Rivermaya’s original guitarist to hold guitar workshops in the UAE; register now

Filipino guitar virtuoso Perfecto “Perf” De Castro is set to bring his decades of musical mastery to the UAE this October, with workshops slated for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Billed under the tagline “Practice Makes Perfecto,” the two-city event pairs a hands-on workshop with a live workshow, offering fans and aspiring musicians a rare chance to learn directly from one of the Philippines’ most celebrated guitarists. Registration is now open at 1BigHouse.com, with organizers urging early sign-ups to secure a spot.

De Castro is widely regarded as one of the finest guitarists the Philippines has produced. Born in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte, he rose to prominence in the early 1990s Pinoy rock scene as an original member of the supergroup Rivermaya, joining the band at 19 and helping deliver a platinum-selling record. He went on to build a wide-ranging career as a producer, collaborator, and session player, working with icons such as Francis Magalona, Wolfgang, and Mike Hanopol. His accolades include the 1998 Guitarist of the Year honor from the NU 107 Rock Awards and an Awit Award for Best Instrumental Performance.

Beyond rock, De Castro is equally known for his command of classical and flamenco music on the ten-string guitar, having earned degrees in Guitar Performance and Music Education. Now based in Los Angeles, he has cultivated a global following through his instructional content and performances online, while continuing to teach and tour.

For Filipino music enthusiasts across the Emirates, the October workshops promise a hands-on encounter with a genuine OPM icon.

Details on venues, dates, and pricing have yet to be announced. Interested attendees can register at 1BigHouse.com to be first in line.