MANILA, Philippines - Loida Nicolas-Lewis tendered a birthday party for author and spiritual guru George Sison at the Luna Function Hall, Luna Gardens, Rockwell, Luna Tower. That evening she also introduced The Opera, Noli Me Tangere which she is bringing to town for a 21 day-run from September 11-28th at the Resorts World Manila, Newport Performing Arts Theater with tenor Ivan Nery, who is playing Crisostomo Ibarra and soprano Myramae Meneses as Maria Clara, who both sang solo arias then ended with the farewell duet from the Opera. They were accompanied by pianist Camille Lopez Molina. Jerry Sibal of JS Productions is taking care of the presentation and Mark Manalang will be in charge of promoting and inviting sponsors to enable them to fill the theaters for 21 days. Donations received from the different foundations will be used to give students a special price for them to experience their history in musical form, made possible by two Philippine National Artists. The Libretto was written by National Artist for Sculpture, Guillermo Tolentino and the music composed by National Artist for Music, Felipe de Leon.
The celebration was well-attended by popular personalities in the social, business and art circles. Photos by Joey Mendoza