Ingrid Launches 2nd Book

We had the single privilege with Dr. Ingrid Sala Santamaria, world-renowned pianist, when she gathered us, selected few media friends at the Luxury Suite at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel last November 24th. Reason for the private gathering was Dr. Santamaria's 2nd book launching - "Romancing Piano Concerto Journey Tours." Marriott's PR Manager Frances Alfafara gave the opening remarks followed with the video presentation of the book; viewing of Book and Discography; giving and signing of books for the media friends, after which, lunch followed at Marriott's Garden Café.

Pianist Ingrid Sala Santamaria and Reynaldo G. Reyes did their first Romantic Piano Concerto Journey Tour (RPCJT) in January 2001, and their last Farewell Tour 24, in July-August 2015. Their genre was a two-piano version of concertos written during the Romantic Period of Music, 1800-1900, with Santamaria taking the Soloist Part and Reyes performing the Orchestra Part.

Because these concerts were conceived as Outreach Performances, there was an educational component put in place. Professor Reyes would invariably deliver a pre-concert talk on the background of the Romantic Period in Music and of the word "concerto," but at the end of every concert, both pianists interacted with the audience during the open forum portion. The concerts, numbering about 400, covered as many venues in the Philippines as could be reasonably accessed, the main consideration of which was either that these had two pianos available or that these welcomed the RPCJT team to bring theirs. Some key cities in Asia and in the United States of America were included in these tours.

The book, "Romantic Piano Concerto Journey Tours - Jan. 2001 - Aug. 2015" was conceived by Santamaria as a concise, comprehensive volume comprising over 125 articles and insightful editorial perspectives, the magnanimous contributions of the different authors from Manila, Cebu and other provinces handsomely make up the bulk of the content of this unique book which has 240 pages made colorful by 800 on-location photographs. Santamaria herself has written the Foreword, Epilogue and several other articles. To Ingrid, more power!

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A Feast with Mama Mary

Tom and Pinky Shan had been involved in so many community projects of late. One of which was the fundraising project of Franciscans of the Divine Mercy of Samar. The project formally started with a Mass presided by Bishop Isabelo Abarquez, D.D. at the Grand Convention Center. Of course, dinner followed, after which, was the presentation on the current status of the two projects namely: the Catholic School Building in the town of Villareal, Western Samar and the construction of a future pilgrim site which shall be known as Franciscans of the Divine Mercy Center for Prayer and Meditation.

Meanwhile, the group of Pinky, the Quota International of Mandaue, had the Pink Tent Bazaar, proceeds of which went to the Breast Cancer Awareness group. The event was held at the Oakridge Pavilion, and it was a truly successful one.

To one and all… Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year too!