Music

The Cultural Center of the Philippines – Office of the President, through its “SINING SIGLA” outreach program, teams up with the Philippine Band Association (Philbanda) in bringing the latter’s decade-long celebration to the virtual screen. PERFECT 10, a virtual concert featuring the 60- piece Philbanda Wind Orchestra, proudly highlights a decade of symphonic performances from the country’s sole professional wind orchestra. This special virtual concert will also be graced by the Philippine Baton Twirling Association, and will be hosted by one of the country’s top OPM artists, Ice Seguerra. Maestro Herminigildo Ranera of the UST Conservatory of Music is the current conductor of the Philbanda Wind Orchestra, under the direction of Dennis Marasigan.

Apart from the impressive performances from the Philbanda Wind Orchestra, young talents from Metro Manila and local participants from different regions will also showcase their talents in the premiere performance of Maestro Ranera’s New Normal Concert March, a rare opportunity for local musicians to perform alongside professional groups via virtual platforms.

The virtual concert also features the Philippine Baton Twirling Association (PBTA), an organization dedicated to training and developing young baton twirlers for years. This participation will not only showcase their talent in baton twirling but will inspire local majorettes to improve their skills as well.

PERFECT 10, The Philbanda 10th Anniversary Virtual Concert, is a project of the CCP Office of the President’s SINING SIGLA Program. Under the leadership of CCP President Arsenio “Nick” LIzaso, this program aims to continuously reach out to the public, even in the midst of the pandemic, by providing artistic and culturally-relevant content online. Past programs include ‘Jazz Stay At Home’ (Jazz Festival), ‘MALA’ (Movies Adapted from Literary Arts), ‘Sigla ng Pasko,’ ‘Awit at Dula: Pagbabalik-tanaw sa Unang Hari ng Balagtasan,’ and PINTIG – A Percussion Festival.’

The program will be streamed via the CCP Office of the President official Facebook page on the 24th of July at 6:00PM. You may opt to follow the page for updates and more information.

SEVEN arts and cultural organizations qualify for the Innovation Grants Project 2021, a special project implemented by the Board of Trustees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP BOT).

Among the many proposals submitted, Ballet Manila, Casa San Miguel, FilDocs Inc., Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, Marbel Inc., Sipat Lawin Inc., The Performance Laboratory and Tuldok Animation Studios will receive grants to create and produce new works in various art disciplines and distribute new contents on the arts using online technology, blended or hybrid technologies.

Ballet Manila proposes the “Silver Linings: Ballet Manila@25 (Hope and Dance in Extraordinary Times).”  The project aims to celebrate the 25th ballet season of the dance company marked by a global pandemic, lockdowns, and complete stoppage of live performances.  The project will showcase re-imagined presentations of classical pieces as well as new commissioned work specially developed for film as primary medium.

The project also includes “Ballet Minis,” a series of short dance films meant to reinforce Ballet Manila’s main strength of performing the classics with the Russian Vaganova discipline.  The series highlights the best of the company’s classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works.  Each dance film will be between five to seven minutes, featuring excerpts from full-length pieces.

The company also plans a “Silver Linings Ballet Gala,” specially conceptualized for the new normal.  Embracing the fact that the stage is altered and the medium is different, the gala will showcase live performances from Ballet Manila studios and dancers’ homes and pre-recorded performances, which will be streamed live via Ballet Manila’s Facebook page and YouTube channels.

Meanwhile, Casa San Miguel’s proposal revolves around the concept of “Spring” in different iterations through music, dance, visual arts and film.

The “Spring,” a series of eight 10-15-minute episodes, is about renewal of hope, a celebration of creativity and how arts have served artists and communities as a medium for reflection and healing.

