Magkaibigan

June 29, 2012 / 8:00pmSentro Baler, Baler, Aurora

Office of Senator Edgardo J. Angara

Cultural Center of the Philippines

National Historical Commission of the Philippines

National Commission for Culture and the Arts

In cooperation with the

Municipality of Baler

Province of Aurora

a gala performance in celebration of

PHILIPPINE-SPANISH FRIENDSHIP DAY and the

BICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION OF THE

SPANISH CONSTITUTION OF 1812

present

The programme will focus on the friendship developed by the Filipino-Spanish people through many centuries. The cultural ties forged by both countries have been renewed and the tree of comradeship has grown. The performances featuring world class artists speak of the harmony that binds the two nations to bring them to a brighter future.

Lobby Area:Pre-performance music Baler National High School BandExhibitions Tipos del Pais and Through the Eyes of The Baler 8

Program Proper inside Sentro Baler:

Philippine National Anthem Spanish National Anthem

Opening Remarks Hon. Mayor Arturo J. Angara

Welcome Remarks Hon. Governor Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo

Message Hon. Senator Edgardo J. Angara

Audio Visual Presentation Ten Years of Celebrating Philippine-Spanish Friendship and the Bi-Centennial of the First Spanish Constitution of 1812

Paisaje Musical Baler Youth Rondalla Sonrisas de amistad Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe with the Ilongot and Dumagat Dancers

Bukidnon Sketches Bukidnon State University Chorale Mercibelle Barroso-AbejuelaAti Peter Macrohon Puerto Escondido (Hidden Port) Marta Fernandez Portillo, poet

Filipinas Mae Jennie Gallegos, Karizza Mae Alminiana, Trio Los Panchos Kyan Querijero, Jaya Gallegos Music Scholars of Sen. Edgardo J. Angara

Cavatina Renato Lucas, cello Nicanor AbelardoAsturias Albeniz

PROGRAMME

Bailamos Nel Canto Paul Barry and Mark Taylor

La Edad Del Porvenir Javier Alvarez, guitarSunset Boulevard Philippine Panorama Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe

Jurame Andrew Fernando, baritone Maria Grever

Bituing Marikit Camille Lopez-Molina, soprano Nicanor Abelardo

Halik Ballet Philippines Paul Morales, choreography Candice Adea Jed Balsamo, music First Prize, Senior Women’s Division 2012 Helsinki International Ballet Competition, Finland Jean Marc Cordero Special Jury Award for Best in Pas de Deux Technique 2012 Helsinki International Ballet Competition, Finland

Makikiliti Kang Totoo Camille Lopez-Molina, soprano from the sarswela Walang Sugat Andrew Fernando, baritone by Severino Reyes

Flor de Manila Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe

Lahat ng Araw Ballet Philippines Alden Lugnasin, choreography

Jotas Filipinas Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe

Ngayon, Bukas, at Kailanman Sarah Geronimo Louie Ocampo theme song of the movie Baler

Pista sa Pilipinas Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe

As we move into the future, our peoples look forward with the hope that the solidarity we fostered in the past will continue long into the next generations. With tokens of friendship, we commemorate our eternal bond and toast to a more prosperous and peaceful time ahead of us! Mabuhay!

La Celebración Ensemble

ANDREW FERNANDObaritone

US-based International Filipino Baritone Andrew Fernando is the First Prize winner of the prestigious 2003 Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition in

the United States and an alumnus of the world renowned San Francisco Opera Merola Program. Also a prize winner in the Metropolitan Opera National Auditions in the Los Angeles district and in the Pacific region, The Palm Springs Opera Vocal Competition, a recipient of the Opera Buffs Inc. scholarship grant and the Grand Prize winner in the Pasedena Opera Guild Vocal competition in 2004 and a grand finalist in the Licia Albanese Puccini International Vocal Competition held in New York in 2003. He was Opera Pacific’s resident baritone from 1999-2002 where he worked constantly with internationally acclaimed conductor John De Main. Andrew was the recipient of the 2009 Opera Buffs Inc. Career Achievement Award. He has performed as principal artist with a number of prestigious opera companies and orchestras around world. The Los Angeles Times has hailed him as “The young singer to watch.” In 2005, Andrew made his debut with the Syrinx Concerts Orchestra in Cote D ’ azur France and recorded the Tone Poem Sa Dalampasigan with the Global Symphony Orchestra in the Philippines. Also in the 2005-2006 seasons, Andrew gave an acclaimed performance as Count Almaviva in the Singapore Lyric Opera production of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro & gave full concerts all over

