Beyond Brushstrokes
By Maria Victoria Rufino
“Leaders for Heritage,” Mga Pinuno para sa Pamana, is the theme of National Heritage Month. The Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. (FHFI) in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) presents the month-long cultural festival in various parts of the country.
It highlights to the Filipino people a new awareness of age-old traditions, cultural practices, song, dance and centuries-old architectural wonders.
Proclamation No. 439 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared May as National Heritage Month. The kick-off of National Heritage Month celebration is on May 2 at St. Matthias Parish Church Tumauini, Isabela.
There are numerous programs and activities: exhibitions, performing arts, and the Youth Forum on understanding Heritage in six provinces to promote awareness of the contributions and achievements of our leaders.
The highlighted events are:
May 4: Film: Gumising Ka Maruja, directed by Lino Brocka, at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theater) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
May 9: Exhibit: “Hundred Women: Hundred Ways of Life” featuring “Women as Cultural Keepers” will open at the CCP on May 9, Pasilyo Vicente Manansala (2F Hallway Gallery). It will precede the gala show Himig ng Bayan, the much-awaited cultural production and tribute to the National Artists for Music.
H.E. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte sent his greetings to the FHFI: “Music is an integral part of our identity as a nation It tells the compelling narrative of our history and culture, transcending generations and defining our character as a people.
“I join you in celebration and thanksgiving as we honor the legacy of our distinguished National Artists for Music. May their achievements inspire future visionaries to relentlessly pursue excellence and remain dedicated towards their creative endeavors.”
The NCCA Chairman, a National Artist for Literature, remarked, “Bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Pamana o National Heritage Month tuwing Mayo, hatid ng Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. ang Himig ng Bayan. Sa natatanging konsiyerto lalahukan ng mga koro at mang-aawit ng bansa, ating mapakikinggan ang mag awiting isinatitik o di kaya’y inawit bilang pagpupugay sa himig at husay ng mga obrang likha ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining para sa Musika — mga yaman at pamanang ating dapat itangi.
“Bilang pangunahing ahensiya para sa sining at kultura, tinitiyak ng Komisyon and patuloy napagtataguyod sa mga awiting pamana sa atin, mga awiting salamin ng ating mga adhika at pagkamalikhain, mga awiting nagbibigay dangal at himig sa ating pagka-Filipino.”
(In celebration of the National Heritage Month every month of May, the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. (FHFI) presents, “Himig ng Bayan,” in a unique concert participated in by outstanding artists of the country. This is a time to listen to the music with lyrics or songs sag as a salute to the tunes and prowess of masterpieces done by the National Artists for Music — the treasures of heritage that ought to be preserved.)
(As lead agency, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) continuously ensures the promotion and preservation of music that mirrors the ambitions and creativity, songs that provide honor and pride in being Filipino.)
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will interpret the National Artists’ musical compositions. Associate Conductor Maestro Herminigildo Ranera will conduct the PPO. Show direction is by actor, writer, director and producer (in theater and cinema) Dennis Marasigan. The all star performers are: Philippine Madrigal Singers, soprano Rachelle Gerodias, Coke Bolipata, Cristani Rebada, Himig Sanghaya Chorale and Danspace Ballet School.
FHFI produced the gala show in partnership with National Commission for Culture and the Arts, CCP and Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Sponsors: National Museum, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Security Bank, FUJIFILM Philippines, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, SM Malls, The Podium, Lucky Chinatown Mall. Media Partner: BusinessWorld
May 23 to July 30: Exhibit: “Forms and Forces: Structures of Social Engagement” Collaborative works by National Artists Leandro V. Locsin and Idelfonso P. Santos Jr. Metropolitan Museum of Manila Galeriya Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
May 27-30: Heritage Pilgrimage Tour — Bohol
May 31: “Harana sa Dapit Hapon No. 13,” a concert of traditional Filipino Music — Kundiman, Harana, Balitaw and Danza. Presented by Danny Dolor and Tribong Pilipino Foundation. SOLEDAD- Brgy Antipolo del Norte, Lipa City, Batangas
Congratulations to FHFI on its 15th anniversary!
For more information/inquiries: info@heritagefestival.ph heritagemonth@yahoo.com.ph. www.heritagefestival.ph
Maria Victoria Rufino is an artist, writer and businesswoman. She is president and executive producer of Maverick Productions.
