A repeat of P-Noy concert/ UST treasures/Master Class

The good Lord must love P-Noy and the Filipinos because after successive days of heavy rains, the skies “miraculously” cleared for the inaugural. I am doubly grateful because although I have never met the President nor his sisters, not even the entertainer Kris, I voted for him.

I dare say no occasion was as rapturous as the inaugural in years. The atmosphere was euphoric, and the huge crowd witnessed the various ceremonies and events which were orderly and closely organized despite the great number of people and performers involved.

Besides the oath-taking and the inaugural speech, the musical numbers were what particularly caught my attention (over television). Bayan Ko, a song from the zarzuela Walang Sugat, was rendered by the Madrigal Singers to the accompaniment of the PPO which earlier played Sabihin Mo and other pop songs. Bayan Ko nearly always brings tears to my eyes. It moves me to extreme sadness for our country which, despite its tremendous assets — these include our rich natural resources, overwhelmingly beautiful tourist attractions, incredibly gifted, talented and capable people — has not discernibly moved forward through centuries of colonization and decades of independence.

The songs were so dynamic and inspiring, so didactic that they were actually sung sermons and lectures on patriotism, love of country, self-discipline.

Singer and song-writer Noel Cabangon would have roused anyone from his stupor or lethargy as he sang and accompanied himself on the guitar, rendering Tungo sa Pagbabago, Para sa Pagbabago. His second number was Ako ay Isang Mabuting Pilipino. As reported by Pocholo Concepcion and Bayani San Diego, the words partially read thus: Pabor o lagay ay di ko pinapayagan/Tapat ang serbisyo ko sa mamamayan/Di ko binobolsa ang pera ng Bayan.

Similarly compelling was Ogie Alcasid in his solos; so was Regine Velasquez in “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa”. They then sang a duet with the De la Salle Green Hills boy-choir Kundirana. Enlivening the audience with its zest, the Apo Hiking Society composed of Jim Paredes, Danny Javier and Boboy Garovillo offered an old favorite, Minamahal Naming Pilipinas.

Another vigorous, edifying number was the inaugural song composed jointly by Cabangon and Alcasid in only one day. It featured big-name singers Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, Jed Madela and Nina. The crowd, however, was not quite aware that icons were collectively interpreting the highly original and imaginative composition. Christian Bautista’s refined, movingly soulful a cappella rendition of “You Raised Me Up” was highly appealing.

In a show of unity, stars of the rival TV stations ABS-CBN and GMA sang together. Unity being a centerpiece of President Aquino’s platform, he must have warmly approved of the performance.

Judging from what I saw over television, President Aquino himself was all ears, with one song in particular causing him and Vice-President Binay to rise and clap to the rhythm of the music.

I wonder whether the participants would consider repeat performances of the inaugural musical in Metro Manila, with the proceeds going to the poor. They will be helping to fulfill, to a modest extent, one of President Aquino’s campaign promises — that of reducing poverty.

With the aforementioned songs inducing listeners to be better Filipinos, they will get the message while enjoying themselves. Further, the strongly worded, eloquent lyrics enjoin Filipinos to put their trust and confidence in the new President who desperately needs their cooperation as he attempts to solve the awesome problems he inherited.

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In preparation for the grand celebration of the UST quadricentennial, the Miguel de Benavides Library opened last June 17 “Lumina Pandit: An Exhibition of Historical Treasures” at UST’s Miguel de Benavides Library.

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Owing to insistent public demand, the Philippine Opera Company will again present the play “Master Class” which depicts the legendary Maria Callas giving voice lessons. I saw the play in its earlier staging with Cherie Gil brilliantly portraying — as she will again — the temperamental, tempestuous Callas.

Playdates at the RCBC Theater are July 29, 30, 31 and Aug. 5, 7, 12, 13 and 14 (8 p.m.), Aug. 8 and 15 (3:30 p.m.).