Filipino music at SM malls

MANILA, Philippines - SM celebrates the Filipino Heritage Festival this month with performances by some of the country’s most talented and gifted Filipino musicians. Mallgoers will get a rare chance to experience our rich musical tradition at SM’s premiere malls when the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band performs at the SM Mall of Asia, PUP’s Banda Kawayan showcases the unique sounds of a bamboo orchestra at the SM Megamall, and Sinika brings the sounds of Palawan to SM City North EDSA.

Sinika (Sining ng mga Katutubo) Band will perform on May 19 at The Block at SM City North-EDSA. The homegrown cultural group based in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, is composed of family musicians, relatives and friends.

The group got its break when newly-elected Mayor Edward Hagedorn named Sinika founder Nonoy Lanzanas as director for the Culture and Arts Program of Puerto Princesa City in 2002. Sinika was invited to perform in almost all events and for various groups that visited the city

Sinika has participated in most of the cultural festivals and celebrations in the country including the Department of Tourism’s WOW Philippines Exhibit in Intramuros, the Southeast Asian Tourism Congress in Singapore and Brunei in 2002, and the Seventh Drum Festival at the Trade Center in Melaka, Malaysia.

The Filipino Heritage Festival comes to Manila every May during the Philippines’ National Heritage Month, bringing with it a plethora of artistic, theatrical, and other activities staged at cultural sites around the country’s capital. Sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Tourism, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, local city governments and other businesses, the festival is sure to offer something for everyone.

This year’s theme, Preserving the Gift of Faith celebrates the Filipino’s unwavering faith, rich culture and heritage and deep rooted traditions.