Book Day, other events

The Institute Cervantes de Manila will celebrate Dia Internacional del Libro (International Book Day) from April 23 to 25 with readings, lectures, film shows, concerts and other cultural events. April 23 marks, by coincidence, the deaths of the world’s greatest writers: Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare.

In 2006, the Dia del Libro was brought to Manila by IC where it has become an annual activity. IC director Jose “Pepe” Rodriguez explained that the Dia del Libro festivities are in keeping with IC’s aim of making Manila the cultural capital of Asia once more.

He explained further: “The Philippines was once the cultural capital of SE Asia. We are here to showcase our common rich culture and traditions through a gamut of special events. We started the reading campaign in the three urban rail transport systems in Metro Manila by launching the Berso sa Metro in LRT1, LRT2 and MRT. Now we are continuing to bring back the Dia del Libro tradition.” He added: “The festivities are for the whole family. More importantly, Dia del Libro is a day where people of all ages and from all walks of life can find joy and refuge through literature.”

On April 23 at 7 p.m., renowned Argentinian poet Juan Gelman, a Premio Cervantes awardee, and regarded one of the great contemporary poets, will give a poetry reading at the salon de Actos. He will be introduced by National Artist Bien Lumbera.

On April 24 at 4 p.m., Filipino folkloric songs in Spanish will be the subject of a lecture by Raul Sunico. The songs will be rendered by tenor Lemuel de la Cruz, sopranos Nenen Espina and Naomi Sison, and guitarist Ruben Reyes. Musical arrangement is by Sunico and Reyes. Research was done by Evelyn Cabanban and Melissa Moran.

On April 25, at 1 p.m., “Philippine Literary Treasures”, with translation from English to Spanish by Lourdes Brillantes, Salvador Malig Jr. and Rene Angelo Prado, will be launched.

Also on April 15, IC will hold an open house and the much awaited book fair at which books at very low prices will be available. A rose will go with each purchase. Admission is free for all three days.

Filfest 2009

Its maiden season having met with such resounding success — ten concerts in one year! — the Filfest Cultural Foundation hopes to make Alabang the cultural center of the south. Jointly with Insular Life Assurance Co., Filfest will present its second season starting April 25 with its inaugural gala: “Of Emperors and Czars”, featuring at the Insular Theater Justin Texon, violin; Giancarlo Gonzales, cello; the FILharmoniKa under Gerard Salonga.

Future concerts will feature the Philippine Opera Co., the Nuevo Flamenco Manila, the FILharmoniKa and the Clarion Chamber Ensemble. Soloists will include clarinetist Marian Liebowitz, marimbist Dena Fernandez, pianist Aries Caces, guitarists Ruben Reyes and Perfecto de Castro interpreting European, American and Filipino composers.

Street Dance Forum

The CCP will hold a Street Dance Forum on April 23 at the Silangan Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the forum which preceded the annual Aliwan Fiesta Street Dance Contest, choreographers, producers and collaborators will dialogue with artistic leaders Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson Chris B. Millado and Felipe de Leon Jr. on the production of street dance festivals and strategies on making the genre reflective of distinct culture of their communities.

National Heritage Month

Organized by Mita Rufino and Bambi Harper, National Heritage Month will open with trips to Naga and Legaspi from April 29 to May 2 to celebrate “Awit at Sayaw”, the festival theme. May 28 to May 30 will be spent on visits to various heritage churches all the way to southern Panay and Antique.

Exciting events are scheduled through the initiative of Antique Gov. Sally Zaldivar Perez.