A concert right inside the church

Some say that a good manager is one who is capable of steering the team’s direction to victory. Others opine that a good manager is a servant-leader who is an excellent communicator who lives what he preaches. A manager knows how to address pressing problems and arrives at a sound solution that benefits everyone in the organization. He motivates and inspires his people to grow. A good manager is all of the above plus other elements.

The role of a manager is integral in an organization and this is totally recognized by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP). "Part of our responsibility is to improve the quality of management professionals in the country. We are also concerned about the state of management educators in the provinces and we want to impart to them an advance aspect of management education," explains Evelyn Singson, the first woman president of MAP.

According to Magi Antonio Lopez, AIM professor and lecturer, many tools of management and framework must be upgraded to improve management education program. An increase in the variety of teaching methodologies is also important to keep up with the frenzied-pace of information technology. MAP, on its part, restructured the contents and framework for the workshop. Results showed that teachers became more confident in their ability to teach a subject through updated materials.

However, a contradicting situation is seen in the provinces where access to advance technology like computers is very limited. This setback might be one of the factors why despite the presence of brilliant managers in the land, our country still has to rise from its present situation.

Ms. Singson believes the Philippines needs a more country-focused manager who will go beyond what he is supposed to do for his firm. According to her, "The firm is a part of a bigger country and therefore that firm has to be an active participant in the development of the country."

To sustain its worthy cause of supporting its ongoing management education workshop, MAP will hold a fundraising Christmas concert on Dec. 14 at the Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park. The concert, Adeste Fideles, is the first-ever in-church Yuletide concert at the Sanctuario de San Antonio this month. Spiritual-cum-musical in-church Christmas concert like this can become a new trend in the country by bringing more church-based celebrations and focusing more on the spiritual aspect of the revelries.

Adeste Fideles, also called O Come, All Ye Faithful, is a well-known and beloved Christmas carol. The words and music are attributed to the Englishman John Francis Wade. The lyrics were first published in 1760. The song is definitely English despite the original Latin verses. Wade never translated the song into his native language. The Latin verses one to three and six of the classical carol were translated to English a century later by Frederick Oakeley. However, the version that we sing today has been worked over by several translators.

The entire family will surely enjoy this grand musical celebration that will feature great musical masterpieces. Experience the magic of the first Christmas with magnificent repertoire that includes well-loved Christmas carols like Adeste Fideles, Stille Nacht, Joy to the World, What Child is This? and O Little Town of Bethlehem to be sung as classics by seasoned vocal artists and hymns immortalized by participating choirs. Timeless compositions have also been selected for their meaning and relevance to the Yuletide holiday. Many of the selections will be performed in unique and extraordinary musical arrangements.

Great and famous Filipino musical artists here and abroad are invited in the concert. Be amazed at the exceptional vocal powers of sopranos Camille Lopez-Molina, Rachelle Gerodias, Karla Gutierrez and tenors Otoniel Gonzaga, George Yang, Frankie Aseniero as they perform classical Christmas carols. Other artists joining in the Adeste Fideles concert are the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Rodel Colmenar, Coro Tomasino led by Amelita Guevarra, Coro de San Antonio, Philippines Children Choir from Mandaluyong conducted by Sebastian Trinidad and the Chiang Kai Shek College Youth Choir led by Irma Tansu.

May the musical concert Adeste Fideles inspire us with the true meaning of Christmas. As another year unfolds, may we strive harder to become better persons not only for ourselves but also for our beloved country which needs our support, expertise and love.