RP fete/World Book Day / Angelo, Rica concerts / Tony Rosales’ milestone

In May, the Filipino Heritage Festival will bring to life indigenous epic chants which will showcase the rich heritage, traditional beliefs and value systems upon which these literary forms are founded,” FHE director Bambi Harper explained. FHF president Armita Rufino announced: “May’s activities aim to bring to the Filipino a new awareness of age-old traditions, cultural practices, songs, dances, poetry and centuries-old architectural wonders.”

Today, Instituto Cervantes’ World Book Day will offer a strikingly wide selection of books. Brand new ones will sell for as low as P20; local publishing houses will give a 20 percent discount. A rose will go to every buyer.

There will be film shows, a dance concert featuring Myrna Beltran, free Spanish lessons, guided tours, discounted courses, and a poetry reading open to anyone who wishes to read aloud a poem of his/her choice in any language. Each reader will receive a gift from IC.

Spanish delicacies, dances and festive Latin music will be offered until midnight.

On April 25, young, outstanding musical artists Angelo Ortiz and Rica Arambulo will perform at F. Santiago Hall and the Teatrino in Greenhills, respectively.

Angelo classifies his works as “new age classical pop” piano music. He started playing the piano at 7, later studying at the UP College of Music. He recently won two world titles as the over-all instrumental world champion for Classical and Original Works at the prestigious performing arts competition in Hollywood, California, winning over 50,000 participants from 50 countries. Since then, Angelo has received offers from the American Music Industry and concert producers.

His concert “Classica!” includes Vergie Varga, George Sison-Tagle, Lea Cruz and the New Age Youth Orchestra.

Rica, the amazingly versatile daughter of distinguished piano professor Carmencita G. Arambulo, plays the drums, recorder, organ, and sings. She has a UP College of Music Bachelor’s Degree (cum laude), having obtained the highest grade in piano and music theory. She also studied composition in LA’s Grove School of Music.

Rica has won Awit Award nominations, Metropop prizes, awards for musical arrangement, earned high praise from R. Cayabyab, L. Ocampo, and shared the stage with Michel Legrand. In her birthday concert “Que Rica!”, she will sing original songs, new and timeless standards.

For almost 20 years, Fr. Antonio “Tony” Rosales, OFM, was with the Santuario de San Antonio, the last 10 years as its parish priest. Under him, the parish rapidly grew and undertook countless outreach programs for the poor.

Further, the viewing chapels were made operational, air-condition and stained glass windows were installed; the Adoration Chapel, Lourdes Grotto and Crypt III, built; the candle room, baptistry, Baroque wall altars, added.

Fr. Tony is now regional guardian in Samar. In appreciation for all he has done, he was invited by Fr. Tasang and Fr. Jerome to celebrate his 40th year as priest with a mass at the Santuario and a dinner at the Parish Center last Thursday. Legions of Fr. Tony’s loyal “fans” and friends greeted him.