Tributes to the past, looking forward to the future at the Metropolitan Theater 90th anniversary, reopening

One of the highlights of the grand reopening of the Metropolitan Theater that also coincided with its 90th Anniversary was the debut of the MET hymn entitled Pasulong Muli ang MET.

Ryan Cayabyab leads the performers in singing the MET hymn Pasulong Muli ang MET

With music by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and lyrics by Floy Quintos, the hymn gives tribute to the MET's storied past but also poses a challenge for the present to shape and mold its future.

And this, in essence, was the prevailing theme of the star studded program entitled Tanghalang Metropolitan 2021: Pagpupugay sa Tanghalang Bayan that signalled the new beginning of the MET.

Al Ryan Alejandro, Arsenio J. Lizaso, and Marichu Tellano

The evening started with the ribbon cutting led by Arsenio J. Lizaso, Chairperson of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the unveiling of the marker and commemorative covers.

A rich tapestry of indigenous Filipino culture was showcased by the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group during the offering that followed.

The program proper, hosted by Issa Litton, looked back heavily on the past, reminding the audience that despite the entry of newer performance venues around the Metro in the past decade, the MET remains a prized theater due to its historical significance.

Legendary MET Executive Director Conchita "Conching" Sunico was given a special, multimedia tribute, a fusion of fashion and music with soprano Jade Riccio, that looked back to her days as the Carnival Queen back in the 1930s.

Raul Sunico

Conching's nephew, pianist Raul Sunico gave a solo performance that offered a glimpse of future classical music concerts happening at the MET that can fill the gap left by the closure of the nearby Philam Life Auditorium almost a decade ago.

Manila Symphony Orchestra

The Manila Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of its current music director Marlon Chen performed an overture made up of music from various foreign and local productions staged at the MET throughout the decades. Accompanying the performance was a video clip that showed archived photos of the theater as well as local and foreign classical music artists, including some icons and legends, who have once graced the MET stage.

It is worthy to note that the MSO performed at the MET's inauguration back in December 10, 1931 and made the theater its home from that time since up to the time when World War II broke out. The orchestra was once again based at the MET since the 1978 reopening up until when it had to disband. Clearly, the MET and the MSO have a shared history and it will not be surprising if this theater will also serve as the venue for the MSO's 100th anniversary celebration in 1926.

Jon Santos as Canuplin gave a nod to the era of the bodabil, a popular form of entertainment that once lorded over various theaters in the country including the MET.

Celeste Legaspi

An extended musical extravaganza with performers that included Celeste Legaspi, Mitch Valdes, Dulce, Isay Alvarez-Seña, Robert Seña, Bo Cerrudo, Beverly Salviejo, Nicole Asensio, Lara Maigue, Bituin Escalante, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Baihana, as well as OJ Mariano, Arman Ferrer, Gab Pangilinan, and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (still just a shortlist of those who have made the Philippines a global vocal powerhouse) brought the house down with songs from various local and foreign musicals along with classic tunes by George Canseco, Willy Cruz, and Ryan Cayabyab.

Nicole Asensio, Bituin Escalante, and Lara Maigue

But all of this, as well as the recognition given to the various personalities who had a hand in the restoration efforts of the MET, harkened to the past, some more distant than others. But just like what the MET hymn says, there is now the task of moving forward with the theater up and running once again. The future holds a lot of promise since the recently staged/streamed Lapulapu, Ang Datu ng Mactan, the first theatrical production from the newly restored MET, is a new work. This, along with whatever comes out soon, will shape the future of the MET as the countdown now begins for its 100th anniversary celebrations a decade from now. 

Directed by Dexter Santos, written by Adriana Agcaoili, music direction by Krina Cayabyab, and choreography by Stephen Viñas, Tanghalang Metropolitan 2021: Pagpupugay sa Tanghalang Bayan will be streamed online on December 12, 2021, 6:00 PM at the Metropolitan Theater Facebook Page.

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performs live at the Philippine Post Office

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will hold an outdoor concert at the Manila Central Post Office on December 3, 2021, 6:00 PM. This concert, billed as PPO at PPO, is the orchestra's first live performance with an audience since the pandemic began.

Joining the orchestra at the concert are young soprano Alexa Isobel Kaufman and the Nightingales, composed of Bianca Lopez and Bernadette Mamauag. Leading the orchestra is PPO's Associate Conductor Herminigildo Ranera. The event, hosted by Issa Litton, will also serve as the launch of the 2021 Christmas Commemorative Stamps.

