Exploring Poland through music and literature

Ena Aldecoa, Zdzisław Łapiński, Maria Pomianowska,  and Tusa Montes

Whenever I think of music from Poland, composer Frédéric Chopin always comes to mind first followed by other classical music figures like Jan Paderewski, Henryk Wieniawski, Witold Lutosławski, and of late, Karol Szymanowski.

This is why it was a very welcome change that the Embassy of Poland brought folk music here when cellist Zdzisław Łapiński and folk musician Maria Pomianowska flew to Manila for a series of events as part of the festivities celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Poland.

One of the highlights of the duo's visit was a an intimate concert held at the Manila Polo Club where they performed folk and traditional Polish music as well as compositions by Pomianowska herself.

All eyes and ears were with Pomianowska as she showcased two Polish fiddles namely, suka biłgorajska and fidela płocka. Having a more angular shape rather than curves and similar in size with a viola, and played upright like a cello but just placed on the lap like an ehru, these instruments were lost for centuries but she, along with her collaborators Prof. Ewa Dahlig-Turek and luthier Andrzej Kuczowski, were able to reconstruct them despite the lack of existing specimens.

Ena Aldecoa, Maria Pomianowska, Zdzisław Łapiński, and Tusa Montes

Hearing Pomianowska play her compositions with these instruments with Łapiński on the cello providing accompaniment was a treat to the ears as the music not only explored different textures but also featured touches influenced by Asian music.

Befitting an event celebrating the ties between the two countries, local artists, namely soprano Ena Maria Aldecoa and percussionist Tusa Montes joined their Polish counterparts on stage resulting in a music performance that was truly collaborative.

Apart from this performance, Łapiński and Pomianowska gave masterclasses, workshops, performed at other lecture/concerts, and participated in a discussion about the music ties between the Philippines and Poland. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the University of the Philippines and the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Kraków to develop academic cooperation and promote mutual understanding.

A couple of days after the Manila Polo Club performance, the festivities of 50th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Poland reached its climax with yet another celebration, that of the National Day of Poland held at Fairmont Makati.

Embassy of Poland's Chargé d’Affaires Jarosław Szczepankiewicz reiterated in his speech the strong ties between the two countries. He then delighted the guests when he told in Filipino that the chicken galantina, a favorite dish served during feasts, and the mazurka folk dance (specifically Mazurka Boholana) have their origins in Poland.

H.E. Jarosław Szczepankiewicz, Usec Eduardo de Vera, and
Papal Nuncio Reverend Charles Brown 

In attendance at the reception were Eduardo de Vega, Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Reverend Charles Brown, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, members of the diplomatic corps, government employees, the Polish community in Manila, and some personalities in the world of business, media, and arts/culture as well.

Polish chefs ensured that the event would be a gastronomical feast showcasing the best of Polish cuisine. Good food is best paired with good drinks and the Zubrówka or Bison Grass Vodka was divine. Polish food products that are available in local groceries were also on display.

Suyo Rondalla Group

As with any celebration, music is always a highlight and the special guests that night was the Suyo Rondalla Group, coming all the way from Ilocos Sur.

RAd's Page Turners | Solaris

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As always, whenever I attend a national day celebration, I got compelled to read a novel by a Polish author to learn more about the country. But I am uncertain if reading Solaris by Stanisław Lem can help me at all to learn more about Poland since it takes place on a far away planet.

https://amzn.to/3QYrlCd

The science fiction novel is about a group of scientists in a research station studying the strange planet of Solaris, especially the ocean that covers almost the entirety of the planet. In their quest to find answers regarding the possible sentience of the ocean, the scientists instead get confronted by their inner, suppressed feelings manifested in human form, that is probably the work of the mysterious ocean itself. In the case of the lead protagonist Kelvin, he is visited by his ex-lover who has long been dead.

Solaris is a psychologically charged novel that has already been adapted into film twice, first by Andrei Tarkovsky in 1972, and then by Steven Soderbergh in 2002 that starred George Clooney

The beat is on! Celebrating 75 years of Israel Independence

Rhythmania

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines celebrated in grand fashion Israel's 75th Independence Day via a reception held last May 4 at the Manila Hotel.

