Cultural Miscellanea

Fr. Pierre Tritz SJ received the Commander’s Cross, Order of Merit, from the German government through Ambassador Herbert D. Jess at the latter’s residence. Fr. Tritz was cited for sending over a hundred thousand children to school through the Education, Research, Development Association (erda) he founded and for giving refuge to thousands of street children and Hansenites.

At the 35th anniversary of Cultural Center of the Philippines (ccp), chairperson Emily Abrera and VP-Artistic Director Fernando Josef introduced the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s new music director and conductor Eugene Castillo to the press.

Castillo revealed himself to be passionate about music, classic and contemporary, and fiercely determined to mold the orchestra for the most discriminating audiences here and abroad. He intensely believes in the power of music to raise global social consciousness and inspire cultural tolerance.

Behind him is an impressive record that includes a Master of Music in Conducting degree earned with highest distinction from the California State U., being top finalist in the 1996 Freedman Conducting Challenge, recognitions from the City of Sacramento, California State Assembly and Senate, an award given in November 2002 and inserted in the US Congressional Record. He has had conducting stints with major orchestras in Europe, e.g. The Orquesta de Festival Internacional de Cadaques, Spain, the Royal Concertdebouw in Amsterdam, the BBC Symphony in London, and in the US, e.g. the National Symphony of Washington, DC.

Castillo believes the best contributions ever made are to the human spirit.

Quite logically, the Central Post Office lobby served as venue for the launch of the first series of Filipino architectural stamps under the auspices of the National Heritage Foundation. Postmaster General Antonio de Guzman and NCCA Chairperson Evelyn Pantig gave the welcome and closing remarks, respectively. Guest speaker Fr. Bernardo Perez, OSB pointed to the heritage sites commemorated as the Metropolitan Theater (designed by Juan Arellano), El Hogar Filipino, the hksb, the U. of Manila (built in 1913), the Luneta Hotel, the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol and the Uychoco Building.

Mita Rufino, president of the National Heritage Foundation, and Bambi Harper who conceptualized the Heritage festival took part in the ceremonies.