It was a remarkable evening of Philippine music, blending the familiar with the unfamiliar and the traditional with the modern. Outside, a talented violinist entertained the lingering visitors along the patio. Inside, a skilled pianist delighted the mature Filipino concertgoers with classic compositions by Abelardo and Santiago, before transitioning to OPM.
The ambiance was enhanced by the flowing champagne, red and white wine—I decided to indulge in champagne. Golden oldies will recognize the reference to “The Night They Invented Champagne!” from the film musical “Gigi” starring Leslie Caron and Louis Jordan.
The dinner menu was a feast for the senses, although as someone with a modest food budget, I can’t claim to be a gourmet. The appetizer melted in your mouth: pan-seared foie gras on ensaymada toast, accompanied by poached figs and marinated red grapes. This was followed by a refreshing pako salad with kesong puti, tomatoes, candied pili nuts in Palawan honey, and calamansi vinaigrette.
The soup, a free-range chicken tinola with spinach, was delightful. The pièce de résistance was the lapu-lapu Manileña in lemon butter sauce, complemented by tender and succulent US Angus beef, and short ribs kaldereta. The main course was served with sweet potato mash and Baguio harvest vegetables.
And for dessert, chocnut with mangoes was the perfect ending to the gastronomic experience.
The opulent Art Nouveau Goldenberg Mansion on Gen. Solano Street, Manila, set the stage for the event—”Pagsibol” (Growth), the inaugural musical concert of Malacañang Heritage Tours. The evening’s star was Anya Lagman, a talented musical artist and composer from Manila, currently based in Los Angeles. Lagman is known for her versatility as a conductor and multi-instrumentalist.
A Multifaceted Talent
Anya Lagman graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music and has showcased her musical talents in performances across Asia, North America, and Europe. Her music exhibits a fresh, experimental approach—what some may call New Music—distinct from the lyrical and romantic spirit of traditional Philippine music.
Joining Lagman on stage were soprano Carla Guevarra-Laforteza, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra Quartet (MPO), and the Philippine Madrigal Singers.
Lagman showcased her skills as both a pianist and conductor throughout the concert.
The concert opened with Lagman’s own composition, “The Night Garden,” performed by Lagman herself on the piano. Following this was “Anak,” the well-known hit song by Freddie Aguilar (translated into 27 languages, as the announcer proudly reminded the audience), performed by the MPO Quartet in a soothing classical style that brought a new perspective to the original’s angsty atmosphere.
A Message of Optimism
“Unravel,” another composition by Lagman, showcased the MPO’s talent under her skillful conducting. The piece featured agitated passages that perfectly captured the theme. Sprightly and spirited, “Mundo” (IV of Spades) and “Narda” (Kamikazee) showcased Lagman’s modern compositions, incorporating measured and syncopated beats.
Laforteza delivered a magnificent performance of Lagman’s song “Together We Build,” with Lagman accompanying on the piano and the MPO Quartet as collaborating artists. The Philippine Madrigal Singers performed “Balikbayan” and “I Am Mother,” the latter dedicated to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly mothers.
The concert reached its fitting conclusion with ”
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