Music and Glamor

Marvelous music and glamorous ambiance characterized the program held by The Friends of Cultural Concerns of the Philippines–headed by President Chloe Romulo Periquet–at the residence of founding chairman-first president Chito Madrigal Collantes.

The FCCP deviated from its usual presentations of young talents by having seasoned artists performing: the internationally acclaimed concertist Raul Sunico, the much sought-after soprano Camille Lopez–both of whom interpreted classical numbers–the outstanding theater personality Chinggoy Alonso who sang excerpts from well-loved Broadway hits, and the award-winning Ateneo Glee Club which was augmented by the FCCP Chorale.

The usual audience of sponsors, friends and FCCP members–glamorously attired–and diplomats and their ladies applauded the musicale organized by the audience development committee chaired by Letty Syquia with the help of Tessie Luz, director.

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Glamor also characterized the Sayaw Foundation’s "Christmas Rendezvous" at the Mandarin Oriental which featured Austrian pianist Franz Langer and soprano Christa Hemetsberger who performed with tenor Nolyn Cabahug, the Philippine Ballet Theater, the Madrigals and the 747 Band.

Amidst a European-like garden of long-stemmed roses and a fountain was a giant Christmas wreath embellished with Swavoski crytals set against an all-black backdrop.

Admiring both the scenery and the performance were Ambassador Herbert and Micheline Jess, Christian and Gul Tanghe, Robert and Marilyn Collete, Claudio Lyra, Umberto and Clara Colesanti, Enrique Hubbard and Consul Evie Costa. GM Helmut Gaisberger was seen greeting guests with typical charm and warmth.

Credit for the evening’s resounding success was due Sayaw Foundation president Mita Rufino, committee chair Helen Ong, vice-presidents Yaying Dragon and Zeny Cabral, treasurer Sol Tan-Gatue, secretary Nini Layug and committee members Tess Rodrigo and Boysie Villavicencio.

Appropriately called "Sound of Christmas", the songs consisted of excerpts from the Broadway musical "The Sound of Music" and Christmas carols. Among other guests were Tereret Tambunting Liboro, Mon and Justa Tantoco, Nedy Tantoco, Deanna Jeanne Lopez, Maritess Pineda, Estela Lopez, Beng Puyat, Thelma Gana, Lulu Castañeda, Jun and Nancy Tambunting.

How brave souls heightened the jubilant mood by tripping the light fantastic!