When we were invited to a tribute organized by Ramon “Montet” Acoymo to musical performers and creators, we were hard put to think of what to expect. All we know is that Montet had excitingly given us the news that he was able to score six tickets to the performance at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium of UP Diliman.
The UP College of Music, in the year leading to its centennial in September 2016, presents as part of its Concert Series a distinct musical collaboration of faculty and alumni achievers who have made their mark in the national, international and institutional music and scholarship.
The evening is unique in three dimensions. Firstly, the performers are award winners: Fides Cuyugan-Asensio (Gawad CCP), Joy Virata (Araw ng Maynila), Beverly Shangkuan (American Choral Directors Association Competition First Prize), Montet Acoymo (US National Association of Teachers of Singing First Prize), Eudenice Palaruan (Filipino League of Composers), Agot Espino (Gawad UP Chanselor) and Raul Navarro (National Book Award); NAMCYA winners Ed Pasamba and Luz Morete.
Secondly, the performers have led their groups in garnering awards in international competitions: Edna Martinez (UP ARCO String Orchestra), Mark Anthony Carpio (UP Madrigal Singers), Janet Aracama (UP Concert Chorus) and Jonathan Velasco (Ateneo Chamber Singers).
Thirdly, the performers themselves will present the repertoires for which they won their awards.
When invited to watch the musical ode to the Filipino talent, did you find that it delivered what the title gave?
Gennie Dalit: “Actually, I get bored when watching a live musical show. I often listen to the radio and on television instead of going out. When invited to watch Ramon ‘Montet’ Acoymo, I said OK since Acoymo was one of my boss’ artists before, whom I used to accompany. When I heard that the musical was a tribute to music performers and creators, the more I would be bored, I told myself, since I’m not familiar with other performers except Miss Joy Virata and Montet Acoymo.
“While listening to the performers, I admired them because they had made their mark in the international and local awards industry, so I watched and listened to them closely and their repertoire that gave them their awards. They are excellent and should be given a tribute. They not only honored the school but the country as well.”
Do you think that a musical is not as great as a play, although most people like it for its entertainment value?
Tito Estrada: “For me, it cannot be compared. It is almost an impromptu reaction after watching the ‘Parangal’ concert.”
What to you was the most entertaining portion of the concert?
Lodina Bandico: “I would say it was funny and entertaining, like in the performance of the song No Money, No Honey with baritone Eudenice Palaruan and Mark Anthony Carpio on the piano.”
What is your impression of the musical tribute dubbed Parangal shown at UP?
Arlina Onglao: “Amazingly impressive performance of Filipino singers and musicians! They are our true heroes and ambassadors of goodwill who make me proud to be a Filipino!”
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