FILDOCS, INC. hopes to continue the success of DaangDokyu film festival and consolidate the achievements of the virtual cinema festival to sustain and further widen the awareness on Philippine documentaries through various projects.  The organization intends to produce and distribute DaangDokyuDokBook, which contains the full program featuring over 45 documentary titles and film details, as well as essays on the study and appreciation of contemporary Philippine documentary. They also plan to have a virtual-access library which will offer private viewing of documentary films featured in DaangDokyu program and collection.

Portion of the grant they will receive will go to the development of DaangDokyu website, which will contain information on Philippine documentaries featured in the festival including creative and technical details, trailers, Q&A’s and other updates, provide free access to the DokBook for one year, feature sections such as “Reality Check” with insights from various experts, “Dokyu Scene” with ongoing developments in the documentary filmmaking, and “Artist Support” with updates and announcements beneficial to the film industry.

Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, Marbelinc. proposes “OpenStudio+OpenSeason [The Dancers are Absent but the dance is Not],” an art project undertaking non-traditional collaborations within art genres integrating the performing arts, visual arts, dance, and film.  It will feature five short dance films, selected from the Juror’s Choice winners of Teatro Ambahanon’s Director’s Prize Competition; as well as an installation art to be installed at the The Nest Art[ist]s Incubation (the Teatro Ambahanon’s art space).

There is also the Salamindanaw film project seeking to create an omnibus film that delves on memory, space and body.  The special screening will be staged with poets from SOCSKSARGEN composing impromptu pieces and reading them after each dance video.  The project also experiments on delivering and conducting multi-platform community events and festivities via live and online technology.

Sipat Lawin Inc.’s Komunidad X Collective Business takes on “E-mahiNASYON: Community Performance Innovation for Social Change Festival,” a three-year performance innovation development platform which started in 2020 at the surge of global pandemic and will culminate in 2022, the year for the national elections.

For its first edition in 2020, E-mahiNasyon gathered 10 next-generation performance-makers working and innovating performances with and with-in communities from different islands in the Philippines to collaborate with non-theater partners as part of the “Contemporary Ritual Makers Performance Platform.”  Further themes to explore will be climate change, new solidarities in time of physical distancing, citizen and voter’s education, rethinking notions of nation, queer and queering, combating discrimination and empowerment of women in children in the time of national and global crisis.

The performances and documentation of the performance processes will be shared on kXchange.org, the leading virtual center for contemporary performance in the Philippines, also an initiative of Sipat Lawin Inc’s Komunidad X.

The Innovation Grants reaches out to the regions, with The Performance Laboratory, Inc. being one of the recipients.  In collaboration with Teatrokon: West Visayas Theatre Network and CCP Kaisa sa Sining Regional Arts Center Partners in Negros Occidental, the Performance Laboratory, Inc. launches “Ang Mga Alates,” a series of four short plays tackling current and relevant societal issues and incorporating stories of realities brought by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — as part of the weekly staged readings of plays written by emerging Negrense playwrights featured in The Blackbox Presents.

The staged readings will be developed into full productions for the Kuris Theatre Festival in February 2021, and will be part of an online web series to be premiered next year. Producing a web series based on theater production is the group’s way of exploring and experimenting on migrating one artform into another medium.

Tuldok Animation Studios Inc. creates an ‘Edutainment package for Cultural Advocacy: Reimagining Cultural Advocacy through Integrated and Synergized Edutainment (RISE),” which will include two five-minute animated folktales and one Pinoy komiks folktale with mobile app for augmented reality (AR) component.  The project aims to inspire Filipino artists to create compelling, world-class animated films highlighting the Filipino myth and legends.  Through this, the organization hopes to raise awareness on the rich Filipino folk heritage through modern re-telling using new technology.

The Innovation Grants was CCP’s calibrated response to the pandemic situation affecting the creative industry and art communities.  Through this, the CCP hopes to realize non-traditional collaborations within art genres or between arts and other fields or professions, and deliver community-wide, multi-platform events and festivities using novel ways of distribution and dissemination.

The Sixth National Rondalla Workshop is now opening its doors to individual rondalla conductors and instrumentalists.

