Another great guitarist is coming to town: Judicael Perroy will have a concert on November 12 at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium, UP College of Music in Diliman, Quezon City. See more details below.
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The Independent Philippine Art Ventures (IPAV) and Alliance Français de Manille (AFM) present an outstanding French guitarist in a concert at 7pm on November 12, Abelardo Hall, UP College of Music in Diliman, Quezon City.
Perroy is one of the most sought-after classical guitarists on the world stage. He has had rave reviews not only as a concertist but as an inspiring teacher as well. His students have also won prestigious international awards.
To open the concert on November 12, are outstanding and multi-awarded Filipino guitarists Roneil Santos and Aaron Aguila.
Perroy will also hold a master class for the country’s most promising young guitarists to teach them theory and technique in one-on-one sessions.
IPav was founded by classical guitarists and enthusiasts and has formed a solid alliance with AFM to promote classical music in the Philippines.
Concert tickets are at 1,000php (Patron), 500php (Regular) and 250php (Student). Tickets are available at TicketWorld, AFM and IPAV.
Inquiries regarding masterclasses and ticket reservation may also be addressed to ipavinc@gmail.com.
Real talk. I am not that keen in celebrating Halloween, even now that I have a kid. Besides, isn’t it that Halloween celebrations here in the country started just in the past decade?
As kids, our Halloween–make that All Souls Day– celebrations include the traditional viewing of a special “Magandang Gabi Bayan” episode on a Saturday night, either in our home or on one of our cousins or friends in the same compound. We’d scare each other out with the stories in the show, or literally playing “mumu,” or ghosts complete with blankets as makeshift costumes and flashlights as props. We’re happy crazy with that.
And now, so many Halloween events have sprouted, and even establishments are garbed up in orange/black Halloween fashion. Let’s celebrate it, with meaning and purpose! Here are three unique and meaningful events where you can take your children to.
1. Celebrate with orchestral music
Our favourite orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra with its conductor, Maestro Olivier Ochanine, will have a special performance with…volcanoes?! “Tricks and Musical Treats, A PPO Family Concert” will feature a musical storytelling of Flowanda, the explorer of the land of Volcano Milava at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) at 4:00 PM. There will be pre-concert activities starting at 2:30 PM which include a musical instruments petting zoo wherein children can experience playing different orchestral instruments assisted by the members of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. There will also be trick or treat and lobby activities. The children are encouraged to come in their costumes.
This is a good way to introduce orchestral music to our children, and children at heart. Not only that, watching this concert also shows your support for our local artists, music, culture and arts.
For more information, please call the CCP Marketing Department at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.
2. Celebrate with saints
Halloween is the eve of All Saints, which is the first day of Allhallowtide, the third day being All Souls’ Day (November 2nd). In the previous years, we get to celebrate this with a homeschooling group, called Rockers Philippines. Last year, Aria came in as St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians.
Aria as St. Cecilia. With some of the Rockers Kids at St. Rita de Cascia church in Philam Homes.
Christ the King Parish in Greenmeadows will have their Kingdom of Heaven Fair on October 31. Visit their Facebook page for more details.
3. Celebrate as a superhero
Trick or treat for a cause! UNICEF is calling on all superheroes to raise funds for children in need. Visit any Toy Kingdom branch to get your Trick or treat kit, or UNICEF Philippines website for details.
Take your pick, or do all three! And celebrate a unique and meaningful Halloween with your family.
Looking for more activities? While it might seem dangerous skating is a great activity for kids, check out Skate Hq’s “kids hockey gear” to learn more.
Time flew, fast. It has been two years since the first ever international choral competition took place at the CUltural Center of the Philippines. And I am proud to have been part of it.
Now, two years after, the second competition happens right on the month when the honoree commemorates her birth and passing on. As I type this, we remember her second birthday in heaven, two days before her actual birth date.
This year’s competition happens on the third week of July, from the 22nd to the 25th. Just as it’s about to close on the 25th, the nation will be celebrating the National Week of Filipino Music. Such a great tribute!
And as for its second season, the competition is a legacy, a beautiful one left by the honoree, Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion, Ma’am OA to many, one of the pillars of Filipino choral music. Through her legacy of excellence as founding choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the legions of choristers its members and alumni have trained, the Singing Philippines have reached a realization.
