CCP National Artists Tribute out on DVD, VCD and CD

Lagi Kitang Mamahalin, the musical tribute to the National Artists staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines last July, is available on DVD, VCD and CD. Produced by the CCP, Escaler & Co., Inc., and Viva Entertainment and distributed by Viva Records, the live-recorded album boasts of impressive talents performing the works of Filipino National Artists.

Conceived as a fund-raising effort for the proposed Gallery of National Artists, the project drew support from the finest local singers, dancers and musicians who unselfishly gave their time and talent. It was directed for 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 presentation boasts of many memorable numbers including those of Sharon Cuneta performing Levi Celerio’s Kahit Konting Pagtingin accompanied by Paolo Santos on guitar; Regine Velasquez opening the concert with Lagi Kitang Naaalala; Gary Valenciano rendering Lucio San Pedro’s Ugoy ng Duyan with Ballet Philippines dancers; Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista in a duet of Awit ng Pabo at Loro from the zarzuela Dalagang Bukid; a stirring Bayan Ko sung by Filipino Broadway star Jose Llana and Isay Alvarez; and 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 Joson Velasquez, Tex Ordoñez, Dexter, Cris Villonco, Franco Laurel and Anna Fegi.

Other artists who performed in the presentation were Calvin Millado, Roselle Nava, Lorna Llames, Carlo Orosa, JM Rodriguez, Noel Rayos, Arnold Reyes, Tonipet Gaba, Eugene Villaluz, Ayen Munji Laurel, Streamline, Jong Cuenco, Sheila Francisco, Bituin Esclante, Vernie Varga, Jolina Magdangal, Wency Cornejo with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Bayanihan Folk Dance Company, Tanghalang Pilipino and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

The National Artist Award (Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest distinction bestowed on Filipino artists whose body of work 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 artists have promoted Filipino cultural identity and dignity through their art.

Lagi Kitang Mamahalin is available in video and music outlets nationwide.