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss recalled that the strong ties between the two nations started with President Manuel Quezon's Open-Door Policy that gave Jews feeling from the Nazi regime a safe haven in the Philippines and also the vote of the Philippines in favor of the UN Resolution in 1947 for the establishment of the Jewish State of Israel. Recent developments between the two countries include Israel's assistance when the Philippines was devasted by typhoons Yolanda and Odette, economic and defense cooperation between the two countries, and the 2018 visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Israel in 2018, the first official visit to Israel of a Filipino President in office.

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss

“I am proud to represent Israel, a country that within 75 years has become a global leader and a source of knowledge, research, and development, and innovation and technology,” Ambassador Fluss said. The Ambassador expressed his eagerness to partner with the Philippines to build more bridges in various areas, including innovation and technology, between the two countries and its people and to support each other in addressing the challenges in the years to come, especially during times of need. Ambassador Fluss also recognized the 30,000 Filipino caregivers in Israel dedicated to taking care of the elderly and disabled people.

Rhythmania's Roni Shahar

Since it had been five years since the last reception in celebration of Israel's Independence was held, it was time to party and Rhtyhmania, an Israeli all-female drum/percussion group made the event more festive. Composed of Carmel Sinetar, Roni Shahar, and Moran Tzadok, the trio not only provided pulsating beats, but also brought out the inner drummer of the guests with a very interactive performance. Prior to the reception Rhythmania held a series of workshops and outreach events at White Cross Orphanage in San Juan City, Laura Vicuna Foundation, and children from different schools of Makati City.

In 2023, Yom Haatzmaut or Israeli Independence Day falls from sundown on April 25 to sundown on April 26 in the Hebrew calendar. This day marks the rebirth of Israel as a nation by a United Nations plebiscite in 1947.

The Philippines and Israel celebrated 65 years of friendship on February 26. This was the day when the Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1958 between the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Israel, establishing their full diplomatic relations.

Discovering Colombian music at the Colombian National Day celebrations

Conductor Alejandro Roca and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

On the occasion of the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Boyacá and the 209th Anniversary of the Independence Day of Colombia, the Embassy of Colombia presented the Colombian Bicentennial Commemorative Concert featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and Colombian conductor Alejandro Roca at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium.

Colombian Embassy Chargé d'affaires David Montoya

The concert saw the PPO perform music from operas namely Gioacchino Rossini's Overture to Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Georges Bizet's Carmen Suite No. 1 and 2 showcasing Alejandro Roca's vast experience as an opera conductor.

But it was the second half, comprised of Colombian music, that really got my interest especially the world premiere of Alberto Guzman’s orchestral arrangement of Antonio Maria Valencia's Piano Suite. This set of seven miniatures was a mix of the expected Colombian dances and rhythms and to my surprise, of French impressionist style. Later on, I learned during a discussion with Roca at the post-concert reception that Valencia studied music in France at the time when Impressionism was at its height.

After the world debut performance, the Colombian music offerings continued with the Philippine premiere of Adolfo Mejia’s Pequeña Suite and Acuarela. These two pieces flourishing with Colombian nationalistic and folk idioms that gave me and the audience a taste of what their music is all about. And as a tribute to the Filipino people, Roca led the PPO to an encore of Nicanor Abelardo's Mutya ng Pasig.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Embassy of Colombia, especially to the Chargé d'affaires David Montoya, for the invite to this event. Leading to this concert, I really got immersed with various aspects of Colombian culture starting with literature, then film, and finally music which really means a lot to me.

RAd and Alejandro Roca

With the PPO's upcoming season still a little more than a month away, this concert not only gave me my much needed live orchestral music dose, but also widened my horizons with the introduction of new music from Colombia.

Celebrating Denmark's Constitution Day 2018

Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen

Ever since the reopening the Embassy of Denmark in Manila almost four years ago, my awareness of Denmark has become more than just the birthplace of Lego and Hans Christian Andersen. In just a few years, the various cultural events of the embassy has increased my knowledge about this Nordic country.

After having to miss it last year, I was extremely pleased to make it in this year’s Constitution Day held at the Enderun College. An early outpouring of rain failed to dampen the celebratory spirit as the guests enjoyed various cheeses from Arla, and Dansk sausages from Leo Sørensen’s Sausage Factory, among other delectable treats served on that night. 