Competing for the second competition are six choirs from Indonesia, Italy, and Mexico, and ten Filipino choirs, vying for prizes in three categories, which are Folk Music, Chamber Choir, and Vocal Ensemble. The jury is composed of five of the best names in the choral world: Brady Allred (I once took a conducting masterclass under him back when I was pregnant), Janis Liepnis (who handles Kamer, a two-time European Grand Prix for Choral Singing winner like the Madz), Silvana Vallesi (yay for female conductors! She conducts the Coro Universitario de Mendoza in Argentina), Andre Van der Merwe (famous conductor of youth choirs in South Africa), and Mark Carpio of the Philippine Madrigal Singers.
To celebrate Filipino culture and music, the competition will premiere the obligatory piece commissioned by the CCP for the Chamber Choir category, entitled “Ang Tren,” a setting of Filipino literary giant Jose Corazon de Jesus’ poem, music composed by young award-winning composer Saunder Choi.
It’s always a learning experience watching competitions, that’s why if you are a choral conductor or chorister, you should watch this. An international level of competition right in our own land!
If you’re a student or a chorister who would want to watch, email choralfestmnl2015(at)gmail(dot)com to inquire on how to avail of the 50% discount. And since the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are free and open to all, see you there!
— ANDREA O. VENERACION INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL
July 22-25, 2015
Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).
Wednesday, July 22, 2015:
5:00 PM Opening Ceremonies; 7:00 PM Folk Song Competiton
Thursday, July 23, 2015: 7:00 PM Vocal Ensemble Competition
Friday, July 24, 2015: 7:00 PM Chamber Choir Competition
Saturday, July 25, 2015: 4:00 PM Philippine Madrigal Singers Gala Concert 7:00 PM Awarding & Closing Ceremonies
Ticket Prices: P800, P700, P500, P300 (all competitions and Madrigal Singers concert) 50% discount for students & choirs who want to watch
Opening and Closing Ceremonies: FREE/OPEN TO THE PUBLIC For ticket inquiries/reservations please email choralfestmnl2015@gmail.com
What brought us to Europe is the invitation to the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc. to perform for the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space. Held every four years, PQ as it is popularly called, gathers together artists from all ofer the world for an exhibition. Prague turns into a huge arts hub, literally, including its streets.
I, and some more choristers from various groups were invited to join the trip. It is an honour for us to be part of this trip, as well as to represent the country in such a performance.
For this trip, we prepared two sets of repertoire: First is the “Kamanyang,” all-Filipino choral, ensemble, and popular music selections, and “Pasyon,” which is a cappella choral music in Filipino. One of the songs in the popular music section is Pinoy Ako (more popularly heard from Pinoy Big Brother), written by Kenyo’s Mcoy Fundales. But that’s another story for another day, so stay tuned.
The main event of the tour was the Prague Quadrennial, where we are to perform scenes from the Passion of Christ in the streets of Prague, which is widely performed as a theater production all over the Philippines during Holy Week. Our production has a different take– even if the text was purely Filipino, choral music was the main vehicle to transcend the message to the foreign audience, in Europe especially, where choral music is rich and accessible.
And the man behind the wonderful music we’ve sung is musical director and composer Ato del Rosario. I’ve known Kuya Ato since my Madz days, when we used to record songs in his Quezon City home. I got to know him and his music more during this tour. And what wonderful music he created!
Since we first rehearsed songs for the Kamanyang part, some songs for the Pasyon Kuya Ato would write the day (or perhaps hours) before we’d meet for rehearsals. And they were gems! Easy-to-the-ears melodic lines. They may talk about Christ’s passion which was supposed to be sad and melancholic, but the melodies in his works are heartwarming. I have never liked the Pasyon (because I know it’s sad) until this work came along!
The scenes chosen complemented each other, and were sequenced well. We had three-line interludes in between musical numbers, which tied up the next scene from the previous one. Script was written by Joseph Sonny Cristobal, and stage direction was by Arman Sta. Ana. The staging in Prague was in the streets, so we had liberty to use a 40 ft x40 ft space and move around with props and costume changes. As with the church as venue (in Venice and Vienna), we were limited, so we did it concert style. Not your typical choral set up–some are sitting and some standing. Add the fact that we are limited in number–only ten singers (3 sopranos, 2 altos, 2 tenors, and 3 basses). So this was for us a challenge yet a blessing, because we got to work harder therefore work closely with one another. And hearing positive feedback from our audience, as well as our hosts and friends who watched was definitely the cherry on top of the icing!
PQ15 performance and the PQ15 Philippine contingent.