the USA. Andrew sang Rigoletto with Townsend Opera Players in Modesto in February 2007 to critical acclaim. Musical America called him “A major presence!” Andrew’s 2007-2008 season include his debut season with New York City Opera and his participation in their productions of Cendrillon and Tosca. In his 2008-2009 season, Andrew returned to the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra as the baritone soloist of Lucio San Pedro’s tone poem Sa Dalampasigan and received critical acclaims for his performance as the Dog, Badger and Harasta in The Cunning Little Vixen and as the Man with the Mule in The Clever One with Long Beach Opera. In the 2009-2010 season, Andrew participated in the world premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s first opera Séance on a wet afternoon. He will be heard in the Philippines as Baritone soloist of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra at the San Agustin Church. In the recent past season, Andrew was invited by his alma mater the University of Santo Tomas to sing Alfio in the production of Cavalleria Rusticana as part of the 400th Anniversary celebration of the University. He sang his first Verdi Requiem as baritone soloist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in March 2011. He just recently finished a tour in Minnesota, USA reprising his role as Powhatan in Tutas Haugen’s and Von Torne’s opera “Pocahontas” staged by Duluth Festival Opera where he was praised by critics for his powerful rendition of the role. He returned to Jakarta Aula Simfonia to sing the baritone solo in Haydn’s The Seasons last January 2012 and performed the role of Germont in the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ production of Verdi’s La Traviata in March of 2012. He also appeared as Sharpless at the CCP/MusicArtes production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly this June 2012 and also for CCP, Andrew is singing the role of Don Basillio in Rossini’s Il Barbiere Di Siviglia in July 2012. In August of 2012, Andrew returns to Singapore Lyric Opera as Lescaut in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut.

CAMILLE LOPEZ MOLINAsoprano

Camille Lopez Molina studied voice at the University of the Philippines College of Music. She obtained her Professional Diploma in Music, majoring in Opera Studies, from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 1996. She then

proceeded to Vienna, Austria where she studied Gesang until 2001 at the Konservatorium der Stadt Wien under Prof. Marija Sklad-Sauer and Prof. Julia Conwell. She has sung in opera, operetta, oratorio, music theater, zarzuela, concerts and recials. She is a frequent guest artist of the major orchestras in the Philippines - the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Manila Symphony Orchestra, and the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra - having

performed under conductors such as Yaacov Bergman, Piero Gamba, Jerome Hoberman, Oscar Yatco, Eugene Castillo, Ruggero Barbieri, and Julian Quirit. As a member of the ARNOLD SCHOENBERG CHOR, she performed in the world-premiere of Luciano Berio’s CRONACA DEL LUOGO at the Salzburg Festspiele, as well as in PROGETTO POLLINI at the Salzburg Mozarteum.

Ms. Molina is a three-time ALIW AWARDEE (2009, 2010 and 2011) for Best Female Classical Performer. She has also served as Chairman of the Voice Competitions of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA). She is one of the founders and artistic director of VIVA VOCE VOICE WORKSHOP, an intensive summer voice camp, the first of its kind in the Philippines. Most recently, she was music director and vocal coach of the following: Dulaang UP’s production of Padilla de Leon’s opera, NOLI ME TANGERE, St. Scholastica’s College Manila and Manila Symphony Orchestra’s production of Mozart’s COSI FAN TUTTE, and FilFest Music Festival’s production of Donizetti’s L’ELISIR D’AMORE featuring the young singers of Viva Voce Voice Workshop. At present, she is a member of the Voice Faculties of St. Scholastica’s College School of Music and the University of the Philippines College of Music.

JAVIER ÁLVAREZ guitar

He was a homegrown talent from Cuatro Caminos in Madrid. Born in 1969, Álvarez studied Philology in London. Upon coming back, he used to play in the Madrid subway and at the Parque del Retiro. He also performed in bars but, unlike the more traditional songwriters of his time, his main influences were of the pop genre, drawing inspiration the likes of ABBA, Michael Jackson, James Taylor, The Eagles, Tracy Chapman, Nanci Griffith, Suzanne Vega

and Emmylou Harris. He released his first album two years later where he collaborated with several other artists such as Ana Belén, Víctor Manuel, Luis Pastor, and Pedro Guerra. His succeeding albums can be described to have a more electronic sound and whose words can be described as “radical”. His single, “Padre” (Father, in English) was banned by major radio stations.

He released his latest creation was in 2009 entitled “Guerrero Álvarez” which he divided in two- Face A and Face B- the first half having an electronic sound and the second half leaning towards rock with a hint of the classics.

RENATO LUCAScello

Lucas was privileged to have studied at the University of the Philippines, San Francisco Conservatory of Music (USA), Royal Northern College of Music (England), Hochschule fuer Musik Detmold (Germany) and U n i v e r s i t a e t der Kunst Berlin (Germany). He held

the Principal Cellist position of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra for three decades and appeared as soloist and conductor in various occasions as well as appearances with many ensembles like the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Manila Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Manila, the Metro Manila Symphony Orchestra and the UST Symphony Orchestra. He also performed in various music festivals, cello recitals, chamber music performances like the CCP’s

Filipino Artist Series, Coke Bolipata’s Pundaquit Arts Festival, and the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ Festival to name a few.