One of the main highlights of the evening was Ambassador Jan Top Christensen’s speech in which he announced that due to the deepening and broadening relations between the Philippines and Denmark, as evidenced by more Filipinos traveling there, the Philippines will soon open an embassy in Copenhagen. He mentioned the recent visits of two important delegations from Denmark, their Foreign Policy Committee and a business delegation headed by the Minister of Business Affairs. Bulk of his speech touched upon improving the peace situation in Mindanao, making the Philippines attractive to Danish companies, Denmark’s favorable view of a number of the actions by the Duterte administration, and also how the embassy is engaging with the Philippines at all levels through financial contributions to UN-agencies, Danish NGO’s engaging with various sectors, etc.

Ambassador Jan Top Christensen and RAd

But what really got me excited was when the Ambassador announced the upcoming publication of Jose Rizal’s translation of five of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. To be published by Anvil Publishing House, this illustrated book will not only have English and Tagalog text, but will also feature articles for added historical context. He also mentioned plans for the 4^th Danish Film Festival in September with the aim of having more screenings outside of Metro Manila.

Too bad that I wasn’t able to brush up on my Danish geography, or I would’ve had a chance to bring home a Lego set if I answered the questions correctly. If it had been a music question, especially about Danish composer Carl Nielsen, I would’ve nailed it. I comforted myself a Lego set in next year’s celebration of Denmark’s Constitution Day.

203rd Chilean National Day

During the opening concert of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, I was invited by Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga to be part of the celebrations for the 203^rd Chilean National Day to be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He proudly said that during this event, the winners of the Smiles for the World photography contest would be awarded. No one knew at the time how controversial this affair would turn out to be due to the winning photo being plagiarized.

I don’t like to dwell on the controversy surrounding the previously announced winner Mark Joseph Solis in here since the main parties involved are already in the process of moving on from all the mess that this scandal has made. I just want to mention that the updated list of winners now have Medardo Marquez winning the first prize, taking with him US$1000, along with the trip to Chile and Brazil. Second prize goes to Hannah Maria Reyes while Arnold Jumpay finds himself among the top three winners now. The winning photos along with other pre-selected finalists were on display at the CCP Little Theater Lobby for around a couple of weeks. The photos can still be viewed at the Calidad Humana website.

 Eventual first prize winner Medardo Marquez (3rd from left)
receiving his prize during the awards ceremony

Remaining unfazed, Ambassador Mayorga’s is moving forward with his Calidad Humana Project with another Smiles for the World competition. After the poetry, essay and photography contests in the past few years, it’s now time for painters to capture in canvas the calidad humana of Filipinos through their smiles. According to the website calidad humana is literally translated as the quality of being human and loosely translated as strength of character, may refer to the sum total of distinctively human characteristics that dignify and ennoble a person and enable him to contribute to a culture of excellence either in his immediate, mediate, or broader environment … either in unusual or day-to-day situations and circumstances. It is not a state a person is in but a constant movement to attain the state of human perfection.

Consul Maria Fernanda Vila, Ambassador Roberto Mayorga
and RAd

The Smiles for the World painting contest is presented by JAV Talent Unlimited Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the Embassy of Chile and Bravo Filipino Magazine. The contest runs from October 2013 to March 2014 and is open to all college-level students currently enrolled in duly recognized art schools and colleges in the Philippines. Contest rules can be found here.

I guess that having a painting contest this time significantly lowers the chances of having a completely plagiarized work. It really impresses me how Ambassador Mayorga showed compassion in dealing with the controversy regarding the photo contest. He showed what calidad humana truly is by offering Mark Joseph Solis a chance to redeem himself at a time when it’s easy to be mean and disparaging.

Belgium National Day 2013 feat. Marco Polo, An Untold Love Story

Belgian Ambassador Christian Meerschman (5th from left) along with guests

Never have I imagined that I would find myself joining the Belgians and the rest of the diplomatic community when they celebrated the Belgium National Day over at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. This opportunity came because of the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s last concert, The Trumpet Calls that was presented in cooperation with the Embassy of Belgium. Right after the performance, I had the privilege of meeting Belgian Ambassador Christian Meerschman, and the rest is history.