Enough of the descriptions, here’s a sampling of one of the works. The last two scenes, “La Pieta” and “Pagkabuhay.” Soloist for La Pieta is Verona Fortaleza McDonnell, who did the part with so much emotion and passion. This was the last performance of the tour in Fava, Venice, Italy.
UPDATE: Featured performing artists on June 10 are Miguel Castro, Sweet Sisa Samaniego and Los Lipeños.
At this time when we are inundated with too much foreign pop music, a show like this is a welcome respite. It’s only when my husband and I rehearse some Filipino art songs at home that my daughter gets to hear them. Better than none.
Last April 8, I took my daughter and my mom to the Cultural Center of the Philippines for an afternoon of Filipino music, something we rarely hear nowadays.
We were in for a treat. The show featured Lisa Cabahug and Lemuel dela Cruz, accompanied by Augusto Espino on the piano for the first part.
The second part featured a guitar ensemble, called the Kabataang Gitarista (click the link for related story). This is one of the projects I have handled when I was working for the CCP. Proud of these young guitarists who played quite challenging and interesting pieces!
Missed this show? Don’t fret, because another one’s coming our way!
Harana sa Dapit Hapon is an afternoon musicale featuring immortal kundimans, harana, balitaw, danza and unforgettable love songs by great Filipino composers. Featured performers on June 10 are performing artists Miguel Castro, Sweet Sisa Samaniego, and Los Lipeños. Succeeding performances will be held on July 8, September 9, October 7, and December 9 this year. Noted classical singers and performers have been invited for the succeeding shows.
The event is free to the public. Senior citizens, students and the general public are cordially invited.
The project is by the CCP and the Tribung Pilipino Foundation.
My husband and I, in another rare moment, had our date night watching a fun (and funny) musical last month.
And we have proof! Thanks for taking this photo of us. (Courtesy: Into the Woods-Preview Night)
It was the Press Preview of Into the Woods, a musical by Stephen Sondheim, last February 20.
The setting was a giveaway, an outdoor venue called the Kasalikasan Garden. It got a bit cloudy in the afternoon, and we were hoping it won’t rain. Good thing it didn’t. The shawl was of help. It got a little chilly later in the evening. WARNING: Bring anti-mosquito lotions or patches, and don’t wear shorts. Seriously. =)
Given that it was outdoors, the challenge I thought of was the microphones, and that single keyboard to accompany the singers. It went well, nevertheless.
It was really great to see familiar faces in the cast (and in the crowd, too). My friends from the UP College of Music and former choirmates of my husband, were part of the cast. Awesome to see friends take part in productions I cover for this blog.
Here are some photos of the Press Preview last February 20. Credits: Upstart Productions.
Onyl Torres, my husband’s former choirmate at the Ateneo, played the Steward…and then some, such as being propsman.Kay Balajadia-Liggayu played the Stepmother of Cinderella. The funny trio here is comprised of Kay and real life sisters. Justine and Jill Pena, who play stepsisters of Cinderella.These two are plain funny! Juliene Mendoza (Cinderella’s Prince), and George Schulze (Rapunzel’s Prince).Charley Magalit played Rapunzel, and her high notes soared as high as Rapunzel’s tower! We worked together in San Andres B in 2013. We’re both Bechie Babies (our collective name for students of our dear voice professor, Ma. Cecilia “Bechie” Valena).The general plot of the story went around these three characters. The Witch, ably played by Rachel Alejandro, Lorenz Martinez (Baker), and Gemini Quintos (Baker’s Wife).
Can’t get enough of the photos? Then you should watch the production. They’re extending the run until March 22!
Congratulations to the cast, staff, and crew of the production!
GOOD NEWS! Hear ye, hear ye.
By popular demand, Upstart Production’s INTO THE WOODS will be extending their run for one more weekend! Make sure to catch them under the stars at BGC’s Kasalikasan Gardens! A special discount of 20% will be given to early bird reservations, bulk buyers, senior citizens and students for the MARCH 22 show! Offer is until March 15, 2015 only.
You may call/ text the following number for inquiries.
Charley Magalit 0977- 210 6113
Zarina Anne De Asis 0917-579 9828
Kay Balajadia-Liggayu 0917- 417 2362
INTO THE WOODS. February 21, 22, 28, March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22. All shows start 6:00 PM. Tickets available at Ticketworld (891-9999).
Presented by Bonifacio Global City, AVIVA Global Marine Corporation, and OLX Philippines. In cooperation with The Picasso Boutique Residences and Plana Forma. Also brought to you by Interaksyon.com, Image Nation Photography, Mac Cosmetics, Lulu Swing Shoes, Citrusnap, Chalk, Metro Magazine, and Stanley Ong Photography.
