MANILA, Philippines?Last Dec. 8, the heritage town of Taal, Batangas, was a bustling hive of religious activity, as its residents honored its beloved patroness, ang Mahal na Birhen ng Caysasay. This year?s celebration was particularly intense and joyful because, just a few months ago, thousands of Taaleos had been moved by two performances of the hit musical, ?Mapaghimalang Birhen ng Caysasay.?
The musical, produced by noted sculptor, Ramon Orlina, with music by Ryan Cayabyab and starring Ogie Alcasid, vivified the Virgin?s love for Taaleos (and vice-versa) so exuberantly that the town?s devotion to her was beautifully rekindled.
Taaleos were profuse in their expression of gratitude to Orlina for enabling them to finally watch the musical. And, last Dec. 8, Orlina responded in kind by staging a mini-concert of songs from the show by the banks of the Pansipit river, just as the barge bearing the Virgin?s image passed by the Orlina family?s ancestral home.
The concert featured stars of the musical, including Rito Asilo, Andy Bais and Shiela Asuncion, who thrilled Orlina?s invited guests with their vibrant singing. In turn, the singers were deeply moved as they witnessed the Virgin?s image being honored by the Taaleos, some of whom waded in the river to pull the barge bearing the original wooden statue that Juan Maningkad found while fishing in that very same river, more than 400 years ago.
That was a dramatic and highly moving moment for all of us, as well, and we look forward to experiencing it again next Dec. 8.
Our friendship with Ramon and Lay Ann Orlina has enhanced our cultural life in other ways, as well. After the Orlinas acquired their own grand piano, they?ve invited us to intimate dinner-concerts, with no less than Raul Sunico and Ingrid Santamaria playing well-loved classIcal pieces on different occasions. (Not quite so incidentally, we note that Ramon?s own piano-playing?and singing?has improved ever since that really grand piano found its new ?stage? in their home?and hearts.)
ManoMano?s big Christmas sale
Last Tuesday, we attended Safrudi?s Christmas party for its employees, and dropped by the foundation?s ManoMano store to avail of its big Christmas sale (ongoing until Dec. 22).
For years now, we?ve been buying our Christmas present for relatives, friends and colleagues at ManoMano, because its Filipino handicrafts are unique and lovely, and because it?s a Fair Trade store?meaning, it treats its suppliers and employers better than some other establishments?an important consideration for enlightened shoppers, especially in these parts.
Perhaps you?d like to take advantage of this exceptional shopping opportunity, as well? The ManoMano Fair Trade Store is on Lamayan st. in Sta. Ana, Manila, near the Sta. Ana Church.
?Jose Rizal? marks 10th year
At 2 p.m. today, the Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film Institute and Arts Center in Antipolo marks the 10th anniversary of Abaya?s celebrated historical feature, ?Jose Rizal.?
Celebrations will be highlighted by a retrospective screening, not just of ?Jose Rizal,? but also of short films by the institute?s students?Pablo Biglang-awa?s ?Show/Hide,? Dom Nuesca?s ?Mooncake,? Justin Belarmino?s ?Pagtatapos,? Javier Abola?s ?Opo, Mam,? Mik Red?s ?The Threshold,? Nick Olanka?s ?Daydream,? Arah-Jell Badayo?s ?Bugaw? and Francis Concio?s ?Memento.?
The institute (www.mdafilm.com) offers these courses this summer: Junior Video Production, Intermediate Video Production, Film Scoring for Filmmakers, Orchestration Techniques for ?Oido? Musicians and Screen Acting. Call (02) 724-5678.