The cocktail reception, hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Greta Meerschman became a lot more interesting for me when I learned that one of the highlights of the evening was the performance of excerpts from the soon to be staged musical, Marco Polo, An Untold Love Story. I’ve been hearing a lot about this musical from Kuya Manzano who is part of the cast but I haven’t heard any of its music yet. So this reception was the perfect time for me to listen to snippets of this work before everyone else.

The excerpts were presented in concert staging with the cast not being in costume. They were accompanied by a fifteen piece orchestra consisting of some musicians whom I know. The lead roles in the musical were played by David Bianco, Stephanie Reese, Chinggoy Alonso and Gina Respall. It was nice seeing David once again and although I’ve seen him in straight plays before, this was the first time that I’ve ever heard him sing even though I know that he has a music background as well. The music of Marco Polo An Untold Love Story was a mix of Eastern and Western styles and melodies and it made me more curious to see and hear it in its entirety.

Marco Polo, An Untold Love Story is written and composed by Belgian-Filipino Rogelio Saldo Chua and produced by Belgian Olivier Leonard and it will feature a 50 member international cast and artistic team made up mostly of Filipinos who are veterans in the field. It is a dramatization of an untold love story of Marco Polo and Princess Kogajin, the daughter of Kublai Khan. It will also consist of over twenty songs and dance numbers, combining modern scenography and traditional light, set and sound design.

Jos Jalbuena and Kuya Manzano

Another highlight of the evening was Mrs. Greta Meerschman’s first painting exhibit held just outside of the ballroom. The paintings were also up for silent auction for the benefit of Touch of Life for Children Education Association Davao.

Angola Consul Helen Ong, Monaco Consul General Fortune Ledesma
and Panama Ambassador Roberto Carlos Vallarino

It was also nice seeing on that night Israeli Ambassador Menashe Bar-On, Monaco Consul General Fortune Ledesma, Italian Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Alfonso Tagliaferri, French Embassy’s Cultural Attaché Ariane Tricaud and Audiovisual Attaché Martin Macalintal. A handful of theater actors were also present namely Miguel Faustmann, Liesl Batucan and Jennifer Blair-Bianco.

The 65th Anniversary of the State of Israel Reception

Israel Ambassador Menashe Bar-On

The Embassy of Israel commemorated its 65^th Anniversary of the State of Israel at a reception held at The Ballroom of the New World Hotel. For the fourth time in a row, I’ve been honored to be among the guests who took part at the celebrations.

Israeli Ambassador Menashe Bar-On and his wife Madame Esther Bar-On were very gracious in welcoming their guests. In his speech, Ambassador Bar-On once again reminded how the Philippines was the only Asian country among other nations that signed UN Resolution 181 which eventually led to the establishment of the Israeli state. And since then, the relationship between the two nations has remained strong.

One of the distinguished guests that night was former President Fidel V. Ramos. Many of the guests, including foreigners, took the opportunity to have their photos taken with him. And Pres. Ramos was in good spirits and humored everyone by exhibiting a strong grip when shaking hands.

Yaniv Revach, Mme. Esther Bar-On, Amb. Menashe Bar-On and RAd

I’ve always been grateful to the Embassy of Israel since they, especially the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Yaniv Revach, played a major role in what I’ve been able to accomplish within the music/cultural scene so far. And it makes me nostalgic thinking how far I’ve gone ever since I was at their service while they were celebrating their 62^nd Anniversary.

There are still more cultural events, music speficifally, courtesy of the Embassy of Israel coming on the horizon. And better watch out in this blog for future announcements regarding those.

Text by RAd

Photos by Vincent Garrucho

Italian National Day 2012 (Festa della Repubblica 2012)

Ambassador Luca Fornari delivers a speech

My relationship with the Embassy of Italy began because of music. A year ago during the Italian National Day 2011 celebrations, I was the tambourine guy who joined Eugenio Bennato and the Taranta Power on stage during their encore number. Since then, I’ve had the honor to be part of their cultural events like the Moviemove: Italian Cinema Now, Le Supplici dance performance and Faces of Pinoy Rock. Almost a year later since that tambourine moment, I found myself in yet another celebration of the Italian National Day, one that also celebrated the 65^th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Italy. This time around, the celebration centered on Italian food which is very close to the Filipino soul, or stomach if I may say.