This was announced by the Artist Training Division of the Cultural Center of the Philippines recently. While the Workshop has been open only to group applications, it is now accepting individual applicants in response to popular demand.

The Workshop will be held on July 27-31, 2021 via Zoom, marking the first time the event goes online since 2014.

The Workshop aims to reach the young musicians’ full potential as rondalla performers, especially with this online set-up.

The workshop trainers will be led by Prof. Elaine Juliet Espejo of the Celso Espejo Rondalla and the UP Rondalla, and faculty member of the UP College of Music. The workshop modules include sectional rehearsals per rondalla instrument, note reading sessions, and individual rondalla ensemble cliniquing sessions. The workshop will culminate in an online recorded performance that will be streamed via the CCP Facebook Page on Saturday, August 21, 2021.

The workshop fee is Two Thousand Pesos (Php 2,000.00) per participant slot (inclusive of online materials and newly arranged rondalla pieces). Limited slots are available.

Interested individual applicants must submit the following:
1. Duly accomplished application form.
Downloadable from http://bit.ly/CCPRondalla2021Individual
2. An audio/ video recording of a recent performance of at least two (2) pieces by the individual.

Applications must be sent via email at artist.training@culturalcenter.gov.ph.
Deadline for submission of applications: July 9, 2021, Friday

Deadlines and application form for individual applicants are not applicable to group applicants. Refer to bit.ly/CCPRondalla2021Info for Group Application details.

Acceptance to the workshop will be based on the merit of their application.

Upon notice of acceptance, individual participants must pay the full amount (no reservation fee) on or before July 20, 2021, Tuesday.
For more information, please contact the CCP Artist Training Division by e-mail at artist.training@culturalcenter.gov.ph (Look for Ms. Kass Almarez).

Before this month of May ends, There will be a one-of-a-kind musical Festival which will happen online. Brought to us by The Cultural Center of the Philippines‘ Office of the President and Percussive Arts Society Philippines (PAS PH), PINTIG -A Percussion Festival marks as one of the biggest gatherings of performing artists in the country today, for over 30 talented musicians from all over the world will gather to show us their impressive talents through the wonderful sounds of percussion and drum instruments. Apart from performances, there will be also Master Classes to be conducted by world-renowned percussionists.

This three (3)-day virtual festival, which seeks to further promote the musical sounds of percussion and drums, boasts of highly-engaging activities for everyone. Pintig is a Tagalog word for “Beat” or “rhythm” in musical terms. Pintig Festival will conduct and provide performances, clinics, master classes, workshops and panels given by the finest artists in the country and showcasing all areas of percussion, drum set, marching, keyboard, symphonic, world, recreational, education, music technology, new music, and health & wellness.  PINTIG, A Percussion Festival will happen from May 28 to May 30, 7:30 PM, at the CCP Office of the President Facebook Page. (http://facebook.com/ccp.officeofthepresident) –OPEN TO ALL and NO ADMISSION FEE.