Now, on to the lowdown of how and why I felt this way, and how this whole experience will impact my career.
Excitement.
When I got the news of Nelly Miricioiu’s arrival in Manila sometime last year, it got me so excited, as I know another great international soprano is singing in Manila. I felt the same way when Sumi Jo had her one-night concert early last year. Back then, I didn’t even know if there will be a masterclass or none, though I was really wishing there will be, and said to myself that I will try to join just in case there will be a call for one. I was eventually surprised that there will be one, and found out it was a competitive masterclass as one would have to submit a video and our profile. So I did, and prayed for a positive outcome.
When 2015 ushered in, I was greeted with the good news of my acceptance to the masterclass. And not just a one-day masterclass, it’s three days! AND not only that, there will be culminating performances of not one, but two concerts!
Which leads to the next feeling.
Trepidation.
And of course, as all sorts of bubble thoughts run in my head. But the more I think about trepidation, the more I am determined to do my best.
Upon knowing the result of the auditions, the organizing group gathered us for a meeting to discuss about our pieces for the masterclass. Those with me are the active young classical singers in Manila.
Questions run in my thoughts. What was I doing there? Given that I have not been singing actively lately (my last was Rusalka), is my voice prepared? Will I be able to pull through my chosen pieces? The questions led me to the next feeling.
Humbled.
The masterclass is an opportunity for me to come back to the craft I really want to pursue. With the many hats I have worn the past five years, I know I will still go back to singing. I asked my mentor in college, Prof. Bechie Valeña, to have a session with her, just so I could have another ear listening while preparing for the masterclass. My teacher is one of the persons who kept pushing my spirits up especially when I somewhat forget that I trained as a classical singer. She told me my voice is (still) there, and that I should keep on singing.
What’s even humbling is that the masterclasses were given to us as a scholarship, thanks to the generous sponsors. That is why we really encourage you to support Ms. Miricioiu’s concert on March 6, to further the cause of supporting local classical artists.
I should focus on this gift that God so generously gave me (I only had voice lessons in college, but have been playing the piano since I was four).
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It’s only days before the Masterclass. Madame Nelly has arrived in Manila the other day to prepare for her concert on Friday. Which makes me all the more excited (and nervous!). I am looking forward to watch her on Friday, to sing and learn from Ms. Nelly and the other singers on the Masterclass sessions, and to the culminating concert in the next two weekends. Yes, it’s such a blessing that we get to present what we will be learning from the Masterclass:
Hope you could watch our performances, too!
I hope you could also join us and complete the Nelly Miricioiu experience!
Nelly Miricioiu in concert
March 6, 2015, Friday, 8:00 PM, Meralco Theater
For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or CAEO at 997-9483, 7827164, 0918-347-3027 or 0920-954-0053. Limited discounted tickets for students available via CAEO. You may also purchase online through Ticketworld at this link: https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/Online/NellyMiricioiu.
Nelly Miricioiu Voice Masterclass March 9-11, 2015, 11:00AM-6:00PM Ayala Museum, Makati Free Admission (you may drop by anytime to observe)
Opera Gala March 14 and 21, 2015, 7:00 PM Ayala Museum, Makati For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or CAEO at 997-9483, 7827164, 0918-347-3027 or 0920-954-0053.
Last year was indeed a milestone year for my daughter. I could never been any happier with her biggest achievement–being behaved inside a closed theater venue!
My husband and I try to make every experience as enjoyable and educational as possible. She definitely enjoys traveling, something she got from her parents, definitely, who used to be part of active touring choral groups. She calls every trip outside a “field trip,” and since that’s the peg of every trip outside, we make them homeschooling opportunities.
We make sure to choose activities that will introduce her to the seven arts. Luckily, we live in a place surrounded by theaters, museums, and other places of arts. Likewise, this blog has taken me and my daughter to different events we both have enjoyed and learned from. She loves listening and making music, so no wonder we take her to concerts of various musical forms.
Here’s a roundup of art-related activities we have done the past year.
January
We took her to her first orchestral concert– that of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in an outdoor venue–Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium. That concert was a tie-up with the Far Easter University and I blogged about it here. We also chanced upon the Chang Kai Shek Youth Choir at the SM Aura for the Chinese New Year celebrations on the last day of this month.
