this problem, we decided to conduct an interview to get to know him better. We used the same set of questions given to the previous music teacher, Mr. Huerta, in order to compare answers. Mr. Panganiban was very nice to work with and we had a lot of fun getting to know him better. Without further ado, here is his interview:
How long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching for more than 20 years. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of working with students of different ages and backgrounds, helping them discover and develop their musical abilities while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
What is your favorite thing about this job?
My favorite part of teaching is the opportunity to inspire and shape young minds. I enjoy helping students discover their interests and talents in music and the performing arts. It is incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence, creativity, and skill as they explore their musical potential.
Do you have any pets?
I do not currently have any pets, but I did have a dog when I was growing up. Having a pet taught me a lot about responsibility and companionship.
What is your favorite color and why?
My favorite color is green. I love it because it reminds me of nature—trees, plants, and the beauty of the natural world. Green represents growth, renewal, and harmony, which I find very inspiring.
Are you enjoying your time here?
As you all know, I have just recently started here at St. Philip the Apostle School. So far, I am truly enjoying my time here. Everyone has been very welcoming, and the students are wonderful. I look forward to getting to know the school community even more as the year goes on.
Why did you become a teacher?
Becoming a teacher was not originally part of my plan. However, I truly believe that God guided me to this path. Over the years, I have embraced this vocation with all my heart. Teaching has allowed me to share my passion for music while continuously learning and growing both professionally and personally.
Where did you receive your education?
I earned my Bachelor of Music Education with a Voice Emphasis from the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music in Manila, Philippines. The University of Santo Tomas is a Royal and Pontifical Catholic University in Asia and the oldest university in the Philippines, founded in 1611.
I later received a full scholarship to attend California State University, Fullerton, School of Music, where I completed my Master of Music degree. In addition, I received scholarships for opera training programs outside of California and had the opportunity to perform in several professional opera productions.
What is your favorite song?
It is difficult to choose just one favorite song because I enjoy many pieces across different genres of music. My favorites often depend on the mood or the occasion, but I appreciate music that is expressive, meaningful, and beautifully written.
Have you worked at another school in the past?
Yes, I have previously taught at several schools in Los Angeles County. I worked at two Catholic schools as a teacher and also taught at a charter school. Each experience helped shape my teaching style and strengthened my passion for music education.
Thank you Mr. Panganiban for your time and thank you for reading!