Delight in the performances of over THIRTY (30) of the most recognizable names in drumming and percussion.  The performers are Alexis Constantino (Percussionist from ABS CBN Philharmonic Orchestra),
Aaron Awitan Reyes (FEU Drumline),
Andrea Tanlapco (Temple Hill International School),
Arthur Lipner (World-renowned Keyboard Percussionist),
Arvin Olete (UP College of Music),
Benedict Marcelino (UP College of Music),
Chico Macorol (UP College of Music),
Cyd and Ruth Tumpalan (Filipino artists based in USA),
Daniel Bartolome (Award-winning Music Director),
Eisen Soler (Citizen’s Brigade Band of Dasma City),
Ernie Severino (from Side A band),
Gian Vergel (UST Conservatory of Music),
Jacques and Jose Dufourt (UP College of Music/ Pinikpikan/ Salsamba),
John Paul Villahermosa (UP College of Music/ OFY/ Banda 46, Carmona Cavite),
Dr. John Wooton (World-renowned Percussionist and Rudimental Drummer),
Otep Concepcion (South Border),
Julia Tabije (UP College of Music),
Junjun Regalado (drummer of Bamboo),
Jun Regalado (Asia’s Best Drummer),
Karmi Santiago (Drummer of Ebe Dancel/ Baihana/ Richard Poon),
Kent Bryan Capistrano (PWU/ OFY/, Banda 5, Cardona, Rizal),
Kevin Castelo (Jacobs School of Music Indiana University),
Lexter Deo D. Santos (OFY/ CEU/ PWU),
Mar Dizon (First Zildjian Philippines Ambassador),
Mariella Evhavez (Classic Youth Orchestra, Cebu City),
Maria Elora C. Aquino (Temple Hill International School),
Rhonnel Iban?ez (OFY/ CEU / Banda Dos Kabataan, Angono Rizal),
Ryan Peralta (Drumstart Drum Circles Philippines),
Satur Tiamson (Filipino Artist based in Hong Kong/ Angono Wind Ensemble and President of PAS Philippines),
Tusa Montes (UP College of Music),
Abby Clutario (UP College of Music),
Vinnie Aguas (Filipino based in USA),
Zara Lachica (UST Conservatory of Music and Secretary and Treasurer of PAS Philippines),
Jayson Rivera (Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra),
Batukada De Negros Percussion Group,
Digos City Tribal Beatz,
UST Percussion Ensemble: Mark Eduard Hipona, Gabriel Zagala, Roby Calderon, Allan Abdulla, Isaac Belostrino, Emmanuel John Mahipus, Franco Tantay, Isaac De Alva, Koreen Trinidad, Nicolette Zamora,
KKK: Kundiman, Kwentuhan at Katuwaan musicians, Nobel Queano (Guitarist and Arranger- HK Based), Lorraine Lisen (Soprano) and Zscharmaine Princess Baretto (Soprano),
Orchestra of the Filipino Youth Percussion Ensemble, and
Patrick Jarod Paz (OFY).

Alongside with these exciting performances from the artists mentioned above, a series of workshops will also be offered EXCLUSIVELY to Percussive Arts Society members.  World-renowned keyboard percussionist Arthur Lipner will elevate your understanding of various keyboard percussions on his workshop entitled, “KEYBOARD PERCUSSION MASTERCLASS,” which will happen on May 28, at 8:30 PM.  John Wooton a.k.a. Dr. Throwdown, a highly-respected percussion educator gives his lecture on “UNDERSTANDING RUDIMENTS AND CLAVE,” on May 29, at 8:30PM. Those who would like to attend these workshops may sign up for PAS membership.  The link for registration is https://www.pas.org/membership/individual-group or you may contact Mr. Satur Tiamson on Facebook and email at saturnino_tiamson@yahoo.com

PINTIG, A Percussion Festival is a project of the CCP Office of the President’s SINING SIGLA Program.  This program, under the leadership of CCP President Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso, aims to continuously reach out to the public, even in the midst of the pandemic, by providing culturally-relevant art programs online.  Past programs include ‘Jazz Stay At Home’ (Jazz Festival), ‘MALA’ (Movies Adapted from Literary Arts), ‘Sigla ng Pasko,’ and ‘Awit at Dula: Pagbabalik-tanaw sa Unang Hari ng Balagtasan.’

Schedule of Performances:

                                                                                                            Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Mr. Satur Tiamson, President of Percussive Arts Society Philippines mentioned during the virtual press launch to make sure not to missed the 3rd day of the festival because there will be a special presentation not only for the audiences but for all the percussionists.

The Pintig, a Percussion Festival is also supported by JB Music Philippines, Initial- P Percussion Studio (HK), Innovative Percussion, Inc. (USA), Gip Percussion (HK), Coray Percussion (HK)and Prologix Percussion USA.

