Ties that Bind

After listening to the New York Philharmonic and the Spanish Cadaques Orchestra, Manilans will be hearing their own Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra on Nov. 18 at the Phil-Italian Association’s "Una Notte d’Incanto" at the CCP Main Theater.

The program will be totally Italian–from the orchestral numbers to be conducted by Italian Ruggero Barbieri to the arias to be sung by celebrated Filipino singers Camille Lopez and tenor Nolyn Cabahug. Although the piano piece to be played by redoubtable Cecile Licad will be Rachmaninoff’s "Variations" it is based on themes by Italian violinist Paganini.

The event will be under the chairmanship of Nedy Tantoco, current PIA president. "Una Notte aims to enhance cross-cultural relations between our two countries," Nedy says, adding that the financial benefits will enable the PIA to strengthen its socio-civic role.

* * *

At Germany’s Day of Unity, Ambassador Herbert D. Jess spoke, likewise, of ties that bind: "It is particularly satisfying to see human relations between Filipinos and Germans develop into friendship. Thousands of Filipinos have made Germany their home, and the German community in the Philippines has every reason to appreciate the true and genuine hospitality of their beautiful host country. It is therefore of crucial importance to continue to promote our cultural inter-relation with the aim of strengthening the already solid base for our mutual understanding."

Among those who intently listened to Mr. Jess were Norway Ambassador Paul Moe, art patron Alfred Ching, eminent painter Manuel Baldemor, Hans Kasten, conductor Ruggero Barbieri, Tony and Mita Rufino, DFA’s Virgilio Reyes and Helen Ong.

* * *

A really sad piece of news is the inevitable departure of the friendliest Arab Filipinos have ever met, Ambassador Saleh Mohammad Al-Ghamdi. During his country’s national day fete, he said that almost a million Filipino workers are in his country and doubtless, he has contributed more than his share to their well-being.

We will sorely miss his sparkling wit and humor, inherent kindness, warmth, amiability and sincerity. It is precisely for these qualities that he will be heartily welcomed wherever he goes.

* * *

WIRED/3 was presented by the Australian Embassy from Oct. 18 to 24. The exhibit, consisting of works by seven artists from six countries, may be viewed at the NCCA Arts Gallery in Intramuros until Nov. 15.

Australian Ambassador Ruth Pearce opened the display that binds artists together from Canada, India, Korea, Switzerland, Sri-Lanka and Australia through paintings, photography, textiles, silk fusion and quilts. These were done by expatriates living in Manila.

* * *

The Spanish "Fiesta" closed with a resounding "Ole!", having drawn thousands of avid art lovers to its performing and visual arts presentations. All these focused on the long and permanent influence of Spain on Philippine culture and the arts, which influence was so vividly and vibrantly felt in "Fiesta!" wherein Filipino and Spanish artists inter-acted. Dia de Hispanidad seemed livelier than ever owing to the then ongoing "Fiesta!" Men of the hour were of course Spanish Ambassador Tomas Rodriguez Pantoja and Instituto Cervantes Director Javier Galvan.