February
Aria got a taste of some jazz music through the Euro-Pinoy Jazz concerts at the Maestranza Park in Intramuros. We also asked our cousin, Joy of iBake to make a cake decorating activity for Aria, who loves doing art works. We also passed by a Marian exhibit at the Mall of Asia organized by Radyo Veritas. They do this at least twice a year.
Aria was THAT small exactly last year? I cannot believe my eyes! With my cousin Joy.
March
Not much activity this month, but we caught the PPO again at the CCP for the Children’s Concert.
April
We spent Easter Sunday at Movie Stars Cafe (click here to know how to get a 10% discount when you visit!) and Beauty and the Beast was showing! Good thing because this prepared her for the musical which she was able to watch last January. This month was also a milestone for her–her first full orchestral concert inside the CCP Main Theater! She also watched Mommy conduct her Children’s Choir for the Madz et al concert.
May
We supported Daddy and Leana, my niece, who performed in a concert of Ryan Cayabyab’s songs. She also watched Mommy and her choir again in San Sebastian Basilica for the Musica Sacra Festival.
She was on that phase of not wanting to have her photos taken, but she’s past that now.
Some friends from the classical music world, Ervin Lumauag, Krystl Buesa, and Alejandro Consolacion had a recital-concert at the Rizal Park. No rain stopped this concert of theirs. Then we also watched the concert of the famed Time Ensemble at the PICC Meeting Room. An intimate concert featuring varied repertoire. I was surprised Aria sat and listened well to each song, she was even dancing along the front act performers, the Voce Fich.
August
We went to two kids’ expositions, or expos– first was the Smartkids Asia expo where my blog won an award. Another is the Toy Expo of Toy Kingdom. Both events were held at the SMX Convention Center. Seeing new toys and stuff for kids is just a delight for the family.
Best Blog award went to Touringkitty!
September
I had the privilege of performing as woodsprite in the UP-produced Rusalka, an opera by Antonin Dvorak. According to my family, Aria was cheering from her seat every time I appear on stage. Thank God for daughters! Aria also attended the Manila International Book Fair, where we also sang for a book launch. Once again, there was a Marian exhibit called Mary and the Popes at SM Mall of Asia. We also visited Exploreum at MOA for the first time.
A blurry photo of the woodsprite, Aria, and Rusalka.
October
October was a busy month for Mommy, so Aria had the chance to tag along Mommy everywhere! First was in a choral conducting recital in a church in faraway Quezon City. She was well behaved throughout the recital! Proud of my little girl. Also, I took her to the culminating activity of the CCP Hands-on Choral Workshop, where members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers served as conductors. Through this blog, I also got to bring her to Kids Workshop in Greenhills, San Juan City, a great place for kids to play, learn, and have fun. They intersperse storytelling and art activities while kids play in their big play area.
November
November was jampacked with activities for this blog. We watched the fashion show and launch of P.S. from Aeropostale. We also watched the Dancing Lights at Ayala Triangle and the concert of the PPO and the Ateneo Chamber Singers at Salcedo Park, both in Makati.
Trying out the catwalk herself, before the show. Her DJ cousins at the back.
December
This month was a month of firsts for my little one. It was her first time to perform in public officially. First in the Christmas Party in Mathemagis, a Singapore Maths program she is enrolled in. Apparently, she volunteered herself to sing for the party. Then she also sang and danced as Youth animator at our church on Christmas Day. Went back to Movie Stars Cafe for their Frozen show. We were also fortunate to watch Cinderella by Ballet Philippines and the Madz’ Christmas concert.
With my Frozen fanatic.
February is National Arts Month. It is also the Month of Hearts. It is never too early or too late to introduce arts to everyone. As the Cultural Center of the Philippines puts it, “O ‘di ba, mas maganda kung may arts sa buhay mo?” (Isn’t is more beautiful if you have arts in your life?).
Art is in our hearts! Art by Touringkitty, made using Canva (www.canva.com).
For its fifth production year, Upstart Productions takes us into the woods, literally.
Into the Woods takes us in a journey ever after… in the woods!
Why so? Because the venue of their next production will be on the lush greens of Kasalikasan Garden in Bonifacion Global City. This would be the second time the production is using this venue, following its successful run of “Forbidden Broadway” last year. PCDA Board of Director, Upstart Managing Director and the production’s Vocal Coach Onyl Torres shares, “We’ve always loved the musical, so why not do it in the actual woods?”
Written by James Lapine (Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos) and living legend Stephen Sondheim (West Side Story, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd), Into The Woods intertwines the stories of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, and a host of other fairy tale characters into a lush, extravagant musical that, according to Time Magazine, “affords non-stop pleasure.”
