Philip Marcelo Strums Joy and Builds Community Through Music and Giving Back
- May 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 26, 2025
Having devoted decades to community service and arts, Philip Marcelo now teaches ukulele to seniors, spreading joy and friendship. His story reminds us that creating happiness for others is often the most fulfilling path we can walk.
I have been involved in community service since 1977 through the Singapore Junior Chambers (Jaycees) and with the Rotary Club since the 1990s. For more than 15 years, I have been teaching the ukulele to seniors and find it incredibly fulfilling to see them laugh and make new friends through music.
Finding Meaning Through Service, Music, and Sharing Joy Across Generations
I come from a poor family of four kids. My dad was a poorly paid musician who died prematurely. During my years as an insurance agent, I experienced the sadness of settling death and disability claims but was comforted by the gratitude of the bereaved families.
Through community service with the Jaycees (JCI International) and Rotary, I learned and experienced what true happiness and love mean when we create happiness and give love to unfortunate people.
Now, as an elderly person myself, teaching the ukulele to other seniors and seeing them make new friends, being genuinely patient and concerned for each other, and having a fun fellowship is awesome. The teenager is still in them!
I also enjoy the arts and drama, which I was fortunate to develop during my school years. I have acted in many stage plays, the last one being in December 2024.
Choosing a Life of Purpose Over Wealth and Finding Blessings in Simplicity
I wish I had listened to Lee Kuan Yew, and today I would be a rich retiree like most of my friends. I knew what it was like to be poor, so my focus was to earn a decent living and help others with the support of my successful, rich friends. I am glad I did.
Now, at this age, I live a simple life, blessed with good health and happiness.
Let Purpose Lead, and Fulfillment—and Giving—Will Follow
Focus on your career, not on the money—they somehow seem to fit together.
Strangely, the money seems never enough and will frustrate your life. Focus on your career (doing things well), and you will find your days are brighter. At some point, you’ll naturally gravitate toward sharing this light with the less fortunate.
Stay Connected
I only have WhatsApp and email. I also have some YouTube posts—simply Google my name.