For the safety of the audiences, strict health and safety protocols will be implemented during the event.

The concert can also be viewed live online at the CCP Office of the President Facebook page.

Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in cooperation with the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost), PPO at PPO, is part of the orchesra's outreach program under the CCP Office of the President.

Live performances resume at the CCP with Christmas dance show

After almost two years, the Cultural Center of the Philippines presents its first live performance onstage with A Christmas Celebration, a dance twin bill, happening on December 12, 2021, 7:00 PM with a matinee at 2:00 PM.

This performance, presented in cooperation with the BP Alumni Association, is the culminating program of the CCP's Professional Dance Support Program (PDSP) that provided dancers from various companies opportunities to maintain their technical skills, continue honing their artistry, and earn a living during the pandemic.

The twin bill consists of the divertessment from Sleeping Beauty and the live staging of Tuloy ang Pasko, an original Christmas themed production that was premiered online last year.

Katrene San Miguel and Victor Maguad
Photo by Victor Ursabia

With music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the Sleeping Beauty divertessment, restaged by Victor Ursabia and Eugene Obille, sees Katrene San Miguel and Victor Maguad as Princess Aurora and Prince Désiré dancing the ballet's Grand Pas de deux.

Veronica Atienza
Photo by Lester Reguindin

Also dancing in the divertessment are Veronica Atienza as the Lilac Fairy, as well as Rissa Camaclang, Lester Reguindin, Stephanie Santiago, and Erl Sorilla as the Jewel Fairies.

Nicole Barroso and John Ababon dance Black Cat & Puss In Boots, while Sarah Alejandro and Kevin Cascaño as Red Riding Hood and The Wolf. Regine Magbitang and AL Abraham dance the Blue Bird Pas de deux.

Rounding up the ensemble are Monica Gana, Earl John Arisola, Jessa Tangalin, Bonifacio Guerrero, Rissa Camaclang, Renzen Arboleda, Joanne Tangalin, Justine Orande, Karla Santos, Ace Polias, Gianna Hervas, Alexis Piel, Christianne Uy, and Danilo Dayo Jr.

On the other hand, Tuloy ang Pasko is a nostalgia filled, original dance productoon celebrating the spirit of the traditional Christmas in the Philippines. Set in 1970s Manila, this production features music composed by National Artists Ryan Cayabyab and Levi Celerio, Felipe de Leon, Juan Silos Jr., Serapio Ramos, Andrei Dionisio, and Jose Javier Reyes all arranged by Cayabyab.

Erl Sorilla, John Ababon, Lester John Reguindin, Bonifacio Guerrero, AL Abraham, and Ronelson Yadao share choreographic duties.

The cast is led by Nonoy Froilan, Liliane "Tats" Manahan, Imelda Tatad-Pagdanganan, Gener Caringal, Mario "Butch" Esperanza as five old friends who reminisce their youth portrayed by dance artists Earl John Arisola, Monica Gana, Jessa Tangalin, John Ababon, and Erl Sorilla.

Sarah Alejandro, Katrene San Miguel, Veronica Atienza, Regina Magbitang, Stephanie Santiago, Nicole Barroso, Rissa Camaclang, Karla Santos, Joanne Tangalin, Gianna Hervas, Victor Maguad, Lester Reguindin, AL Abraham, Danilo Dayo Jr., Bonifacio Guerrero Jr., Ace Polias, Justine Orande, Alexis Piel, Renzen Arboleda, and Kevin Cascaño complete the cast.

A Christmas Celebration is presented in partnership with Century Tuna, with media partners Manila Broadcasting Company, ArtPlus Magazine, and ClicktheCity.

Due to safety and health guidelines and restrictions, seats to the two performances will be limited.

The antiquated and the relevant at the 15th International Silent Film Festival

Despite feeling more like a press preview due to the limited number of audience in attendance, the opening of the 15th International Silent Film Festival signalled the gradual return of on site events in Metro Manila. And it was fitting that this event was held at the newly restored Manila Metropolitan Theater that is making a grand comeback reopening this December.

Ben Suzuki
Director, Japan Foundation Manila

Hosted by the Japan Foundation, Manila, the screening of the opening film, Orochi, was a return to ISFF pre-pandemic times with the band Munimuni providing the live music score as the film was shown.

