Indak ng musika
The Goldenberg Mansion, one of the heritage mansions of Malacañang, was built in the 1870s by the Eugsters, a Spanish merchant family. It was later acquired by Jose Moreno Lacalle, a Spanish lawyer and writer, who rebuilt the house incorporating elements of his home region, Granada, with a Moorish style of architecture. He used the finest of Philippine hardwood, prefabricated steel from Belgium, marble from Italy and bricks and tiles from Spain.
The mansion has had a colorful history from thereon, becoming the residence of the commanding officer of the Spanish Navy, Admiral Patricio Montojo; American battalion commander Arthur Macarthur (father of the infamous Gen. Douglas Macarthur) before he became Governor General; Ricardo Esteban Barretto, whose family founded San Miguel Brewery; the residence of a Japanese general during World War II, and ending up as a nightclub for American serviceman after the war.
In 1950, the mansion was acquired by Michael Goldenberg, a French-Jewish businessman who owned the then Goldenberg Department Store in Escolta. He passed away in 1963 and, three years later, his heirs decided to sell the mansion to then First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, mother of current President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Mrs. Marcos turned the mansion into a guesthouse, restored and refurbished by her favorite architect, the late National Artist for Architecture, Leandro V. Locsin.
Michael Goldenberg had a daughter, Stella, who was a known concert pianist, soloist, and music professor.
It was, thus, but fitting that, as part of the effort to promote our cultural identity, the Office of the President, together with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), proudly presented the Goldenberg Concert Series II, as a tribute to the concert venue and to the pianist that once lived within its walls.
The piano concert featured distinguished alumna from the Santa Isabel College of Manila’s Conservatory of Music.
Founded in 1632 and run by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul in Ermita, Manila, Santa Isabel College is one of the oldest colleges in the Philippines and in Asia. Its Conservatory of Music is known for developing the musical craft of those enrolled in its Bachelor of Music program, particularly in the areas of performance and composition.
The esteemed group of musicians who performed in the second concert series were Cecile Basilio-Roxas, Ma. Solinda Garcia-Bautista, Amor Marie Reyes, Altair Alonso, John Patrick De Jesus Reyes and his wife, Venecia Teresita Tamayo-Reyes.
Three shows were held in this one-day event, each with their own set of audiences from different schools.
This project, spearheaded by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, was a rare opportunity for students to experience live performances of the classics, very much like what we enjoyed in the days of yore, way before the advent of mp3 players and music streaming apps.
Well, not just the classics, mind you, but contemporary musical pieces as well.
All in all, the intent was to inspire students to appreciate music some more and perhaps pursue a career in music.
This is not the first time the Palace has hosted a concert on its premises under the PBBM administration. It had previously held concerts dedicated to soldiers, athletes, and teachers. These performances were part of the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” concert series that started in April 2023.
Trust that under the steady, guiding hand — or, should I say, baton — of the First Lady, there will be more.
Kudos to Presidential Social Secretaries Bianca Zobel and Dina Tantoco, who, just like First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, make things happen with style, grace and panache. Take a bow, ladies!
As it was once said, “Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.”
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