Assorted books were on display – old and new – among them novels by the Chilean fictionist Isabel Allende, books on theater by Peter Brook (mine at home were in English), books on Spanish and Mexican recipes, and a lode on how to learn Spanish the fast and easy way.
Quite by surprise, I saw Beniting Legarda "manning" a table. Beniting explained that a neighbor of his was a recent fire victim, and with her house reduced to cinders, she hoped she could raise money by selling some books that had been spared. The books were very old, their pages nearly falling apart. But they were precious books on art, philosophy, history which showed their owner to be highly cultured and intellectual.
As I browsed, Sr. Valenzuela and I chatted briefly. I learned that he is from Jaen in southern Spain. He arrived in Manila only two months ago but already feels at home. For one thing, he discovered that his name has many Filipino counterparts. I told him I was anxious to acquire some books but had inadvertently left my wallet in another handbag. He generously offered to buy the books I wanted but I refused to accept his gallant offer.
The day included a tour of the new, elegant building which Director Galvan, an architect by profession, had designed. Forthwith Sr. Valenzuela explained that the design was a fusion of old and new Spanish architecture, with touches of Philippine decor. I joined a group of students at the lobby, thinking they were waiting for the scheduled tour to begin. The charming, refined Sr. Valenzuela, who himself was to be our tour guide, gave prefatory remarks, speaking in fluent English. (He also speaks fluent French and German).
By way of introduction, he identified himself as a representative of the New Spain. He then said that the Spanish government holds the Philippines in such esteem, it deigned to establish the first Asian Instituto Cervantes in Manila. He added that the IC is so high in the hierarchy of cultural agencies that Spain’s King and Queen generally officiate at the inaugural ceremonies opening the Instituto Cervantes in each country. When the IC was established here, Princess Elena (then single) was the guest of honor.
Continuing, Sr. Valenzuela said that soon, an IC will be established in Beijing, China, with Their Majesties flying there for the inauguration. An IC will likewise open in Japan and another in Korea. However, to date, the Philippines is still the only Asian country to have an IC center in its midst.
To this, I might add that the Instituto Cervantes, which promotes Spanish culture and language, consistently interacts with Filipino artists – music, literary and theater personalities – in its cultural programs.
As the students and I were listening to the preliminary comments of Sr. Valenzuela, an elderly Filipino whispered in his ear that the youngsters were actually intending to attend the free Spanish classes which were being offered as a promotional venture. They literally fled. Thus, I was left alone.
Not wishing to be the sole object of Sr. Valenzuela’s attention, I begged off from the tour, saying it was time for me to go. As the image of the New Spain, Sr. Valenzuela, like a resurrected knight sans shining armor, escorted me out, keeping me company until my car hove into view and stopped right beside me.
Following the successful opening of the 13th Pundaquit Festival with a solemn candlelight concert last Good Friday, Casa San Miguel welcomes the merry month of May with a series of evening chamber music performances featuring major names in classical music.
Eminent cellist Renato Lucas takes center stage with the Pundaquit Virtuosi, resident ensemble of Casa San Miguel, on May 5 as they render the music of Debussy, Dvorak and Beethoven.
Internationally acclaimed concert pianist Raul Sunico teams up with Coke Bolipata, founder and artistic director of the music festival, and the Pundaquit Virtuosi on May 6 with the music of Smetana, Brahms, and the rarely-played Concerto for Piano, Violin and String Quarter of Chausson.
Lucas is the principal cellist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), while Sunico, Dean of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, will return from concert engagements in the US. The FEU recently conferred on him a doctorate degree, honoris causa. On May 20, choral music lovers will get a treat with a special concert of the multi-awarded Mandaluyong Children’s Choir under choirmaster Sebastian Trinidad, following a weeklong music workshop.
The Festival presents a different medium on May 26 with a dance concert titled "Order for Masks" featuring the Myra Beltran Dance Forum.
The Season draws to a close on May 27 with memorial mass and concert featuring the Pundaquit Virtuosi in observance of the first death anniversary of Ricardo K. Bolipata, patriarch of the Bolipata family of artists.
Concerts to be held in Casa San Miguel, San Antonio, Zambales, are open to the public. Call 903-8657 and 933-2392 or e-mail cokebolipata@yahoo.com for details.
Formal attire is requested.