A treat for theater fans and OPM lovers! Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) together with Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang–Aawit (OPM) and The Philpop Musicfest Foundation (Philpop) are proudly presenting the pay-per-view streaming of the jukebox musical Rak of Aegis on July 31, August 1, 7, 8, 2021 via www.ticket2me.net.

Rak of Aegis Online is the banner project of PETA’s fundraising campaign dubbed as #TakePETAbeyondCOVID, and a part of the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) 2021 celebration.

Featuring songs from the popular 90’s band Aegis, the jukebox musical tells the story of impoverished community Barangay Venezia, which has been submerged in floodwater for two months.

Since 2014, Rak of Aegis has captured the hearts of audiences with its humor, music, message of resiliency, family, and community. Now, finally, Villa Venezia and its well-loved residents will grace the screens, with a newfound relevance to the show’s message.

This streaming of Rak is a testament that the resilience of those in Villa Venezia exists not only in the play, but also in the Filipinos trying to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the artists who have strived to thrive and survive despite the crisis currently faced by the local theater industry.

Tickets for Rak of Aegis Online will be available online by May 2021. The streaming cast as well as further ticketing details will be announced soon.

Stay tuned for more information. Follow PETA’s social media pages: Facebook
www.facebook.com/petatheater; Instagram @petatheater; Twitter @petatheater; YouTube
www.youtube.com/petatheateronline.

THE Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra stages its next series of online concerts billed as The PPO Spotlight: Virtual Pocket Performances to be streamed on May 7, 2021 at 8pm, Friday through the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Website.

Program for the May 7 concert, which focuses on Star Wars, features the following pieces such as The Mandalorian by Ludwig Göransson orch. Jose Carlo Tuazon to be played the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra; Princess Leia’s Theme by John Williams to be performed by violinists Dino Akira Decena, Christian Tan, Jose Carlo Tuazon and Berny Dulce Payte (Violin), Joy Allan Dela Cruz (Viola), Rey Casey Concepcion (Viola), Gerry Graham Gonzales (Cello) and Ariston Payte III (Double Bass); Cantina Band by John Williams arr. Hernan Manalastas to be rendered by Glober Calambro (Trumpet), Edwin Matias (Trumpet), Adolfo Mendoza (Bassoon), Hernan Manalastas (Clarinet), Arnel Jacinto (Double Bass), Jay-Ar Mesa (French Horn), Ricson Poonin (Trombone), Aimee Dela Cruz (Mallets), Ederic Sampedro (Drums); Jascha Obieta Decena (Piano); Star Wars Medley by John Williams arr. James H. Burden to be interpreted by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

The PPO Online Pocket Performance Series, which runs from February to July 2021, is a program of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra that can be viewed from the PPO FB page and the CCP YouTube as platforms.

With over 500 featured artists, 50 workshops, 200 performances, and more than 100 films in nine platforms to experience, it can be confusing and challenging to choose from the numerous variety of activities at the Cultural Center of the Philippine’s biggest online multi-arts open community festival, dubbed “Tuloy Po Kayo: Palihan, Palabas at Palitan,” running since March 19, until March 21, 2021 via tuloypokayo.com.

While every event on the schedule is worth checking out, we narrow down and list some activities on the second weekend of the multi-arts festival that would really make you feel the most welcome. 

1. Meet and greet the screenwriter/director and actors of award-winning film John Denver Trending in live sessions on March 27; followed by a virtual tour of Pandan, Antique, where the Cinemalaya 2019 Best Film was shot.  These live sessions will happen after the special screening on John Denver Trending on March 27, 11:30am on the CCP Vimeo Channel (https://www.tuloypokayo.com/tmc/)
2. Go on Virtual Tours in more than 40 museums and galleries from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Experience more than 50 online art exhibits featuring Filipino artists in their studios and creative spaces.  Head to Museum Mile (https://www.tuloypokayo.com/museum-mile/).
3. Experience the rich Mindanao culture through the 15-minute patikim of Popong Landero and Kuntaw Mindanaw, highlighting folk and neo-ethnic music from Davao.  This will be on March 27, 10am.
4. Did you miss the Cinemalaya last year?  You have a chance to see the films in competition again through Tuloy Po Kayo.  Check out last year’s winning films – Tokwifi (Best Film), Living Things (Best Direction), Pabasa Kan Pasyon (Best Screenplay), Quing Lalam Ning Aldo (Audience Choice), and Ang Pagpakalma sa Unos (Special Jury Prize) – as well as the other short film finalists.

