A Roces’ zarzuela / Chino’s urgent plea / Open house at EIS

The zarzuela, "Something to Crow About", based on the prize-winning book of the same title by National Artist for Literature 2003 Dr. Alejandro R. Roces, will have a sneak preview on Monday, March 27, 7:30 p.m. Venue will be the E. Aguinaldo College Auditorium (Tanghalang Yaman Lahi) on 1221 Gen. Luna street. Music is composed by Ferdinand Dimadura and orchestrated by Nonoy Diestro.

Featured are the UST Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, the UST Orchestra under chorale director Eugene de los Santos and Hermie Ranera, respectively, and the Earthsavers Dreams Ensemble, "UNESCO Artists for Peace".

Concept and direction are by Cecile Guidote Alvarez.

The presentation, in observance of UNESCO-ITI World Theatre day, is by the UST Conservatory under Dean Raul Sunico, and DIALECT/ITI Philippine Center of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute in cooperation with the NCCA.

Associate director is Frank C. Rivera; associate choreographers are Gigi Velarde David/Enrico Labayen. Sets and costumes are by Len Santos; lightings by Katsch Catoy; production manager is Angie Ferro.

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NCCA executive director Cecile G. Alvarez informs me that long before the appeal of Joaquin "Chino" Gutierrez appeared in my column, the NCCA had already extended financial assistance to him. However, it is being stalled by technicalities, and when it actually materializes, it will not be enough for Chino’s long-ranging studies and varied activities in Munich.

In his letter, Chino made it clear that owing to the uniqueness of his case as a minor – performing and winning brilliantly in both music and math contests – the company of his parents is indispensable at his present stage of development.

Incidentally, his letter, which shows how very articulate and literate he is, was abridged, and the omitted part follows:

I realize that eventually, I’ll have to go it alone. After all, it’s my career, my future, my responsibility. Several years from now, I’ll probably be well-equipped to handle the many pressures and intricacies that a life on the concert stage brings. I’d probably have a talent manager who can help me with professional stuff and I’d know how to decide on matters I can’t figure out at the moment, being a minor.

But for now I am not ashamed to say that I still needs the protection and guidance of my parents. They have been unwavering and selfless in their support. Without them, I would not be enjoying the quality of life I am enjoying now, nor would I be the person I am today. Since they know me best of all, they also know that this is not yet the time to leave me alone. My mentor Mr. Ellermann also thinks so.

I have gotten really depressed and this has caused Mr. Ellermann concern because I am losing my focus. Of course, getting support from the government and/or the private sector wouldn’t be a bad thing either because our personal funds will not last very long.

Some days, I feel catatonic, and don’t see the point anymore in practicing, preparing for competitions if all my best efforts could be dashed to bits any minute.

As one can conclude from the above, the youngster is desperate and I earnestly hope tangible assistance will be forthcoming from taipans, tycoons, or business/cultural agencies.

Chino’s e-mail address: gutergeiger2@t-online de.

Another young artist comes to mind, 13-year old Ma. Regina Montesclaros, one of the dozen outstanding pianists featured in the recent grand CCP concert. Its main sponsor was PNB Paribas headed by the personable CEO Claude Haberer. CCP President Nes Jardin was so gratified with its patronage that he said in his opening remarks, "I am almost tempted to tell everyone to bank with Paribas because it is the world’s best bank." The generous sponsor later hosted post-concert cocktails which I did not attend owing to the late hour.

To continue with Regina, she may also have to study abroad eventually. These days, appeals are often ignored, the usual excuse being "donor fatigue". But exceptions must be made in very special cases. I have heard violin virtuoso Chino Gutierrez perform; he is outstandingly gifted in other fields as well. His multi-talents richly deserve further nurturing.

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Still on youthful activities, Roland Heinmuller has sent an invitation to the open house set for today at the European International School. The EIS, the common educational framework of the Deutsche Schule, the Ecole Francaise and the European Section, is currently hosting a cultural festival that is bringing together more than a hundred students of different nationalities from German schools in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Kultur Festival objectives are: "To have an introduction to local culture through direct experience and contact with Filipino artists and local art forms. / To gain insight into and increase awareness of other Asian cultures. / To interact with other students living in other Asian cultures."

Philippine culture is being celebrated by the EIS French and German communities and the German-Swiss schools from Jakarta, Singapore, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. The open house showcases the culmination of workshops on the visual arts, improvisational integrated arts, theater, dance, indigenous music, claymation, arnis, photography, Pinoy rock and singing.

Visitors can buy Philippine-made products from the craftsmen themselves.