Versatile Olympic archery hopeful to sing in FASO’s holiday concert

Riley Silos, up-and-coming archer, will sing with the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra. CONTRIBUTED

LOS ANGELES– Riley Silos, a versatile young man who recently competed as a member of the Philippines’ team in the 20^th Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, Bangladesh, will sing with the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) in “Holiday Pops Concert” on Saturday, December 9, at 6:00 p.m., at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center.

Riley, the nephew of actor Ryan Agoncillo and grandson of veteran singer Carina Afable, was proud to represent the Philippines in the recent archery championships which drew top athletes from over 30 countries. Based in Southern California, the 16-year-old is the son of Ronnie Agoncillo Silos and Alma Abancio Silos, who is also a noted singer.

The multitalented teen will continue to train as an archer and will have another shot at qualifying for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. He also has his eyes set on the 2020 Olympics.

Riley Silos rehearsing with Carina Afable. CONTRIBUTED

In the meantime, Riley is excited to perform for the first time with the 60-member strong FASO under the baton of music director and conductor Robert “Bob” Shroder. He participated in the FASO vocal workshop, one of the music education and outreach programs of the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines.

Riley joins a select group of guest youth performers carefully picked to perform with FASO in its eagerly awaited concert of favorite Christmas carols, pop, Broadway, classical and OPM (Original Pilipino Music) pieces: Nayah Damasen; Janelle Feraro; and Shane Selloria.

FASO’s pianist, Paul Concepcion, will be featured in a special number with the orchestra, George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”

“Holiday Pops Concert” will also highlight the majestic sound of over 200 glorious voices of combined adult and children choir members from Holy Family Chorale (Glendale), St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church Choir (Walnut) and Vox Kapelle Choir (Artesia), and children’s choirs of GOD Faith Choir (Carson), IHMC Children’s Choir (Los Angeles) and Precious Blood Children’s Choir (Los Angeles).

Tickets at $100, $60, $40 and $25 are available through Andy Tecson (323) 467-5096. Tickets are also available at https://www.arcadiapaf.org/leased-events/. More information at www.fasofoundation.org. Arcadia Performing Arts Center is located at 188 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007.