A TIME capsule will cap (pun not intended) the nine-month-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, founded in 1969, ushering in a confluence of the seven lively arts to mark the momentous occasion.

This was announced at a recent press conference at the CCP, held with typical flair and drama, with the main lobby draped with giant black and white curtains, the lights dimming as the press con and performances were about to begin, and music up and under, courtesy of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra led by Agripino Diestro and UST?s Coro Tomasino. There were even models in resplendent native costumes, but the fashion show was distracting to those who wanted to listen to the choir and the orchestra.

The time capsule will be embedded in the CCP?s front lawn on September 1 at 7 a.m. The honors of ceremonially embedding this will go to the past presidents of the CCP, or perhaps the first president of the CCP and the institution?s youngest employee.

?Perhaps the University of Santo Tomas will donate a laptop,? joked Ariel Yonzon, CCP associate artistic director.

The capsule was displayed in the press con for the delectation of the media present. It will contain a brass maker, a poem (?Anghel na Bato?) by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, artifacts and memorabilia, and the aspirations of artists from Metro Manila and the regions.

It is expected that the time capsule will be opened by succeeding generations around 50 years from now.

During his welcome remarks, Raul Sunico, the new vice-president and artistic director of CCP, said: ?We hope to be more relevant to society...and also to globalize and to take part in the international arena.?

The music was all-Filipino. The PPO and Coro Tomasino interpreted Mike Velarde?s ?Dahil sa Iyo,? while actor Nonie Buencamino and cellist Renato Lucas performed Lumbera?s ?Anghel na Bato.?

Young singer Mayumi Morales followed with ?Lipad, Lipad!? by Gerard Salonga, as arranged by Chino Toledo, and Isay Alvarez belted out Gines Tan?s inspirational ?Magsimula Ka.? The two chanteuses then teamed up for the rousing ?Ngayon Pa Lang, Tagumpay Ka Na!? by Ryan Cayabyab.

The celebrations begin this month with ?Moods of CCP,? an exhibit at Pasilyo Vicente Manansala (ongoing until Sept. 20) by the Nayon Photographers? Club; and an exciting event, the first CCP Choral Competition (at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo or Main Theater Aug. 18-22), bringing together 23 choirs from across the country. Up for grabs are awards in the children?s choir, mixed choir, and sacred and folk music categories.

September will feature a concert by the PPO, at the 40th anniversary gala, a tribute to the founding chair of the CCP, former First Lady Imelda Marcos; special concerts by pianist Cecile Licad with German cellist Alban Gerhardt, ?Daloy,? a multimedia exhibit; a recognition party for present and past CCP employees; the launching of ?Genesis,? a commemorative magazine; and finally, on Sept. 30, the launching of ?Lakbay Himig,? a commemorative musical CD.