In Futagawa Buntarō's Orochi, Bandō Tsumasaburō stars as Heisaburo Kuritomi, a samurai who despite his honesty and honorable nature, is met by injustice and misfortune. The film features swashbuckling action scenes that was groundreaking at the time. Munimuni's score featured a versatile flute, pounding drums, and layered vocals that showcased the music pallette of this four man band.

Munimuni

The following day, the online screenings for the international silent films began streaming at the FDCP channel.

These films dating from 1911-1925 showed what was life back then. It cannot be denied that views from the early 20th century would be very problematic now. The depiction of women in Japan's Orochi, Spain's Carceleras, and France's The Foreman see them as merely love interests, defined only by their men, and often times subject to harassment and abuse. Also an antiquated view of those times is the caricature and stereotypical depiction of indigenous and ethnic characters. In Italy's Pinocchio, the Native Americans, referred to as Indians, were seen as primitive savages who were eventually massacred by the Canadians. Another example of a caricature is the lecherous Caliph in Germany's Das Wachsfigurenkabinett.

On the contrary, UK's Dr. Wise on Influenza has remained eerily relevant up to now. Despite the advancement of medicine after a century, the advice given in the film on how to stop the spread of the deadly influenza during the pandemic of 1918-1919 still holds true.

Soprano Bianca Lopez and tenor Ivan Nery

If one sees these films from a bygone era as purely a form of entertainment, then it could e problematic. Silent films have now become historical artifacts that have vividly documented how society was back then. And when one views them with this in mind, then silent films can offer a lot more to modern audiences than what one sees projected on screen. Most importantly, this should be a reminder that mankind must never revert back to these antiquated views.

The six international silent films are viewable on demand from November 28-30, 2021 at the FDCP channel. The nine Mit Out Sound Silent Film Competition entries will be streaming on December 1-2, 2021. The winners of the competition will be announced at the Closing Ceremony to be held online on December 3, 2021.

Organizers of the 15th International Silent Film Festival Manila

The 15th International Silent Film Festival Manila is organized by the Japan Foundation, Manila, the Philippine Italian Association, Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the Goethe-Institut, the British Council in the Philippines, the Embassy of France, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, in partnership with Embassy of Italy, the Embassy of Japan, the Embassy of Spain, the Manila Metropolitan Theatre, the National Commission on Culture and The Arts, Ortigas Cinemas, Absolut Mediem, Cineteca di Milano, CNC, Alliance Française, BFI, Filmoteca Española and Matsuda Film Productions.

PPO presents monthly recital series

Since the usual Philippine Philharmonic Orchetsra subscription concert series at the Cultural Center of the Philippines is still not yet possible despite the lowered alert level in Metro Manila, the orchestra still finds a way to bring classical music to audiences via the PPO Recital Series.

Running from November 2021 until June 2022, this monthly recital series will feature eight members (either principals or assistant principals) from the orchestra performing music pieces that are carefully curated by the PPO's Music Director and Principal Conductor Yoshikazu Fukumura.

Each new episode will premiere at 8:00 PM on the last Friday of the month at the PPO and CCP Facebook pages.

Flutist Hercules Santiago

The series opens with principal flutist Hercules Santiago performing Otar Taktakishvili’s Sonata for Flute and Piano in C Major on November 26, 2021.

Clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana

On December 31, 2021, principal clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana plays Robert Schumann’s Fantasiestücke Op. 73 and Michele Mangani’s Pagina d’ Album for Clarinet and Piano.

French horn player Ernani Pascual

French horn player Ernani Pascual ushers in the New Year with his take on Hermann Eichborn’s Sonate für Waldhorn und Klavier, Op. 7 on January 28, 2022.

Trumpet player Glober Calambro

Trumpet player Glober Calambro will render Paul Hindemith’s Sonata for Trumpet and Piano on February 25, 2022.

Cellist Giancarlo Gonzales

On March 25, 2022, cellist Giancarlo Gonzales interprets Claude Debussy’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor, L. 135 and Svante Henryson’s Black Run.

Violinist Dino Akira Decena

Orchestra concertmaster Dino Akira Decena performs a couple of Nicanor Abelardo's works namely the Sonata for Violin and Piano, and Romanza on April 29, 2022.