Access these films for free on the CCP Vimeo Channel, which you can access via https://www.tuloypokayo.com/tmc/.

For full schedule, check out the CCP Media Arts Division Facebook page.

5. Give some curtain calls to Xavier Stage from Cagayan de Oro as they introduce their company and present their latest production “Nang Lumuha Ang Tala” on March 27, 9:30am, at the virtual Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo stage.

6. Tuloy po kayo to the dance studio of Gawad CCP Awardee Agnes Locsin. Watch Dasal and Bathala dance performances on March 27, 2pm, at the virtual Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

7. Lea Salonga invites everyone to her creative space on March 28, 4:30pm, as she shares her Broadway theater experiences and sings Broadway songs from the musicals she starred in.

8. Listen to opera royalties Arthur Espiritu and Camille Lopez Molina as they do annotations of excerpts from the opera Lucia Di Lammermoor on March 28, 4pm.  The opening of Act III of the opera classic will precede this.

9. Words are at play in various literary events featuring Mary Ann Salvador, Kataga Lucena, Ian Casocot, and Valenzuela Arts and Literature Society, among others.  For full schedule of literary events in Tuloy Po Kayo, check out the CCP Intertextual Division Facebook page.

10. Watch Jerrold Tarog’s short film “Ang Kabaligtaran ng Gunaw,” with a Behind-the-Scenes cut video, on March 28, at 5pm.  Featuring the original concept and choreography of Ronelson Yadao, with music also from Tarog, the short film brings to life the poem with the same title by playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc.

Together with the CCP Dance Workshop members, the film brings together the different art forms to create a unique collaboration, reminding the public and artists alike the importance of artistic expression and undaunted creativity amid the pandemic.

To experience all these and more, go to tuloypokayo.com. For more information and updates on Tuloy Po Kayo: Palihan, Palabas, Palitan, follow the CCP official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra stages its online concert dubbed as The PPO Spotlight: Virtual Pocket Performances to be streamed on March 19, 2021 at 8pm, Friday through the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Website.

Program for the March 19 concert, which is focused on the Holy Week Special, features the following pieces such as “How Great Thou Art” by Carl Boberg to be played by Roland Guerrero (Cello), “Tanging Yaman” by Nonong Buencamino and Manoling Francisco to be performed by Michael Del Rosario (Violin), “Ave Verum Corpus” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to be interpreted by Ernani Pascual (French Horn); and “Lift Up Your Hands” by Cecille Azarcon–Picasso (arranged by Angelita Pasamba) to be rendered by Christian Tan (Violin), Ma. Angelica Uson (Violin), Ferdinand Dumlao (Viola), and Herrick Ortiz (Cello).

The PPO Online Pocket Performance Series, which runs from February to July 2021, is a program of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra that can be viewed from the PPO FB page and the CCP YouTube as platforms.

CELEBRATE the National Arts Month with soothing classical guitar music in the Kabataang Gitarista Special Recital on February 27, 2021, 3:00pm, streamed live for free via the CCP Arts Education Department and Kabataang Gitarista Facebook pages.

The recital will feature 19 members of Kabataang Gitarista (KG) from junior and senior high schools, and those already in college taking classical guitar as a degree course in colleges of music as scholars.