His versatility was much sought after, he has worked with practically the whole spectrum of music collaborating pop icons Ryan Cayabyab, Basil Valdez; contemporary composers from the Asia-Pacific Region, contemporary dancers like Myra Beltran; film scoring collaborations with Nonong Buencamino/ Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Recent collaboration includes accompanying the renowned Filipina pianist Cecile Licad & training the Pundaquit Chamber Orchestra. Recent concerts include the monumental Dvorak Cello Concerto with the State Philharmonic Brno (Czech) which featured Lucas in their Asian tour. Discography includes recordings with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s Homecoming I Concert of Bruch’s Kol Nidre which drew rave reviews and was released on CD. Recent CD recording entitled ROMANZA (Tawid/Ivory with Raul Sunico) which received the 2006 Awit Awards for Best Instrumental Recording.

Lucas currently holds an Associate Professorship at the University of Santo Tomas. He holds an M. A. History from the UST Graduate School with his thesis on the History of the Symphony Orchestra in the Philippines (also reading his Ph.D. in Cultural History) and is a Research Fellow for the University’s Center for Intercultural Studies.

MARTA FERNANDEZ PORTILLO

“Conscious wind / we sail the earth / everything else / are objects / moving away / not under command.” These verses are the beginning of a poem written by Marta while on board. A Spanish Philologist and a sailing-lover since she was a child, Marta exchanged her job as a teacher and education manager to become a simple sailor aboard the Galeon during three months. She went from the classroom to the paints store, from her office to the foremast crow’s nest and its incredible views.

After this journey she conceived the book titled Voz de Fortuna (Emergency Voice) where poems and chronicles are combined. This book is in edition process at the moment. She already had some of her poems published in Extraviada (Misplaced) by Arcibel Editores. As an artist, Marta has been more than 10 years in the field of poetry experimentation; performing up to date many different actions where spoken word is the leading role. She worked in collaboration with many artists from different disciplines, proving that she understand creation as a continuous search. She consider recitals as an unrepeatable act of interaction with spectators in a given place and time. Poetry told aloud because this way words spark off their deepest meanings.

BALLET PHILIPPINESPaul Morales, Artistic Director

Founded in 1969 by Alice Reyes with the support of Eddie Elejar and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ballet Philippines (BP) is widely recognized today as a cornerstone of the Filipino cultural identity. Its audience represents a cross-section of Manila’s populace and includes visitors from around the country and around the world. Each year outreach and educational programs introduce new generations of audience members not only to dance, but to music and visual art as well. BP’s official school, the CCP Dance School, continues to produce dancers of international caliber. As the dance company in residence at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ballet Philippines

is globally recognized as the country’s flagship company in ballet and contemporary dance.

With a treasure trove of over 400 works, Ballet Philippines’ wide ranging, eclectic repertory is unparalleled in Asia. From full-length classical ballets and internationally recognized masterworks to indigenous works of Filipino folklore and social issues, the company weaves a colorful tapestry of the Philippine’s rich and diverse cultural heritage – uniquely and distinctly Filipino. The Company’s achievements, coupled with the generous and prestigious support of numerous local and national funding sources, have dramatically strengthened BP’s position as a world-class ballet company within the local, national, and international arts communities. As the Philippines’ premiere dance company, now in its 42nd season, BP continues its vision of nurturing the best Filipino dance artists, in year long program of professional and developmental dance.

SARAH GERONIMOvocalist

One of the country’s best singers, pop princess Sarah Geronimo is just unstoppable. After she emerged Grand Champion in Star for a Night, her career just sky rocketed to stardom. Since then her albums have always made it on the platinum level and her concerts sold out. She

has also starred in various TV shows—Sarah: The Teen Princess, Bituing Walang Ningning and Pangarap na Bituin and gained box office queen status when she co-starred along side John Lloyd Cruz in A Very Special Love and sequel You Changed my Life. Sarah’s wholesome personality also made her a sought after product endorser for Jollibee, Sony Ericsson, Globe, Sunsilk and a lot more. She is a regular in ASAP’09. This 21-year old, actress, singer, model and host has made a name for herself in the both in the entertainment and music industry with her talent.

LAHING BATANGAN DANCE TROUPELyceum University of the PhilippinesBatangas CityRodel Fronda, Artistic Director & Choreographer

Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe, the official dance company of the Lyceum of the Philippines University (Batangas), marks 15 years of advocacy to the authentic Philippine arts and culture. Founded in 1995, the group is a duly accredited proponent of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), duly recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and is enjoying a reputation as one of the premiere folk dance troupes in the country. Starting as a fledgling university-based dance troupe, Lahing Batangan gradually soared to greater heights as the ultimate cultural ambassadors not only of the university but of the entire Batangas Province as well.