Violist Rey Casey Concepcion

In May 27, 2022, the spotlight will be on violist Rey Casey Concepcion as he performs Paul Hindemith’s Viola Sonata in F, Op. 11, No. 4 and Max Bruch’s Romanze in F Major for Viola and Piano, Op.85.

Contrabass player Ariston Payte III

Principal contrabass player Ariston Payte III wraps up the series with a performance of Adolf Misek’s Sonata No. 2 in E minor, Op. 6 on June 24, 2022.

Pianist Mary Anne Espina

Pianist Mary Anne Espina is the collaborating artist for the entire recital series.

Uncovering HIV misconceptions in PETA's Under My Skin

Cherry Pie Picache and Eko Baquial

As the World AIDS Day approaches, the Philippines will be once again reminded of its other health crisis that has been seemingly brushed aside as all eyes are on the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the downward trend from the rest the world, the Philippines has seen a 21% increase in new infection brought about by the decrease in HIV prevention coverage and increase in treatment gap, according to 2021 data released by the Department of Health.

To further address this crisis, the Philippine Educational Theater Association is presenting its advocacy play, Rody Vera's Under My Skin, streaming online from November 26 to December 5, 2021 through the Ticket2me portal.

Mike Liwag and Gio Gahol

Directed by Melvin Lee, the streaming version of the play was shot on stage at the PETA Theater back in January 2021 when restrictions were eased allowing for shoots under strict guidelines. The play had its early February-March 2020 run at the PETA Theater abruptly cut when the Covid-19 lockdowns were imposed.

Under My Skin tells multiple stories of people coping with life with HIV in various ways mainly focusing on the tangled web of past and present lovers Jonathan (Mike Liwag), Greg (Gio Gahol), and Syd (Eko Baquial); Dino (Dylan Ray Talon) and his mother Aling Loida (Kitsi Pagaspas); and the disbelieving Mary Rose (She Maala). Their intersecting stories are bound together by Dr. Gemma Almonte (Cherry Pie Picache), an epidomologist who not only provides medical service to her patients but also dispenses information about HIV/AIDS to the audience, which in this case, are the online viewers.

Whenever Picache breaks the fourth wall, she uses her years working with cameras to maximum effect. As one feels that Dr. Almonte is directly addressing him or her, one cannot help but be glued to the screen and listen attentively as she drives her point home. And this she did effectively. Anyone who is still in the dark as to what HIV and AIDS is should listen to Dr. Almonte and be enlightened.

At the start, Dr. Almonte tells that because of the alarming rise in HIV cases here in the Philippines, it has become more likely that one knows someone who is infected with the virus unlike decades ago. And the play then gives a glimpse of the lives of these people, who are all too real, each with their own struggles stemming from their diagnosis. And this struggle extends to the people around them.

There is Jonathan. When he tests positive, his current partner Greg becomes hostile to him. It takes the firm resolve of Syd, Jonathan's former partner, to convince Greg to have a change of mind.

Dylan Ray Talon and Kitsi Pagaspas

On the other hand, Aling Loida, has to ditch her superstitious beliefs and misconceptions when her teenage son, Dino, is diagnosed with HIV. She toughens up and shows a mother's unconditional love when she learns about the real and horrific circumstances that led to his son getting the virus.

Mary Rose's tale revolves upon the horrific discovery that she somehow passed on the virus to her young kid. This leads her to confront her husband, Louie (Bene Manaois) revealing a past indiscretion that fractures the family forever.

Along with these three major storylines are some vignettes that give more faces, and dimension to the people affected with HIV. Notable here is Dudz Teraña's "intermission" providing some comic relief amidst all of the drama but still reminding the viewer that this virus is no laughing matter.

Dudz Teraña

Their tales serve as a reminder that what is deadlier than the virus is the stigma, fear, and ignorance. These keep those with HIV from facing their situation head on and instead only lead them to more destructive paths. But with the right information, along with the compassion and support from others, one can deal with the HIV purely as a medical matter and be on the road to better health. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS can lead to better decision making thus preventing further infections. There may still be no cure for HIV/AIDS, but it can still be treated. And no one has to die because of the virus.

Rody Vera's Under My Skin, presented by the Philippine Educational Theater Association along with advocacy organization partners LoveYourself PH and The Red Whistle, and major co-presenters UNILAB, Inc., and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., will stream online on November 26-28, and November 30-December 5, 2021.

