CEBU, Philippines - Bonjour!Are you ready to get all French-ish?
Last June 18 was the once-in-a-year musical experience of Cebu: commonly known as “Fete dela Musique”. If translated to English, it means “World Music Day”. Fete dela Musique started in Paris in the year 1982. An American musician named Joel Cohen thought up the idea of having an all-night celebration at the moment of the summer solstice. Its purpose is to promote music in two ways: Amateur and professionals in music are encouraged to perform in the streets and several free concerts are organized, performing all the genres of music to the public.
This year’s Fete dela Musique was held at Ayala Center’s The Terraces. About 25 bands, choral groups and orchestras gave their best that night. Among those present were Grand Slam Tambulan, The Wonggoys, Undercover Grasshoppers, Happy Days, Bambu Spliff, and Callalily. Funny names, aren’t they? There was also Cebu’s UV Chorale. They charmed the crowd with their angelic voices. The brass band of the Philippine Navy also did a wonderful performance with their echoing sounds.
I heard the crowd went wild seeing their fave bands onstage especially Grand Slam Tambulan and Callalily. Although they were screaming out the lyrics of their songs (I couldn’t understand a word), they must be really exciting to watch, you know, as all the girls were cooing and stuff.
Of course, I would like to mention that the Peace Philharmonic Philippines Youth Ensemble was also featured last Saturday (I am a member of the ensemble) conducted by Mr. Rodelio Glodove. We played some classical pieces, along with Ernani Cuenco’s Filipino composition “Kalesa”. It describes the feeling of being on a traditional all-Filipino means of transportation: a horse-drawn carriage. C’est fantastique!
Fete dela Musique occurs every year, so if you hear about the next one, be sure to attend this wonderful night! You wouldn’t want to miss seeing your favorite bands live onstage, do you? Nor would you want to pass on hearing all those kinds of music, some you may not even know about!
Au revoir for now.