Baler holds Tareptepan arts and music festival

MANILA, Philippines - Former Sen. Edgardo Angara and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab recently partnered to pay tribute to the true artisans of Baler and allow for an artistic exchange between them and other icons of the country in the event called Tareptepan Arts and Music Festival.

The festival was a success that both Sen. Angara and Mr. C, as the maestro is fondly called, vowed to make it an annual event that will be more progressive and more encompassing.

According to Sen. Angara, “Tareptepan 2014 was successful in attracting hundreds of youth to the music and art workshops during the day, and entertaining both the old and young during the two evenings of top musical acts.”

Mr. C brought with him people from his various endeavors to conduct workshops for the people of Baler — from his Elements Music Camp, Ebe Dancel and Aia de Leon (formerly of Imago); from the Philpop, songwriters and finalists of this year’s competition; from Akapella Open, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers; and Emmy Cayabyab.

The summit was held last June 28 and 29 in Baler, Aurora. It is being envisioned to be a yearly event to also showcase the skills of Baler’s local artists as well as inspire the youth to continue engaging in the arts.

The festival name was culled from the local word “tareptep” which means ripples that are created with the slightest touch.

The paper cut art and visual arts workshops were facilitated by Sinag de Leon while painting workshops were led by the Dimadimalangat Artists. A food fair and exhibit formed part of the overall program showcasing the best that Baler and the province of Aurora has to offer.

Each night was capped by a cultural presentation and a concert Blue Island, Naomi Aoki, June Marieezy, Himig Malaya, Indio I, Lawiswis Kawayan, Blackmoon, Cosmic Love, Flippin’ Soul Stompers and Sinosikat. The concerts were held at the Bahia Pavilion open area. The overall stage production was by Curve Entertainment.

Tareptepan Music and Arts Festival was presented by Metrobank Foundation, San Miguel Corp., Liwayway Marketing Corp., Oishi, Smart Infinity, Coca-cola, FEMSA, Boysen Paints, Costa Pacifica Resort, Genesis Transport Services, Zest-O, Sonia Trading and Philippine Art Awards.