Ana Feleo: Music we can call our very own

Soprano Ana Feleo, elder daughter of Laurice Guillen and Johnny Delgado and sister of Ina Feleo appears in Harana, A Cultural Journey, a concert that features classic Filipino compositions to be held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City on May 28 to 30. Harana was initially staged last year at the same venue and because of popular demand, Philippine Opera Company is bringing Harana back on stage.

 “Harana is unique,” says Ana. “When people look for a cultural show, the choices are usually split into two categories — dance or song. You either get a group of cultural dancers, or a group of singers, or a choir. Harana, however, showcases song, dance and drama all at the same time. We have handpicked the most versatile and celebrated classical and musical theater singers in the country today to bring life and passion to these beautiful indigenous and Filipino classics.”

“We are rapidly losing the value of our own Filipino music to foreign influences. People my age are no longer interested in listening to Filipino classics, composed by gifted Filipino geniuses. My thought was, why should we compete with them? The focus should be, how do we make these Filipino repertoires so interesting, that it can cater to any age bracket and any social class; how to carefully update it, without losing the integrity and authenticity of the art form,” remarks Ana.

Repertoire includes timeless classics like Bituing Marikit, Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak, Pamaypay ng Maynila, Iyo Kailan Pa Man, Kalesa, Ang Maya, Ano Kaya Ang Kapalaran, Dumbele, Ay Salidumay, Waray-Waray, Sa Kabukiran, Manang Biday, Atin Cu Pung Singsing, Pobreng Alindahaw, Saan Ka Man Naroroon, Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Hindi Kita Malimot and many more.

The launch last year was very successful. It earned good reviews not only from the audience but also from the critics. Rosalinda Orosa in The Philippine STAR wrote: “Harana: Bravo! … garnered prolonged, deafening applause” … Harana should be shown here and abroad again and again.” Julie Yap Daza in her column said, “How long have we waited for such an endearing piece of artful, delightful entertainment... How long will we have to wait for another like it?”

The word harana is the Philippine term for serenade, a traditional form of courtship where a man woos a woman’s affection by singing underneath her window.

Harana promises to take its audience on a musical journey showcasing the best of Philippine music. From the indigenous Cordilleras and pre-colonial to contemporary and fusion, each musical suite is theatrically presented with authenticity, originality and visual excitement.

Why should the public watch Harana? “There is a need to rekindle the love for our culture and heritage. We all need to be reminded of who we are. There’s so much prestige, richness and pride in our heritage, which needs to be zealously passed on to the next generation. Philippine Opera Company realizes this mission and its responsibility to preserve, defend and promote our very own culture through music. That is why we are being very aggressive in promoting Harana here and abroad,” says Ana.

Each Harana suite is a product of thorough research with the commitment to preserve indigenous Philippine music and its appropriate dance and folklore. It also aims to restructure and enhance these research findings to evolve repertoires suited to the demands of contemporary theater; and to promote international goodwill through performances at home and abroad. The result is an absolute feast to the senses.

 “It’s ours. It’s something that I guarantee, we all will be proud of. You will witness the most celebrated and versatile classical singers in the country today, producing a fresh kind of entertainment that is both endearing and inspiring,” Ana smiles. 

Direction by Kokoy Jimenez, music arrangements by multi-awarded composer/arranger Von de Guzman, choreography by Irina Feleo and costume designs by Zenaida Gutierrez. Harana also features Deeda Barretto, Karla Gutierrez, Florence Aguilar, Sherwin Sozon, Lawrence Jatayna, Noel Rayos and Miguel Castro.

Incidentally, Harana will have its first international tour on June 15 to 22 in Amsterdam and The Hague, The Netherlands. They will be performing for both the Dutch and Filipino diplomats and organizations, in celebration of the Philippine Independence.

Harana is produced in cooperation with the Yuchengco Group of Companies, Narda’s, Dita Sandico-Ong, Shangri-La Plaza, Manila Bulletin and Onesimus. Ticket prices are P1,200, P1,000 and P500. For ticket reservation please call Philippine Opera Company at 892-8786, 812-4183 or Ticketworld at 8919999 or log on to www.philippineoperacompany.com

Harana … The Album  is already available for purchase and being distributed by Pixelgrain, to order you may call 725-8051 or e-mail at [email protected].