In 2002, the dance company broke grounds by being one of the featured artists for the Intramuros’ “Concert Night at the Old Walls” and participating in the 2002 Philippine Independence Day Grand Parade at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta as part of the WOW Philippines contingent. In January 2003, Lahing Batangan staged its first full-length concert at the “Concert at the Park” in Rizal Park, Luneta featuring Mindanao festival dances. As an accredited performing group duly recognized by the Department of Tourism, the group is a regular performer in several formal tourism activities and functions in Batangas province and nearby areas and the metropolis. The group is now a veteran of performance tours all over the country as it showcased its cultural brilliance through the various projects of NCCA including Sayaw Pinoy (A Touring Concert) and International Dance Xchange. Since 2003, Lahing Batangan was a special participant of the CCP major dance production entitled “Sari-Saring Sayaw, Sama-Samang Galaw: Mga Tradisyon at Interpretasyon” held annually at the CCP Main Theater. The group has also been a constant figure in the roster of performers invited by the CCP for the annual National Folkdance Workshop for Teachers. The group was also one of the participating performing groups in the Opening Ceremonies of the 23rd South East Asian Games held at Subic Bay Freeport Zone in November 2005. Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe had already staged four major dance concerts showcasing full-length all-Filipino repertoire in their home ground Lyceum of the Philippines University (Batangas) and had already ventured in three major international tours.

NEL CANTO is an ensemble of highly experienced and vocally gifted gentlemen from the ranks of the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the UST Singers. With its diverse backgrounds, and passion for music, and a little encouragement from those who believe in them, the group decided to pool their talents and collaborate on an ambitious project and share joys with everyone. The group hopes to bring their music closer to the general public through classical to operatic adaptations of popular music.

BUKIDNON STATE UNIVERSITY CHORALEMercibelle Barroso-Abejuela, choir director

The Bukidnon State University Chorale is the premier cultural group of Malaybalay academic istitution. It is a mixed choir composed of students and employees of the University. The choir is a two-time champion, in 2006 and 2008, of the Mindano-Wide choral competition of the Mindanao Association of State Colleges and Universities Foundation. The choir has also been a two-time consecutive first runner-up in the National Competition for Choirs of the Philippine Association of Universities and Colleges,

in 2006 in Malolos, Bulacan and in 2008 in the Philippine Normal University, Manila.

The group is the resident performer at the Cultural Night “Piniliyapan” of the Annual Kaamulan Festival of the Province of Bukidnon. They had performed in various high profile government functions. Under the tutelage of Mercibelle Barroso-Abejuela, the group has specialized in Bukidnon ethnic music. Recently, they represented the Philippines for the 2011 Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space in Prague, Czech Republic on June 2011. They also performed at the inauguration of the exhibition of traditional Philippine garments at the Blumentritt-Rizal Bastion in Litomerice, Czech Republic. They also participated in two celebrations marking the Philippines 113th Independence Day in Prague, with a diplomatic reception at the Hotel Hilton Celnice and at the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus. The chorale unleashed its boundless gifts of talents and brought Philippines to the world stage through music and dance for the 150th Birthday Celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal at Námestí Republiky in Prague. Recently, they performed in Baguio City last February 2012 during the Grand Alumni Homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy, sponsored by the Class of 1982.

Carmencita “Chinggay” Jasareno Bernardo Executive Producer

Monino S. Duque Director

Gino Gonzales Stage Designer & Exhibit Curator

Arnel “Ato” Del Rosario Music Arranger

Dominique Garde Torres Writer

Sherwin Paay & Rosalyn de Mesa Program Emcees

Arnelio “Doods” Manzano Technical Director

Eduardo Murillo Stage Manager

Jayr Inocencio, Romnick Antonio, Jheyar Caguimbal Assistant Stage Managers

Elizabeth Baldovino Production Coordinator

Nolie Seneres, Mike Gomez, Harold Balabbo CCP Cultural Exchange Staff

Shantie de Roca, Edgar Aguja, Benjie Cabanilla CCP Technical Staff

Eugene Fronda, Elias Rosaban, Halie Rold Aldon CCP Technical Staff

Edgar Laganas, Jaime Sison & Felix Candelario CCP Administrative Assistants

Raul P. Hababag Graphic Designer

Bai Salina Pendatun-Ilagan Production Support, Office of Senator E.J. Angara

Riza del Rosario Production Support, Baler Office of the Mayor

Carminda Arevalo & Rose Sapitan Production Support, NHCP

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

JOSEFINO “Chino” TOLEDO

Images for photo panels by JAIME ZOBEL DE AYALA