CCP tribute to National Artists album released

The National Artist Award (Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest accolade that is bestowed by the country on Filipino artists whose body of works is recognized by their peers and more importantly by their countrymen as sublime expressions of Philippine music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, film and media arts, architecture and design. These are the artists who have promoted Filipino cultural identity and dignity through their art.

As a tribute to this elite group of Filipinos, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has from time to time these past years, staged special presentations that showcase their exemplary work. The most recent of these was Lagi Kitang Mamahalin, a song and dance concert performed at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP last July. This featured some of the biggest and most talented stars in the country and drew attention to the timeless appeal of Filipino music.

Aside from its primary aim, the show was also conceived as a fund-raiser for the proposed Gallery of National Artists. The building will provide a permanent home for the works, memorabilia and other items concerning our National Artists, where the public will be given the opportunity to learn more about them and better appreciate the value of their contributions to Filipino culture.

Given this noble aim, it was not at all surprising that the project drew support from the finest singers, dancers and musicians in the country. All of them unselfishly gave their time and talent, willingly accepted the small honorarium and then gave their best performances. The line-up of artists and the program boast of many firsts and resulted in an enjoyable evening that left the members of the audience proud of their Filipino heritage.

Take a look at the list of all who came and the memorable numbers they did: Sharon Cuneta once more performing one of her biggest hits, Levi Celerio’s Kahit Konting Pagtingin accompanied by Paolo Santos on the guitar; Regine Velasquez opening the concert with Lagi Kitang Naaalala by Leopoldo Silos and Celerio; Gary Valenciano in a heartfelt rendition of the immortal Ugoy ng Duyan by Lucio San Pedro and Celerio with dancers from Ballet Philippines; new hitmakers Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista showing off their versatility in a duet of Awit ng Pabo at Loro from the zarzuela Dalagang Bukid;

A stirring rendition of Constancio de Guzman and Jose Corazon de Jesus’ Bayan Ko by Filipino Broadway star Jose Llana and Isay Alvarez; Verni Varga singing Nicanor Abelardo’s Bituing Marikit; the beautiful Ayen Munji making like zarzuela star Atang de la Rama with Nabasag ang Banga; a romantic medley of Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa, Sapagkat Kami ay Tao Lamang, Saan Ka Man Naroroon and Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal by Jason Velasquez, Tex Ordoñez, Dexter, Cris Villonco, Franco Laurel and Anna Fegi.

Jolina Magdangal pranced with abandon while singing Waray-Waray; Roselle Nava flirted outrageously with Calvin Millado while Lorna Llames turned jealous in Anong Sarap and Estrella from the zarzuela Paglipas ng Dilim; Carlo Orosa, JM Rodriguez, Noel Rayos, Arnold Reyes and Tonipet Gaba did an energetic medley of Ang Pipit, Pitong Gatang, Kung Ako’y Mag-aasawa and Kalesa; Bituin Escalante and Sheila Francisco battled it out as Alembong and Galawgaw; Eugene Villaluz sang Kahit Na Magtiis; Streamline did Bato Sa Buhangin; Jong Cuenco played Nahan in his flute; and Wency Cornejo performed Araw-araw Sa Maynila; there were also the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Bayanihan Folk Dance Company, Tanghalang Pilipino and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

It was indeed an evening all Filipinos can be truly proud of and thanks to the wonders of technology, those not present during those three performances can now find out what it was like. Lagi Kitang Mamahalin is now available on CDs, VCDs and DVDs from Viva Records. These live recordings boast of the most impressive array of talents ever assembled performing the works of Filipino National Artists. Get copies for yourselves to treasure, share them with friends abroad who will surely be proud and nostalgic and show them off to foreigners who will surely marvel at the wealth and beauty we have in this country.

Lagi Kitang Mamahalin was directed for the stage by Cris Millado and for video by Louie Ignacio with Josefino "Chino" Toledo as conductor and National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal as set designer. Choreographers were Edna Vida, Denisa Reyes and Alden Lugnasin. The show was produced by the CCP, Escaler & Co., Inc. and Viva Entertainment.