By Nickie Wang/Manila Standard Today
In a candle-lit room, members of the Katipunan denounced the abuses of the Spanish government and swore to fight colonial oppression. The Katipunan or Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Supreme and Venerable Society of the Children of the Nation), one of the successor organizations of La Liga Filipina that was founded by national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, was a revolutionary organization founded by the great plebeian Andres Bonifacio.
One hundred sixteen years later, Intramuros Administration (IA) staged Mabuhay, Pilipinas! Alay sa mga Anak ng Bayan, a concert dedicated to the Filipinos who valiantly fought during the revolution against Spain for the liberation of the Philippines.
Compared to the humble place where Katipunan was established, the program on Aug. 13 was held in a grandiose colonial house influenced by the architectural styles of art noveau and art deco. The venue of the concert was the Casa Blanca at the Plaza San Luiz Complex in Manila’s Walled City.
“Every month of August, we pay homage to our national heroes who died fighting for Philippine independence,” Intramuros administrator Anna Maria Harper said. “I am greatly honored to welcome everyone to this concert that honors our brave heroes,” she added in her opening remarks.
The one-hour concert directed by Felipe de Leon Jr. celebrated beautiful classical and patriotic songs of the 19th century, composed by Filipinos regarded as strong pillars of the Philippine music and who established the nationalist tradition. Nicanor Abelardo, Francisco Santiago, Julio Nakpil, and carried on by the next generation of composers among whom were Antonio Molina, Juan S. de Hernandez, and Felipe de Leon are included as well.
Their works are rarely performed and heard in the concert stages these days. One of the goals of the concert was to generate awareness of the various aspects of the 19th century music aside from honoring brave heroes who risked their lives just to gain independence.
Among the musical pieces performed included: “Alerta Katipunan” by the Lyceum University Chorale; “Mula ng Mauso ang Damit,” an 1873 folksong of General Trias, Cavite, sung by baritone Jonathan Badon: and “Jocelynang Baliuag,” rendered by former Central Bank governor Jaime Laya.
The concert also featured pianist Nena del Rosario-Villanueva who impressed the audience with her version of A. Doronila’s “Philippine Rhapsody.” Pianist Jourdann Petalver, soprano Camille Lopez, and violinist Coke Bolipata were also outstanding in entertaining the mostly elite audience. The program ended with the singing of Felipe de Leon’s “Ako’y Pilipino” sang in unison by all the performers.
Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque and National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ Vilma Labrador were the nationalist concert’s guests of honor. Also present in the event were president of Heritage Conservation Society of the Philippines Gemma Cruz-Araneta and fashion designer Pitoy Moreno.
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