MANILA, Philippines - Freeway launched recently its 9th National Artist Collection Series featuring maestro Lucio San Pedro whose birth centenary is this year.
San Pedro's family and friends--including Kristy San Pedro Salita, Rhodora San Pedro delos Santos, Alberto delos Santos, Mary Grace San Pedro, Professor Gabby San Pedro Rojas and Prof. Antonio Hila--were present during the momentous occasion, which was hosted by singer and actress Rachel Alejandro. And unlike previous launches, there was no fashion show that night as San Pedro and Filipino music were made the focal point. The ARS Noveau Chorale, including San Pedro's grand-daughter Mary Grace, serenaded guests with their rendition of well-loved classics as featured in the video below:
Alejandro then paid tribute to San Pedro by singing Filipino love songs including "Kahit Na" and "Saan Ka Man Naroroon."
Born in Angono, Rizal on February 11, 1913, San Pedro's contributions to Philippine music include the lullaby "Sa Ugoy ng Duyanâ€, which he wrote with another National Artist for Music, Levi Celerio whom Freeway honored during its fall 2012 Freeway Loves Art Collection.
San Pedro and yet another Freeway NACS honoree Carlos "Botong" Francisco, never left Angono thereby attracting attention to the town. Until today, Angono is considered as the Philippines' art cradle, nurturing and harnessing Filipino talent in different artistic disciplines. On May 9, 1991, he was proclaimed National Artist of the Philippines for Music by President Corazon Aquino. He died March 31, 2002 due to cardiac arrest at the age of 89 and is buried in Angono.
Read more about his life and the collection here: Symphony of hand-drawn lines and lyrics
For information and to shop online, visit freewayonline.com.ph. Follow Freeway on Twitter and Instagram @FreewayOnline, and like the brand on facebook.com/FreewayOnline.