RAd with the carabinieri, Mauro and Giovanni

The event happened at the residence of Ambassador Luca Fornari and his wife Madame Silvana Novelli-Fornari who warmly welcomed their guests that I heard reached to around 600. Fortunately, these guests were well fed courtesy of Margarita Fores and Chef “Marietta” Carla Brigiladori. Along with them was Mayor Paolo Zoffoli of Forlimpopoli who flew in here to sign an agreement a couple of days before to open a branch of Casa Artusi here in the Philippines. Casa Artusi is a culinary institution founded by Forlimpopoli native Pellegrino Artusi (1820-1911) who is considered the father of Italian cuisine. Artusi was the one who established traditional Italian cuisine (and unified the country as well) through his book La scienza in cucina e l'arte di mangiare bene translated as The Science of Cooking and the Art of Eating Well. So having a branch of Casa Artusi in the country is truly a big deal in the culinary world in here. The school is expected to open sometime in 2013.

RAd and Ambassador Luca Fornari enjoying the gelato

The guests who were there didn’t have to wait for 2013 to taste authentic Italian cuisine since food prepared the Artusian style was abundant during the event. Buffet tables were placed all around the area and I found it very difficult to figure out what to eat since there were so many tables and dishes to choose from. In between feasting on the food and consuming glasses of wine, I managed to have brief conversations with Israeli Ambassador Menashe Bar-On and Madame Eti and also with Argentinean Ambassador Joaquin Otero and Madame Marta Otero. I was also able to see other familiar faces as well like Rob Hayden from Lyceum, CCP President Dr. Raul Sunico and Nestor Jardin, also from CCP. Despite my best efforts, I wasn’t able to talk to Former President Fidel V. Ramos who was there as well along with his daughter Cristy Ramos Jalasco. I’ve wanted to have a photo with him but the opportunity never came. But I’ve had a photo with the carabinieri in full uniform, a huge hit that evening since a lot of the guests had photos with them as well.

RAd with Argentinean Amb. Joaquin Otero and Israeli Amb. Menashe Bar-On 

I wished that I could’ve eaten everything that was served but that wasn’t possible since my stomach could only take so much food. But I was glad that I was able to have some gelato and also the dessert composed of various cakes and sweets which I really saved until the very end. If the food in this celebration is an indication of what the Casa Artusi will bring forth to the Philippines, then I welcome it with open arms. Thanks once again to the Embassy of Italy, Ambassador Fornari, Madame Silvana, Emanuela, and Isis for the experience and the opportunities (and especially the food and wine).

Filipino artists 1:43, Myrus and Princess headline Independence Day concert in Singapore

BREAKING NEWS: From Myrus' and 1:43's manager Chris Cahilig twitter account: SAD NEWS, we hav decided to cancel our Singapore concert due to its timing with d Pacquiao fight. We'll keep u posted on our int'l gigs.

I’ve always enjoyed it whenever cultural institutions and embassies bring over foreign artists to perform here in the Philippines. But what makes me more excited is when it’s the other way around: Filipino artists going overseas and giving audiences abroad a taste of what Filipino culture is all about. And the Singapore audience will get exactly that as boy band 1:43, singer/songwriter Myrus and acoustic artist Princess Velasco headline the Philippines: One World Concert 2012 happening on June 10, 2012 at The Coliseum located at the Hard Rock Hotel in Resorts World, Singapore.

While the show will be catered towards the Filipino community there, Singaporeans are also  expected to watch. Director and concert organizer, Singaporean Jaden Zanders of Jaz-E Entertainment even said that they’ve heard that some Indonesian and Malaysian fans will be flying over to see the performances of these Filipino artists as well. And these audiences from all over South East Asia will be treated to hits by 1:43, Myrus and Princess as well as their covers of popular Filipino music (also known as OPM).

1:43

Boy band 1:43, composed of Anjo Resurreccion, Kim Nicolas, Gold Aquino and Yuki Sakamoto, is currently enjoying the success of their latest single Sa Isang Sulyap Mo (loose trans. In One Glance) which is part of the Mang Inasal Mang Aawit Music Advocacy Campaign. Already a hit in YouTube, the song has further reached a much a wider audience this summer season when the song got included in the soundtrack of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen Edition 4 shown on ABS-CBN.