Onyl also mentioned that while this is a fairy tale-based work, kids who will watch should be guided by the grown-ups.
The cast: From L-R: The full cast of Upstart Production Inc.’s “Into the Woods” – Chino Veguillas (Wolf), Kay Balajadia-Liggayu (Cinderella’s Stepmother), Jill Peña (Florinda), Justine Peña (Lucinda), Reb Atadero (Jack), Jillian Ita-as (Little Red Riding Hood), Rachel Alejandro (Witch), Teenee Chan (Jack’s Mother), Noel Rayos (Baker [at certain performances]), Noel Trinidad (Narrator), Mica Pineda (Cinderella), Robie Zialcita (Cinderella’s Father), Charley Magalit (Rapunzel), Nicky Triviño (Ghost of Cinderella’s Mother/ Red’s Grandmother). Not in photo: Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (Baker’s Wife), Lorenz Martinez (Baker), Gemini Quintos (Baker’s Wife [at certain performances]), Juliene Mendoza (Cinderella’s Prince), George Schulze (Rapunzel’s Prince), and Onyl Torres (Steward).During the intimate Press Conference held at Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences.
The cast did a sampling of the musical’s Act I Finale, Ever After. Almost everyone remarked that the music was difficult to learn, but I’m pretty sure it will sound great given that it is a Sondheim masterpiece. One more notable thing on this production is that the music will only be provided by a piano. Dingdong Fiel, the production’s musical director, will carry out the arduous task of accompanying the ensemble on piano.
Have you seen the movie yet that’s showing on theaters now? Because I haven’t. Looking forward to see this as National Arts Month comes to a close. If you had a fairy tale-filled childhood, you should watch this.
INTO THE WOODS. February 21, 22, 28, March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15. All shows start 6:00 PM. Tickets available at Ticketworld (891-9999).
Presented by Bonifacio Global City, AVIVA Global Marine Corporation, and OLX Philippines. In cooperation with The Picasso Boutique Residences and Plana Forma. Also brought to you by Interaksyon.com, Image Nation Photography, Mac Cosmetics, Lulu Swing Shoes, Citrusnap, Chalk, Metro Magazine, and Stanley Ong Photography.
For the past eleven years, the Cultural Center of the Philippines opened its doors for one whole day in this annual festival of arts.
I have been in all sides of this festival — first as performer with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, as a production staff for two festivals when I was working for the center, and now as spectator and supporter of this wonderful activity.
For arts enthusiasts, we can only wish this would not just be one day. With so many things to watch and so many activities happening simultaneously, one cannot watch everything in one day! For families, this has been a great bonding activity for them to celebrate the arts. For the performers, I am sure they are as excited as us to present their craft. And for its production, my friends in the field of cultural work, they have tirelessly prepared for this. Logistically impossible as it may seem, they have successfully carried out this gargantuan task of bringing together this once-a-year remarkable event.
Some information are made available here. Tune in the CCP’s website, Facebook, and Twitter for more details in the coming days.
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Pasinaya: CCP Open House Festival. Biggest multi-arts festival in the country. Pay what you can, see all you can. Dance, theater, music, literature, film, visual arts.
Performances, workshops, arts market, museum visits, food booths, arts and crafts market, photo competition, discounted tickets to selected CCP shows for the whole year, international and local performers. Makes the CCP the happiest place on earth on that day.
![The cast: From L-R: The full cast of Upstart Production Inc.’s “Into the Woods” - Chino Veguillas (Wolf), Kay Balajadia-Liggayu (Cinderella's Stepmother), Jill Peña (Florinda), Justine Peña (Lucinda), Reb Atadero (Jack), Jillian Ita-as (Little Red Riding Hood), Rachel Alejandro (Witch), Teenee Chan (Jack's Mother), Noel Rayos (Baker [at certain performances]), Noel Trinidad (Narrator), Mica Pineda (Cinderella), Robie Zialcita (Cinderella's Father), Charley Magalit (Rapunzel), Nicky Triviño (Ghost of Cinderella's Mother/ Red's Grandmother). Not in the picture: Rachel Alejandro (Witch), Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (Baker's Wife), Lorenz Martinez (Baker), Gemini Quintos (Baker's Wife [at certain performances]), Juliene Mendoza (Cinderella's Prince), George Schulze (Rapunzel's Prince), and Onyl Torres (Steward).](https://i0.wp.com/www.touringkitty.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Into-the-Woods-cast-picture.jpg)