The program features the performances of Edel Mark Bitao, David Tiongson, Laurence Cadiente, Daryll Tiongson, Sarah Salipada, John Ericcson Rapadas, Charles Brian Mendoza, Kyle Adam Lorenzana, Kenneth Manacio, Maeriel Mon, Eliandre Tiongson, Cristian Abion, Gedd Evan Baylongo, Juan Paulo Cristobal, Augustine Francisco, Renz Land Alonzo, Heart Antang, Zack Fazunila and Kerby Trinidad.

The Kabataang Gitarista (KG) is a group of talented public high school students currently being trained in classical guitar.  The students who come from high schools in Manila, Pasay and Parañaque receive free classical guitar training under Dr. Ivar-Nicholas Fojas, Fernando Sy-Changco III, David Tiongson, Edel Mark Bitao through the support of sponsors.

The program was organized by the CCP Artist Training Division in August 2012 to promote appreciation for, and interest in classical guitar performance among public high school students; to provide the highest level of guitar training free of charge; and to develop a performing classical guitar ensemble.

The KG has given performances in selected public and private schools, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, besides other venues.  The group has also participated in lecture-demonstrations and workshops to promote classical guitar among the youth.  Some of its members have given solo performances in their respective schools and have won in inter-school solo instrument competitions.  In November 2019, the KG Trio won third prize in the Ensemble Category, and Edel Mark Bitao won third prize in the Solo Junior Category of the Saigon International Guitar Festival and Competition held in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.  Later in the month Edel Mark Bitao won first prize at the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Junior Category.

Currently, around 30 guitarists are being trained under the program.

Follow the Cultural Center of the Philippines, CCP Arts Education Department and Kabataang Gitarista Facebook pages to know more about the upcoming events of Kabataang Gitarista.

KANTO CANTA, a competition initiated by the CCP Board of Trustees, rises to the challenge of defining what is uniquely Filipino and hope to find that inherent sound that harmonizes the Filipino identity. The online music competition for original Filipino musical works, which was officially launched last February 17, 2021 via an online press conference, aims to create a contemporary music that incorporates traditional musical instruments and local languages in order to create a “new Pinoy sound.” Deadline for submission for the first quarter is on or before March 20, 2021.

In line with this, CCP collaborates with OPM R&B group BRWN to produce “Bangon!,” a music video featuring an uplifting lyrics, with a melodious blend of orchestral arrangement with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the band’s electronic flair. Giving it a more Pinoy flavour are Philippine ethnic instrumentation and Cordilleran chants. The music video, which premiered on February 23, 2021 in BRWN YouTube channel, is in partnership with Bench, who provided the Barongs designed by Joey Samson worn by the band members in the music video.

For more details, follow the CCP Kanto Kultura Facebook page (facebook.com/kantokultura) and official social media pages
(@kantokultura). For inquiries, contact the CCP Marketing Department at (02) 8832-1125 local 1409/1800 or email (ccpkantokultura@gmail.com).
Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and official CCP Facebook and social media pages.

*Photo by: Bolichie Suzara

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra stages its third Chamber Music Concert on February 26, 2021 (Friday), 8pm, streamed via the CCP and PPO Facebook Pages and CCP YouTube Channel.

The PPO Chamber Music Concert Series, which was first held on October 30, 2020, is the orchestra’s online alternative in bringing classical music to the Filipino audiences since social gatherings are prohibited due to the pandemic. The series also highlights the different instruments of the orchestra while performing music composed for small ensembles.

Wind instruments will highlight the February 26 concert.

Flute players Hercules Santiago, Edgardo Silangcruz, Rosemarie Poblete will play SONATA FOR 3 FLUTES NR.166 by Johann Joachim Quantz.

This will be followed by QUINTET NO. 1 by Victor Ewald, to be performed by Edwin Matias (Trumpet), Jay Ar Mesa (French Horn), Benedicto Dela Peret Jr. (Tuba), Ricson Poonin (Trombone) and Glober Calambro (Trumpet).