Under My Skin is available for streaming globally and features English subtitles. Tickets for LiveStream at P180 and Video On Demand at P250 are available at www.ticket2me.net, bit.ly/undermyskinonline, or through any of the online showbuyers.

Mit Out Sound competition films to debut at the 15th International Silent Film Festival

As hopes rise with the improving conditions and the lessening of restrictions, the 15th International Silent Film Festival is set to make some noise from November 24 to December 3, 2021 with online screenings via the FDCP channel.

Presented by the Japan Foundation, Manila, the Embassy of Italy with the Philippine Italian Association, the Instituto Cervantes, the British Council in the Philippines, the Goethe-Institut, the Embassy of France, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the film festival features six films from the silent era coming from Japan, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, and France to be screened with new music specifically composed by some of the Philippines' buzz worthy music acts.

The Festival's opening on November 24, 2021 signals a return to normal with an on-site screening at the newly restored Metropolitan Theater. The invitational affair, hosted by the Japan Foundation Manila, will have the screening of 雄呂血 Orochi/Serpent (1925) by Futagawa Buntarō with the band Munimuni providing live music accompaniment. The rest of the screenings and related events of the festival will be available to view online via the FDCP channel starting on November 25, 2021.

This milestone 15th edition of the festival will also see the premiere of the nine films at the Mit Out Sound Silent Film Competition. Initiated by the FDCP, this section of the festival aims to entice filmmakers to create silent films replenishing the country's silent film catalog since movies dating from the silent era have already been lost forever. The winners of the competition will be announced at the closing night of the festival on December 3, 2021.

The nine films at the Mit Out Sound Silent Film Competition are as follows:

Set A

Ang Tatlong Hambog

Director: Sari Katharyn

Music Scorer: Glenn Barit

Ing Tianak

Directors: EJ Gagui, Marienel Calma

Music Scorer: Pau Protacio

Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig

Director: Vahn Leinard C. Pascual

Music Scorers: Karl Arthur Javier, Nik Rosacay

Ang Pagsuyo sa Paru-Paro ng Gabi

Director: Racquel De Guzman Morilla

Music Scorer: Dominic Laxamana

Dikit

Director: Gabriela Serrano

Music Scorer: Paulo Almaden

Set B

Ha-Ha-Hambog

Directors: Kate Torralba, Jopie Sanchez

Music Scorer: Odoni Pestelos

I Need More Than Tofu and Other Vegetables

Director: Hector Barretto Calma

Music Scorer: Jude Edgard Balsamo

Putol (The Cut)

Director: Nikolas Red

Music Scorer: Jem Talaroc

Ang Pagdadalaga Ng Dalagang Bukid

Director: Jose Carlos Soliongco

Music Scorer: CK Sabillo

Another component of the festival are the webinars namely How to Watch a Silent Film, Restoration and Reinventions in Film Archives, and History of Silent Films in the Philippines. These informative and educational webinars will feature resource persons from the Philippines and various partner countries of the festival.

Here is the online schedule of the 15th International Silent Film Festival Manila viewable at the FDCP channel.

November 25, 2021

3:00 PM

Carceleras (1922, Spain)

Director: José Buchs

Music scorer: Pordalab

Presented by: Instituto Cervantes Manila

5:00 PM

Webinar: How To Watch A Silent Movie

Panelists: Andrea Meneghelli (Italy), Carlos Valmaseda (Spain), Nanako Yamauchi (Japan), Jay Weissberg (Italy), David Fabros (Moderator)

Presented by: Instituto Cervantes Manila, Philippine Italian Association, Japan Foundation Manila

7:00 PM

Pinocchio (1911, Italy)

Director: Giulio Antamoro

Music scorer: Vidmar-Tiro-Tiro-Trio

Presented by: Philippine Italian Association

November 26, 2021

3:00 PM

Dr. Wise on Influenza (1919, United Kingdom)

Music scorer: Joee Mejias

Presented by: British Council in the Philippines

5:00 PM

Webinar: Restoration and Reinventions in Film Archives

Panelists: Leo Katigbak (Philippines), Julia Wallmüller (Germany), Institut National de l'Audiovosuel/INA (France), Ricky Orellana (Moderator)

Presented by: British Council in the Philippines, Goethe-Institut Philippinen, Embassy of France, Film Development Council of the Philippines

