A musicale to inspire

A specially crafted musicale entitled ”Ageless Passion” was held last month at the Meralco Theater in honor of retired Supreme Court chief justice Artemio Panganiban as he celebrated his 75th birthday. Featuring original music by Ryan Cayabyab and directed by Bart Guingona, the musicale traced the life and times of the gifted and brilliant jurist. Performers include the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Cris Villonco, the Supreme Court Choir, Asean Law Association Choir and the Panganiban grandchildren. Among the prominent guests were Vice President Jejomar Binay (on behalf of His Excellency Noynoy Aquino), former presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada. Even the Archbishop of Manila Luis Antonio Tagle sang for His Honor. A highlight that night was the prologue where Miguel Panganiban-Sandejas narrated his grandfather’s humble beginnings as a shoeshine boy and newsboy back in Sampaloc before he worked his way to becoming the highest magistrate of the land. In his response, the former chief justice introduced the Foundation for Liberty and Prosperity which will focus on governance, education and social welfare. A frustrated chemical engineer, the former magistrate keeps himself busy with his column writing, independent directorships in the country’s blue-chip companies and his five wonderful children who each achieved his impossible dream of graduating in a pedigreed US university. Cheers and more blessings!