Manila, Philippines —The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with SM Mall of Asia, invites the public to a free musical celebration featuring the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) Band on June 28, 5:00 p.m., at the SM Mall of Asia Sky Amphitheater in Pasay City.
The performance is part of the United States’ “Freedom 250” campaign, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence and highlights the enduring friendship between the United States and the Philippines as both nations mark 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty in 2026.
Joining the MARFORPAC Band onstage are the Armed Forces of the Philippines Band and performers from the World Championship of Performing Arts for an evening celebrating cultural heritage, musical excellence, and shared history.
“At its heart, Freedom 250 is more than a milestone—it is a moment to honor what America stands for and the ideals that have shaped it across generations. Through the music of the MARFORPAC Band, that story is told without words, carried by the artistry, discipline, and goodwill that U.S. military musicians have brought to stages around the world. We are proud to share that experience here, as a reflection of the deep and enduring bond between our two nations,” said U.S. Embassy Deputy Director of Public Engagement Chad Kinnear.
The MARFORPAC Band is comprised of 39 Marines, with 10 members visiting the Philippines as part of the brass ensemble. The Marines serve as both fully trained riflemen and professional musicians, bringing high-energy jazz and contemporary music to audiences across the Indo-Pacific, including Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji, China, Australia, New Zealand, Guadalcanal, Iwo To (formerly known as Iwo Jima), and American Samoa.
“They are not only musicians—they are Marines. Every one of them completed the same recruit training as every other Marine who has ever served under our flag. They earned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. Music is how they serve—and in every note they play, they carry the values of this Corps: honor, courage, and commitment. The Marine Corps is America’s Naval Expeditionary Force in Readiness—deployed by air, land, and sea to defend the United States and its allies wherever the mission demands. We recruit America’s best, forge them into Marines, and return quality citizens to the communities that raised them,” said U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 2 Aaron Carpenter, who also serves as the band’s director.
During their visit to the Philippines, the band members will also conduct music workshops for students at the Philippine High School for the Arts and the University of the East. The tour will culminate at the U.S. Embassy’s annual Independence Day reception, held as part of the “Freedom 250” campaign celebrating America’s founding principles, dynamism, innovation, and global leadership.
Through performances and meaningful community engagement across the Indo-Pacific, U.S. Marine Corps musicians build stronger connections through the power of music while demonstrating professionalism, boosting morale, and advancing cultural diplomacy.