Myrus

Making his mark in the industry as a singer/songwriter (Sa Isang Sulyap Mo is his composition as well), Myrus has recently released his sophomore album Wanted released by Viva Records that boasts an all original content lead by the single Pusong Lito (trans. Confused Heart). A radio hit in Greater Manila and in various cities around the country, the song is further boosted by airplay in Mang Inasal outlets as part of the Mang Inasal Mang Aawit Music Advocacy Campaign as well. Myrus, along with 1:43 also had a successful concert at the Metro Bar recently.

Princess Velasco

Princess Velasco on the other hand is no stranger to viewers of the Sunday noontime variety show ASAP. A regular performer at the Sessionistas portion of the show, she has also released albums under Vicor Records with her debut album Addicted to Acoustic achieving platinum status.

I do have high hopes for these three emerging artists that contribute much to the diversity and excitement in the local music industry. And having the opportunity to spread Filipino music in other territories is something that I always support. Like what I’ve said before, I’ve always enjoyed my experiences whenever foreign embassies celebrate their national/independence days here highlighted by performances by musicians that they brought over here. But as a Filipino, it gives me great pride when it’s Filipino musicians who will be performing abroad as part of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations. All I can say to that is Mabuhay ang musikang Pilipino! trans. Long live, Filipino music!

The 64th Anniversary of the State of Israel Reception

Israel Ambassador Menashe Bar-On

It is no secret that I’ve had a good relationship with the Embassy of Israel for some time now. It all started when pianists Yaron Kohlberg and Haroni Bishara were here during the 62^nd Israel National Day back in 2010. Since then, I’ve been a guest to many of their events especially those that were related to music, culture and the arts. This year, I was honored to be a guest once again at the 64^th Israel National Day celebrations held at the Grand Ballroom of the InterContinental Manila.

Invited guests in this event included members of the diplomatic corps, local government officials including Rep. Imelda Marcos, and noted personalities in various fields. Being among these distinguished guests could’ve left me dumbfounded and uncomfortable. Thankfully, also present in this evening were a few people from the cultural scene whom I regularly see at concerts like Rey Sison of ROS Music Center, pianist Lorenzo Medel and Martin Lopez of FilFest Foundation and FEU. Seeing them there helped me feel at ease and be more comfortable.

Rep. Imelda Marcos (middle) with guests

This year also marked the first time that Ambassador Menashe Bar-On and his wife Madame Esther Bar-On hosted the celebrations. The Embassy invited over writer Eran Katz (Where did Noah Park the Ark?: Ancient Memory Techniques for Remembering Practically Anything) who has helped numerous people around world to improve their memory. Katz gave about an hour long lecture, offered tips on how to improve memory and even demonstrated the extent of his amazing capabilities in remembering things. He recalled from memory twenty random numbers given to him on the spot and even recited those numbers backwards. A few days after, he also had a book signing and a mini-workshop which I was unable to attend due to urgent tasks that I had to attend to over the weekend.

Lorenzo Medel, Eran Katz and RAd

This was my third year to attend the Israel National Day celebrations and I am very grateful to the Embassy and all the people who work there. And it’s not just for inviting me to be part of their celebrations but also for giving me the opportunity to experience Israeli culture through music, cuisine and cinema. Coming up on the horizon is yet another opportunity for me to experience a different branch of Israeli art/culture which is dance. Now, I just hope that the Embassy do not require me to dance.

The Eugenio Bennato and the Taranta Power Experience Part 3

Day 3: The Reception and the Concert or When RAd Totally Experienced the Taranta Power

All I really wanted right from the was just to have access to Eugenio Bennato and the Taranta Power during their stint here in Manila so that I’d have more material for my blog. I still could’ve written something about them even if I didn't have any access at all. I would've just watched them from a distance but I felt that things could be more special if I could take it a step further and really go for it. Thankfully, the Embassy of Italy gave me access to the group and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. But they also took it a step further and invited me to take part in the Italian National Day reception at the Ayala Museum lobby.

