Once upon a Christmas evening
MANILA, Philippines – Who would’ve thought that a century-old acacia would look even more majestic when projected on screen?
First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA) inspired Christmas joy in over 1,000 hearts at the recently concluded “Once Upon a Christmas Evening” concert held at Solaire Resort and Casino.
This one-night-only musical extravaganza featured maestro Ryan Cayabyab with his memorable renditions of Christmas classics and Basil Valdez who brought nostalgia to the crowd with the well-loved Ngayon at Kailanman and Kastilyong Buhangin. Celeste Legaspi captivated the audience with Langit Ko, Ulap Ko and Pipit. Charice, on the other hand, wowed the audience with Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Sam Smith’s Lay Me Down.
Joanna Ampil delighted listeners with her Broadway medley, which included The Phantom of the Opera’s “Think of Me” while Rachel Alejandro sung Till I Met You. Rising star Markki Stroem performed a noteworthy Michael Bublé medley and Sandino Martin and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers did an a capella of Christmas tunes.
The concert was originally set to be held at the FPLA grounds in Antipolo, but due to unpredictable weather, the producers of the show decided to bring the romantic ambience of Antipolo to The Theatre at Solaire, projecting a virtual acacia tree onstage.
The tree had 17 magical lighting transformations, from capiz lanterns, chandeliers to Christmas lights. These glittering transformations lent whimsical vibe to the night. To complete the look, FPLA also brought in a Thai-inspired garden statues and Batibot chairs and tables. It was a spectacular sight that has never been done before.
Once Upon a Christmas Evening is a fundraising event for the benefit of the leadership and development programs under First Pacific Leadership Academy Inc.
