When you hear the word “gimmick”, what usual comes to mind? Your answer might include watching movies and concerts, going to popular bars, clubs and discos or just simply hanging out at the mall or a friend’s house. For a change, why not try out something different? For an alternative gimmick, why not try the Cultural Center of the Philippines? Yes, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the country’s purveyor of culture and the arts, has a lot in store as it kicks off it’s National Arts Month celebration this February with a line-up of interesting and fun events and activities that showcase the best of Filipino arts and culture. This year’s theme: “East meets West in the Filipino Artist.” The month-long celebration is heralded by “Dangal ng Lahing Pilipno”, a multi-media presentation on the country’s National Artists presented visually, musically and highlighted by performances from respected singers, groups and choirs.

Music for Your Ears

For concert enthusiasts, the CCP has quite interesting offerings: “Something Stupid (Called Love)” on Feb. 28, 8 p.m features Kyla, RJ Rosales, Dessa, The Company and the funny antics of Jon Santos. A perfect post-Valentine treat. “Musiko Mundo: Pinoy World Music” in cooperation with MTV, features the best the Philippines has to offer in the world music scene. Grace Nono, Joey Ayala, Bayang Barrios, Cynthia Alexander, among others topbill this free musical extravaganza. Other music-related events include “Samut-Saring Tinig V”, which features the best high school choirs which include the De La Salle Zobel High School Chorale, the Ilocos Norte National High School Samiweng Singers, Isabela National High School Jubiloso Choir, Paref Southridge Rhythm Section, Ramon Magsaysay High School Concert Choir, the St. Scholastica’s Academy of Marikina High School Glee Club with special guest singers the Kundirana from La Salle Greenhills. Another excellent offering is a rare musical treat featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and the Tribung Pinoy and the PPO Jazz Quartet under the baton of Cecinio Ronquillo dubbed as “Jazz Pinoy.”, a fabulous showcase of Pinoy jazz music.

Let’s Dance!

If you’re the dancing type, you might want to check out a couple of dance offerings, starting with “Sari-Saring Sayaw, Sama-Samang Galaw”, a dance spectacle which features the the best Filipino folk dance group. This is an excellent venue to get re-acquainted with the country’s treasured folk dances. Or why not try ballet for a change? “Neo Filipino 2003” by the Ballet Philippines presents a magnificent production which brings back famous local ballet artists who have gained popularity, selling big shows all around the globe for this once in a lifetime treat. Expect the best and only the best Ballet Philippines has to offer.

The Best of Theater

You can also indulge your senses on an audiovisual treat. Well crafted theater productions are part of the celebration’s repertoire. “Luna: Spoliarium” presented by the Music Theater Foundation, with libretto by Fides Cuyugan-Asenio and music by Ryan Cayabyab is a three-act neo-romantic opera about the life of Filipino artist Juan Luna. Robert Seña performs as Juan Luna opposite Cocoy Laurel Playing Dr. Jose Rizal. The production is directed by Alex Cortez Another stupendous theatrical presentation is “Aguinaldo 1899: Ang Pagpatay Kay Luna” with libretto by Dr. Paul Dumol and music by Jesse Lucas, this acclaimed musical gives an investigative and intriguing look on the assasination of another Filipino hero—Antonio Luna, a man of military knowledge and expertise, a man of character and integrity during the time of the Philippine Revolution. This production is directed by none other than Nonon Padilla. “Ang Babae sa Ating Panahon”, a collaborative effort between the Concerned Artists of the Philippines and Tunay na Alyansa ng Bayan alay sa katutubo, is two back-to-back one-act plays that tackles themes on women and indigenous people in the effort of presenting their to other sectors of society.

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