UNESCO director-general's foreword to Ninoy's book / Russia's return / TOPS show

Cecile Guidote Alvarez, who is largely responsible for having the Philippines named ASEAN’s cultural capital for 2011, has just returned from Paris where, as director of the UNESCO Dream Center, she attended the UNESCO General Culture Commission Conference.

While in Paris, Cecile had a private meeting with Irina Bokova, the first woman to be elected UNESCO director-general in 65 years. Forthwith, Cecile requested Mme. Bokova to write an introductory message for the public edition of Ninoy Aquino’s book of essays, speeches, poems which was privately launched at the Tarmac last Aug. 21.

Thirty language translations have been gathered for the public edition of the book which will be launched in January. The launching will draw attention to Cory’s birthday and the Edsa People Power remembrance. The anthology includes the language translation by a Nobel Laureate and by a couple of Ramon Magsaysay awardees.

Last Nov. 28, the Unesco Director-General’s message was broadcast over DZRH’s Balintataw radio program, followed by a dramatic reading from Ninoy’s book.

Herewith is Irina Bokova’s foreword.

In a world changing rapidly and profoundly, memory is a force for solidarity that brings societies together around shared values and provides a foundation on which the memory of Ninoy Aquino carries special significance for the people of the Philippines. His life is a source of resolve and a reminder of the power of human dignity to change the course of history.

Ninoy Aquino’s commitment to freedom carries lessons that reach far beyond the borders of the Philippines. His pursuit of a more just world was fuelled by a conviction in the dignity of every woman and man that is inspiring for societies across the world, struggling for the rule of law and reconciliation. His tragic assassination on 21 August 1983 must never be forgotten.

The protection of memory and heritage is a fundamental mission of UNESCO. This is the objective of the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, whose register includes the unedited record of the radio broadcast of the Philippine People Power Revolution of February 1986. I am pleased that the UNESCO Dream Centre is associated with this publication of writings by Ninoy Aquino and that the Earthsavers Ensemble, UNESCO Artists for Peace, has enacted creative renditions of his poetry. Ninoy Aquino helped to change the world — the memory of his struggle must be preserved and shared.

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Cecile G. Alvarez also relays the information that the recent visit of the Russian painters was most gratifying. They greatly enjoyed their stay and were delighted to paint hundreds of Philippine scenes and themes.

Their visit to a prison, organized by the Phl International Theater Institute Earthsavers/UNESCO Dream Center Felissimo Group, inspired and edified both the painters and the prisoners.

The visitors were so fascinated by our country and people that Cecile is planning the return of the Russians who will exhibit their paintings after these are displayed in Moscow.

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Eminent women lawyers of TOPS (Tahanan Outreach Projects and Services, Inc.) presented “An Evening of Broadway and Classical Music” at the Makati Sports Club to raise funds for their various projects, particularly homes and education for runaway and street children.

Diane Franco welcomed my party, seating me, Lito, Chic and Joey Francisco with Araceli Nellie Reyes, Justice Minerva Gonzaga Reyes, Dr. Pacita Zara (whose mother Engracia Laconico was the 1933 Miss Philippines) and Tony Pastor. TOPS president Teresita A.M. Villaruz greeted the guests (Nellie Reyes whisphered to me that Villaruz was known as the Elizabeth Taylor of her UP class). Diane Franco and Richie B. Vera served as emcees.

Cocoy and Denise Laurel rendered Broadway songs. The Musika Klassika Quartet consisting of baritone Leo Logdat, soprano Gayle Norombaba, tenor Nomer Nival and male alto Poli Laurito rendered operatic arias. Pianist Belinda Salazar was assisting artist.

Integrating his acting, singing and dancing talents, Cocoy fascinated, indeed, electrified the audience as a total artist, leaving it clamoring for more songs. Denise lived up to the standards of her uncle Cocoy, regaling listeners with her dulcet voice, long sustained notes and expressive nuances.

With considerable technical training and skill, the Quartet interpreted Bella Figlia del Amore from Rigoletto; Gayle and Poli sang the Flower Duet from Lakme; Gayle and Nomer rendered a duet from Merry Widow.

Leo was riveting in the Toreador aria from Bizet’s Carmen; Nomer’s powerful voice was particularly impressive as it rose above the voices of the rest in Brindisi from Verdi’s Traviata.

Hearty congratulations to TOPS, chaired by Justice Carolina Griño Aquino, for keeping alive the ideals of Justice Corazon Agrava, TOPS founder.