A tribute to Nightingale of Zarzuela

MANILA, Philippines - The Sentrong Pangsining at Kultura Alaala kay Maria Carpena, Inc. is a non-profit cultural organization established in 2009 to keep alive the memory of Maria Evangelista Carpena (1886-1915), who is the first Filipino recording artist. The group also aims to perpetuate the traditional Filipino arts and culture; train and assist potential artists in the pursuit of development and excellence; instill in the hearts and minds of the youth the historic value of Filipino arts and culture; and give due recognition in the form of annual awards to deserving artists.

Carpena, dubbed as the Nightingale of Zarzuela, was from the towns of Sta. Rosa and Biñan, Laguna. Carpena debut as the very first superstar of Philippine entertainment. She was the lead star of Severino Reyes’ Walang Sugat in 1902, and other more significant stage productions in the early 1900s.

Today, the country commemorates the 124th birth anniversary of Carpena, thus, the 1st Maria Carpena Kundiman Song Festival will be staged from 1 to 6 p.m. at Pavilion Mall Biñan. The festival aims to immerse the present generation to practice, value and develop the traditional Filipino music. Educational institutions from Biñan, Sta. Rosa and San Pedro will grace the event.

The 1st Maria Carpena Kundiman Song Festival is presented by United Artists for Cultural Conservation and Development, City of Biñan, Inc. (UACCD), Pavilion Mall, The Office of the City Mayors of Sta. Rosa and Biñan, Laguna.

For details, call 0917-3282582, 0919-2160440 or log on to http://uaccd.multiply.com.