26/08/2026
📝🎶✨
Celebrating 10 years since its composition, “Take Away the Rest” (with lyrics by Mervil Jilo V. Merjudio) is inspired by St. John Bosco’s famous motto: “Give me souls, take away the rest.” While our contest piece honours Don Bosco every year, this milestone carries special significance as we also celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Salesians in the Philippines.....................
𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐚
Artistic Profile
Nikko Oliver Villanueva is a Filipino composer and conductor whose music is distinguished by emotional depth, lyrical sensitivity, rich choral textures, and spiritual resonance. His works often explore the intersections of faith, Filipino identity, culture, and the human experience.
He studied Harmony and Songwriting under Philippine National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Choral Conducting at the University of the Philippines Diliman. A former Resident Composer and Tenor of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Nikko has performed and worked with choirs across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.
His notable compositions include Sa Ganitong Panahon Din, Acclamation, Oblation, Veneration, Mass of St. John Bosco, and Mass of San Lorenzo Ruiz, which received its world premiere in London in 2026. His works have been performed by professional, community, church, and school choirs internationally. In 2026, he was named Featured Composer for MuzikSEA’s World Commissioning Project for Treble Choirs, with a commissioned work to be premiered by six treble ensembles around the world.
Nikko is a recipient of several national recognitions in composition, songwriting, arranging, and conducting, including the Grand Prize in the Alay Awit Kay Maria Songwriting Competition and the Junior Philippine Conductors Association Conducting Competition.
Through his compositions and musical leadership, Nikko continues to champion Filipino choral artistry, creating music that inspires, preserves cultural memory, deepens spiritual reflection, and connects communities across generations.
