Talking about politics, the economy, the environment, and even the weather in our country can be quite gloomy. However, when the conversation shifts to art and music, the atmosphere instantly becomes brighter. It’s important to recognize the master stroke our government made in 2016 when they permanently waived entrance fees in all national museums. This decision has led to an influx of ordinary people lining up daily to appreciate the cultural treasures of our heritage.
Interestingly, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has been implementing a similar program since the 1990s. The CCP regularly brings the world-class Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) to perform for free in various provinces. Recently, our small town of Alcala, Cagayan had the privilege of hosting the PPO for a concert titled “Samiweng ti Away” (Music of the Countryside). Led by CCP president Maria Margarita “Margie” Moran-Floirendo, 48 of our country’s top musicians graced our rural town with their performances. These musicians are widely recognized as the best in their respective fields.
Accompanied by a dedicated production and technical staff, the PPO amazed our town with their symphonic performance, showcasing a variety of musical instruments. For many in our community, this was the first time they had witnessed such a spectacle of music. Moran-Floirendo expressed how it has always been the CCP’s mission to bring their shows and programs to different regions in order to unite us as Filipino people through the power of music.
So far this year, the PPO has performed in various places such as Iloilo, Guimaras, Laguna, Sorsogon, Palawan, and Cavite. In a remarkable display of commitment, the CCP-PPO went beyond the wealthier areas of our town and crossed the Cagayan River to perform in a more remote and economically challenged farming community. During their concerts, the orchestra played a diverse range of compositions, including classical pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Vivaldi. They also delighted the crowd with a medley of popular Ilocano songs. The audience particularly enjoyed renditions of songs like “Jopay” by Mayonnaise, “Awitin mo, at Isasayaw ko” by VST and Company, “Katawan” by Hagibis, as well as the theme songs of “Voltes V” and “Mission Impossible.”
The concert featured two exceptional singers known as “The Nightingales,” who had previously performed in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. They captivated the audience with their pitch-perfect songs. Additionally, our town’s young music scholars and our town mayor had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing along with the full orchestra, performing songs like “Dreamgirls” and “Defying Gravity.” Both concerts were attended by a diverse crowd, including people of all ages and economic backgrounds.
Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, the esteemed conductor of the PPO, took advantage of this event as a teaching moment. He had each section of the orchestra play their instruments individually, allowing the audience to appreciate the unique sound produced by each instrument. The bassoon, for example, was introduced as the “clown of the orchestra.” This performance by the CCP-PPO has had a positive impact on our local government unit’s (LGU) music program. Our LGU has been bringing teachers from Manila to train talented youngsters in voice, violin, viola, and cello. These music scholars receive free tutorials, instruments, and monthly stipends. The goal is to support their musical talents and eventually form a music band and orchestra in our municipality.
Unfortunately, our town is prone to flooding due to our location in the flood plains of the Cagayan River. We have experienced two major floods in the past four years, with the most severe submerging all but two of our 26 barangays. As I write this, our town is currently being battered by Supertyphoon “Egay,” adding to the anxiety and exhaustion felt by our residents. However, the unforgettable performance by the philharmonic orchestra will serve as a soothing balm for our weary souls as we navigate the ups and downs of life.
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