CCP's September galas / Farrales ASEAN spectacle / George Sison: Composer

On Sept. 11 at 8 p.m., a tribute to CCP founding chairperson Imelda Romualdez-Marcos will be held at the CCP main theater. The invitational gala, “Seven Arts, One Imelda”, will extol the seven arts through signature pieces created during Imelda’s patronage, and will highlight the virtuosity of Filipino artists.

These will include international pianists Cecile Licad and Raul Sunico, leading ballerina Lisa Macuja, flutist Antonio Maigue, violinists Alfonso Bolipata and Joseph Esmilla; singers Jonathan Velasco, Rachelle Gerodias, Camille Lopez, Aileen Cura and Clarissa Ocampo; ballet dancers Candice and Carissa Adea. Also resident dance companies, the PPO, the Madrigal Singers and other choirs, and a 100-voice Children's Choir.

Direction is by Alexander Cortez, concept/script by Floy Quintos. Music directors are Josefino Toledo and Ryan Cayabyab.

On Sept. 8 at 8 p.m., CCP’s 40th gala anniversary celebration will commemorate four decades of service to both artists and people. Music and dance will be from classic to folk. Conducting the PPO will be Maestro Oscar Yatco.

Established artists and young performers will celebrate past, present and future together, the performing arts intertwined with literature, the visual arts, broadcast arts and athletics.

Popular and classic artists will show that classic, folk and pop are a part of our culture. Direction is by Monino Duque, Ryan Cayabyab and composer Danny Tan. Participants include Ervin Lumauag, Jai Sabas Arcama, the Novo Concertante and the UE Chorale.

On Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. a spectacular show of ASEAN-inspired gowns by Ben Farrales, “dean of fashion design”, will be seen at the Manila Polo Club.

Titled “A Passion for Style”, the benefit show will open with swimsuits, formal gowns will be worn by models and beauty titlists.

Enlivening the event will be pop icon Jose Mari Chan and businessman-classic tenor George Yang.

The ASEAN Ladies Foundation (ALF) is chaired by Lovely T. Romulo, dedicated civic-oriented wife of DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo, assisted by Foundation president Ma. Cristina Carlos. The ALF is composed of the spouses of heads of missions, ASEAN members and the consular corps.

Farrales, highly esteemed in fashion circles, was the first Filipino to successfully mount a show in 1984 at the Kennedy Center. A pioneer of the Philippine Couture Association, he once served it as president.

Now on his 57th year in the fashion trade, he has presented over 200 shows here and abroad. In 2005, he was named one of the Ten Outstanding Filipinos for his artistry and innovativeness, and for enriching Philippine fashion with a couture inspired by the distinct heritage of Mindanao. He says: “When you think of Ben Farrales, think of Muslim a (particular style that will not be lost in the shuffle). That’s my signature.”

My personal assistant Evelyn R. Garcia writes the following on the concert “Only Love Remains” which highlighted George Sison’s love songs and lyrics:

“What’s Love Got to Do with It?” Tina Turner might ask. Everything, as “Only Love Remains” George Sison might answer. Do not underestimate the “Power of Love,” Luther Vandross belted out; “Heal the World, Change the Man in the Mirror,” Michael Jackson exclaimed and gave it his all . . .

Last Aug. 28, composer-lyricist George Sison held the dinner concert at the Manila Peninsula for the benefit of the PNRC. The love-filled ballroom felt like Valentine’s Day!

During these times of inescapable global change, glaciers melting, global economic crisis and pandemics, love songs offer an escape and comforting oblivion.

Songwriters, singers, artists and George have one thing in common: They believe that love and music can change the world. Indeed George achieves this.

We were serenaded by Bo Cerrudo, our hearts caressed by Raul Sunico’s incredibly nimble fingers, our minds challenged by the haunting lyrics of George, and the magical night climaxed by the riveting performance of Pilita Corrales.