About Mr. Candelaria:

Mr. Francisco “kiko” Candelaria was born in 1965. He began playing flute at age 12 in the “Band 8” of Cardona, Rizal outside Manila under Amando San Jose. While studying at University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music (under the guidance of Prof. Enrique Barcelo), “Kiko” was invited to be part of several local orchestras. The list includes the Metro Manila Symphony Orchestra from 1982-1984. Acting Principal of the Manila Symphony Orchestra from 1984-1987, and member of the flute section of the Philippine Philharmonic from 1987-1990.
In 1990, he was a recipient of a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) sponsored by the German government to study flute performance at Detmold Music Academy in Detmold. He flourished under the guidance of flute Professor Dr. Richard Mueller-Dombois until he received his diploma in 1994.

He graduated with a general average of 1 or very good.

Upon finishing his studies, his passion for flute making was rekindled. He immediately embarked on a course of self study in the art of flute making. Flute making had always been his real passion since entering college.

While working as repairman at the Musikhaus Harke in Detmold, Germany in 1995, he had the opportunity to visit world renowned flute makers such as Mr. Helmut Hammig of Berlin, Germany, Mr. Albert Cooper of London and some of the very best flute padders in Germany and Switzerland.

The techniques he learned from these Masters elevated his confidence sufficiently to attempt making his own flute. The first prototype was finished in 2001. While concentrating primarily on making head joints, he was able to make 1 flute each year since.  To date, he has custom made 2 gold flutes, 3 silver flutes and a number of head joints which he has sold in the USA, Germany, Hong Kong and Philippines.