For more information, please visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) or follow the official CCP and PPO Facebook pages.

Meet Enzo Morales, a Filipino champion in World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) who brought gold, silver and two bronze medals for the Philippines. Enzo came from a family of singers and music lovers. His parents saw potential in him as he began singing at the age of six or seven. Since then, they always encourages him to sing especially during their family gatherings.

According to Enzo, “Singing is our brand of bonding whenever there’s a gathering in the house. At first, my dad and my mom pushed me to sing. I have two older sisters who sing as well. They also made an impact to pursue this passion of mine.”

During his younger years, he’s been always insecure and shy that’s why he didn’t like to join any singing contests. Despite of that, He joined the choir in his primary school from grade three to six at Nagcarlan Montessori Center. He continued singing in the choir during his third and fourth years in high school at St Mary’s Academy of Nagcarlan. On his senior year in high school, he was encouraged to join a school competition and that’s when he won 1st Runner Up, which made him think to pursue greater achievements in singing.

“I only decided to level up my passion for singing when I joined the WCOPA in 2014. When I passed the audition, and had the chance to represent the Philippines and bagged four awards. I realized that I have to use the gift and share it with people. After that WCOPA experience, it won’t be my last because I am still open to opportunities.” Enzo said.

Enzo loves singing R&B. His dad told him to be versatile, which made him learn different genres like Ballad, Jazz, and Rock. During his stint with WCOPA, he was mentored by no less than the first Filipino to win the World Championships of Performing Arts title —Jed Madela.

“I must say after WCOPA–I was able to perform in different radio stations and TV networks–like DZRH, Eagle network by INC, ASOP A Song of Praise, DZMM Teleradyo, Wish FM, and Walang Tulugan with Master Showman. I had the chance to be a guest singer at Coconut Festival in San Pablo Laguna.”

His singing stint also brought him to acting [and had a beat role] in Maalaala Mo Kaya’s episode And I Love You So.

He also joined the Center for Pop Music and Star Magic workshops for self-improvement in singing and performing arts.

AL Frenz Morales in real life, now age 28, had finished B.S. Psychology from Far Eastern University in 2013, he began working as an International Flight Attendant for five years now with Philippine Airlines. He also felt his life’s purpose got diverted to other stuff. He was doing side jobs by selling different goods from abroad like bags, shoes, and even jewelry items. Just like a diverted flight, his dream of pursuing to become a singer is still alive. For him, singing gives him a different satisfaction and fulfillment.

“I mostly feel alive whenever I perform. It makes my soul very happy while the adrenaline it gives me–I feel like I’m a different person every time I perform. Of course, with the applause of the people who appreciate my voice, I can feel that I am doing something good in my life and serving my purpose.”

Despite having his dream diverted, he is steadfast in succeeding in his passion for singing.
He has this to say to all aspiring and beginning singers,

“Just keep going even if opportunities are lacking. Know your core and your worth because this will make you an artist. There’s a lot of good singers out there, but they lack soul and substance. Know who you are and people will start to appreciate you.“

“Practice, expose yourself whenever there’s an opportunity to sing as it will make you confident as you keep on doing it. Surround yourself with people who have the same passion as yours, people who support you in your journey. Know who you are as an artist and people will adore and support you in your journey.“

Santuario de San Antonio Parish FRANCISFEST 2020 proudly presents the encore on-stage virtual concert BUILD MY CHURCH ON A SONG

Oct. 25, 8pm – Nov. 8, 11pm.

Watch online via the Santuario de San Antonio Parish Youtube Channel and Facebook page.

Enjoy an hour of listening pleasure from featured artists RACHELLE GERODIAS-PARK
and BYEONG IN PARK.

For the benefit of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, Malabon-Navotas and Santuario de San Antonio Parish’s Outreach Programs.

For donations, you may deposit to SSAP Foundation Inc.
BPI 0291-0395-96
Paypal: http://tinyurl.com/paypalssap