7:00 PM

Das Wachsfigurenkabinett/The Waxworks (1924, Germany)

Diectors: Paul Leni

Music scorer: La Crema

Presented by: Goethe-Institut Philippinen

November 27, 2021

3:00 PM

The Foreman (1921, France)

Director: George's Champavert

Music scorer: Manila Philharmonic Orchestra

Presented by: Embassy of France

5:00 PM

Webinar: History of Silent Films in the Philippines

Panelists: TBA

Presented by: Film Development Council of the Philippines

7:00 PM

雄呂血 Orochi/Serpent (1925, Japan)

Director: Futagawa Buntarō

Music scorer: Munimumi

Presented by: Japan Foundation Manila

November 28, 2021

On demand:

Das Wachsfigurenkabinett/The Waxworks (Germany)

The Foreman (France)

雄呂血 Orochi/Serpent (Japan)

Pinocchio (Italy)

Carceleras (Spain)

November 29, 2021

On demand:

The Foreman (France)

Dr. Wise on Influenza (United Kingdom)

Pinocchio (Italy)

Carceleras (Spain)

雄呂血 Orochi/Serpent (Japan)

November 30, 2021

On demand:

The Foreman (France)

Dr. Wise on Influenza (United Kingdom)

Pinocchio (Italy)

Carceleras (Spain)

December 1, 2021

3:00 PM Mit Out Sound Set A

Ang Tatlong Hambog

Ing Tianak

Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig

Ang Pagsuyo sa Paru-Paro ng Gabi

Dikit

7:00 PM Mit Out Sound Set B

Ha-Ha-Hambog

I Need More Than Tofu and Other Vegetables

Putol (The Cut)

Ang Pagdadalaga Ng Dalagang Bukid

December 2, 2021

3:00 PM Mit Out Sound Set B

Ha-Ha-Hambog

I Need More Than Tofu and Other Vegetables

Putol (The Cut)

Ang Pagdadalaga Ng Dalagang Bukid

7:00 PM Mit Out Sound Set A

Ang Tatlong Hambog

Ing Tianak

Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig

Ang Pagsuyo sa Paru-Paro ng Gabi

Dikit

December 3, 2021

6:00 PM 15th International Silent Film Festival Closing Night/Mit Out Sound Film Competition Awarding Ceremonies

*Online schedule is subject to change

The 15th International Silent Film Festival Manila is organized by the Japan Foundation, Manila, the Philippine Italian Association, Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the Goethe-Institut, the British Council in the Philippines, the Embassy of France, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, in partnership with Embassy of Italy, the Embassy of Japan, the Embassy of Spain, the Manila Metropolitan Theatre, the National Commission on Culture and The Arts, Ortigas Cinemas, Absolut Mediem, Cineteca di Milano, CNC, Alliance Française, BFI, Filmoteca Española and Matsuda Film Productions.

Tribute online concert to Manila born Spanish musician Luis Eduardo Aute set on November 18

The Instituto Cervantes de Manila and the Embassy of the Spain in the Philippines pays tribute to Manila-born Spanish musician Luis Eduardo Aute through Con tu latido: Filipinas canta a Aute, an online concert streaming on November 18, 2021, 7:00 PM at the Instituto Cervantes YouTube channel.

The concert will feature Filipino singers who will perform songs by Aute, one of Spain's reputed artists and popular musicians in the latter part of the 20th century.

Born in Manila in 1943, Aute spent his childhood studying at the De La Salle school before settling in Spain with his family in 1954. There, he rose to fame in the 1970s as a composer of film soundtracks for movies directed by Jaime Chávarri, Luis García Berlanga, Fernando Fernán-Gómez, Angelino Fons, Fernando Méndez, etc. This period also saw him top the charts as a singer with Las cuatro y diez, or Al alba. He followed it up with hits that include Pasaba por aquí, Sin tu latido, La belleza, and Slowly. Aute passed away in September 2020.

The Filipino singers, performing the songs of Aute in Spanish is led by popular singer-stage actress Bituin Escalante. Joining her are Philippine Madrigal Singers Mark Anthony Carpio, Toma Cayabyab, Julius Sinoy, James Barbecho, Sheila Ferrer, and Ella Castro. Spanish singer Rosa León completes the lineup of performers.

Con tu latido: Filipinas canta a Aute is presented by the Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines and Intramuros Administration.