RAd with Eugenio Bennato and the Taranta Power

Despite feeling like a lost kid in the woods at first when I entered the museum, I did manage to enjoy the reception very much. I was able to see a few people from the press conference a couple of days earlier and I updated them with what happened during the lecture/demo/clinic the day before. I also got the opportunity to talk to several members of the diplomatic corps while we were enjoying the Italian food and wine that were served. Many of them were curious about the Eugenio Bennato and the Taranta Power concert happening after the reception since they still had no idea about what Tarantella music is all about. And it was such a delight explaining to them a bit about what Tarantella is all about and I hoped that my explanation made them excited to see the concert.

RAd with Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari
and his wife Silvana Novelli Fornari

I was so glad that I was finally able to thank Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari and his wife Silvana Novelli Fornari for all the music and cultural events that they had brought here during the past year. And I was also pleased to see Israeli Ambassador Zvi Vapni and his wife Limor Vapni as well. And then I remembered that I’ve been invited to both countries’ national day celebrations because of my involvement with music.

After the reception was over, the guests took a short walk to the Fashion Walk over at Greenbelt 5 for what was my most awaited event of the evening: the concert. And one couldn’t fail but notice the Vespa scooters that were on exhibit once they stepped outside the museum and there was also another display near the performance area at the Fashion Walk. And as an added treat, a gelato and coffee station were setup as well and anyone could just line up and get them for free. Availing free scoops of gelato and shots of espresso just made me more excited for the concert to start.

Eugenio Bennato and the Taranta Power

And then the concert finally started as Eugenio Bennato and the Taranta Power composed of Ezio Lambiase (guitars), Mohammed El Alaoui Ezzaime (vocals), Valter Vivarelli (percussion), Stefano Simonetta (bass) and Sonia Totaro (vocals and dancer) walked on stage. I initially prepared to take down notes regarding the actual performance and I also planned to obtain a copy of the set list for reference so that I can observe and find out which song the audience liked the most. But I failed to do any of this since I immediately got lost in the music and decided to completely forget about blogging and just enjoy the concert. I couldn’t even figure out how I was able to get any decent photos that night since holding still proved to be very difficult as I really got the urge to dance. I guess that the combination of the alcohol from the wine and the caffeine from the espresso shots really got me in a party mood.

Eugenio Bennato 

As the concert went on, people really got into the party mood as well as many left their seats and went right in front of the stage in an area were they could dance. I wasn’t able to dance during the lecture/demo since I got busy playing the tambourine but I wasn’t able to contain it during the concert so I ended up dancing as well.

Mohammed El Alaoui Ezzaime

But the best moment for me was definitely during the band’s encore performance. Three participants from the lecture/demo were invited joined the band on stage to showcase how the Filipinos were able to connect with the Tarantella music. The first two who performed onstage were dancers from the Lyceum Dance Troupe and they joined Sonia in her dance to the delight of the crowd since they were able to hold their own despite only having a day to learn the steps. And then the next one to join the band was nobody else but me since I also participated at the group’s lecture/demo. I then entered the stage, grabbed one of the bigger tambourines and played alongside Valter. It was such a blast being able to perform on stage considering that I am not a percussionist at all and that I even played badly the day before. But it was no time for me to be scared since this was a once in a lifetime moment not just for me, but for the two dancers as well. The concert was almost at an end (since it was already an encore performance) so I just had to enjoy the moment as much as I can before it everything was over. It was an exhilarating sensation performing on stage with everybody else just jamming and having fun. And I found it really odd that I didn’t get nervous at all like how I usually did whenever I was about to perform. I guess that this is what happens when one experiences the Taranta Power.

RAd with Emanuela Adesini, Cultural Attaché of the Italian Embassy

The past three days had been such an awesome time and this was made possible through the kindness and generosity of Ms. Emanuela Adesini, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Italy, Ms. Cristina Moricca of the Philippine-Italian Association and Ms. Irene Rada of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. My Eugenio Bennato and the Taranta Power experience has indeed come to an end. But I do hope that they’d be back soon and if they ever need an additional percussionist, I am just here. Until then, I'd keep on practicing triplets with the tambourine.

Day 1: The Press Conference or When Eugenio Bennato Learned How to Use the Chopsticks

Day 2: The Lecture/Demo or When RAd Learned How to Play Triplets with the Tambourine