Harana is also for kids & teens

MANILA, Philippines - I have nothing against foreign acts. Kids, now more than ever, are very much exposed to great foreign talents and their music because of the pervasiveness of multi-media, not the least being TV and the Internet. Naturally, there is this craving to watch these performers live when the occasion presents itself. My 13-year-old daughter Mika moved heaven and earth so she could watch her idol Avril Lavigne and the two Davids’ recent concert. But what bothers me is that these foreign artists and their music are given so much more promotion and support, forgetting that we Filipinos have a responsibility, as Filipinos, to advance appreciation for our own music and talents. There is no perfect time than now to instill this in our youth.

We have shared in the honor brought to us by the glorious accomplishments in music by the likes of world-class artists Lea Salonga, Jed Madela, Mon David and the U.P. Concert Chorus (UPCC). Recently, national pride reached fever pitch as we shed tears of joy watching Manny Pacquiao, Charice and Allan Pineda of Journey astound people the world over with their talent. And, although I do not agree with critics who vilified Martin Nievera for his rendition of the Lupang Hinirang, I am also quite happy at the ensuing debates because we are now again talking about what is truly ours — our flag, our music, our culture. This rekindled national consciousness shows that are culturally uplifting should be promoted more than ever especially among the young.

I have my personal reasons for watching Harana... A Cultural Journey, which will be shown today until May 30 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza — brought back by the Philippine Opera Company (POC) due to public demand. I know four of the eight great performers personally. POC president Karla Gutierrez and Noel Rayos were my batchmates at Repertory Philippines. Deeda Baretto was a co-soloist at the UPCC and she, together with Ana Feleo, would regularly guest at concerts of tenor and former UPCC member Jonathan Badon that I have produced. I saw how well Sherwin Sozon sang and acted as Ninoy Aquino at the Cory, the Musical. With these five celebrated artists alone, I am absolutely sure it is going to be a spectacular show. Add Florence Aguilar, Lawrence Jatayna and Miguel Castro, and hands down, the concert will be an absolute feast for the senses.

Now comes the hard part. How will I succeed in taking my “foreign-act-aficionado” teenager to watch the show with me... and hopefully have her enjoy herself? This is the plan.

First, I will narrate to her the super kilig story of how in her Mom’s younger days, she got to witness, and experience vicariously, authentic harana when her older sisters, Titas Mareyca and Margot, were serenaded with beautiful Filipino songs by smitten admirers in Abra and Ifugao provinces during summer vacations there. I will also tell Mika how sad it is that this beautiful courtship tradition had died (even before her own Mom reached the enviable harana-ble age... sigh) and how the POC, with this concert, is trying to revive it. I will tell her that instead of ordinary tops and jeans, she will see the performers dressed in thoroughly researched Filipino costumes. I will tell her that by watching, she will understand the Filipino’s musical heritage and our almost forgotten traditions.

“Mika,” I will say, “you will finally be exposed to authentic Igorot music with an authentic Igorot gong to boot. You will fall in love with the beauty in the nuances of a Muslim dance as interpreted by eight Catholic performers. You will understand what kundiman is all about by witnessing contextual, heartfelt renditions of timeless classics Bituing Marikit, Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak, Ang Maya, Manang Biday, Saan Ka Man Naroroon, Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Hindi Kita Malimot, which should give you an edge in your HeKaSi course at Philippine Science High School.

“Mika, anak,” I will continue, this time with a much sterner voice, “by watching this show, you will have the singular experience of enjoying the rare gathering on one stage of a group of performers with impressive backgrounds in television, theater, classical, opera, popular singing, movement and dance, whose show last year received a long standing ovation and which led to the production of the Harana album and a concert next month at Theater de Compagnie in Amsterdam, Netherlands!”

I will end my admonition with, “Sweetheart, by watching this show, you will finally find your Filipino identity and will be very proud of it.” If still, this does not work, I will strongly warn her of a cut in her allowance allocated for buying all those CDs of foreign artists. Period. Non-negotiable. Then I will end my speech.

And so starting today and on May 29 or 30, I hope to see you at RCBC with your children, nephews and nieces. I promise you and the kids a most worthwhile experience.

(For Harana tickets, call Philippine Opera Company at tel. nos. 892-8786, 812-4183 or 891-9999. Text me for comments at 0927-5000833.)