Office of Senator Edgardo J.

Angara

Cultural Center of the Philippines

National Historical Commission of the Philippines

National Commission for Culture and the Arts

In cooperation with the

Municipality of Baler

Province of Aurora

Magkaibigan
present

a gala performance in celebration of

PHILIPPINE-SPANISH FRIENDSHIP DAY
and the
BICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION
OF THE
SPANISH CONSTITUTION OF 1812

June 29, 2012 / 8:00pm

Sentro Baler, Baler, Aurora
 P ROGRA M ME
The programme will focus on the friendship developed by the Filipino-Spanish people
through many centuries. The cultural ties forged by both countries have been renewed and
the tree of comradeship has grown. The performances featuring world class artists speak
of the harmony that binds the two nations to bring them to a brighter future.

Lobby Area:
Pre-performance music Baler National High School Band
Exhibitions Tipos del Pais and
Through the Eyes of The Baler 8

Program Proper inside Sentro Baler:

Philippine National Anthem

Spanish National Anthem

Opening Remarks Hon. Mayor Arturo J. Angara

Welcome Remarks Hon. Governor Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo

Message Hon. Senator Edgardo J. Angara

Audio Visual Presentation Ten Years of Celebrating Philippine-Spanish

Friendship and the Bi-Centennial of the First
Spanish Constitution of 1812

Paisaje Musical Baler Youth Rondalla

Sonrisas de amistad Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe
with the Ilongot and Dumagat Dancers

Bukidnon Sketches Bukidnon State University Chorale

Mercibelle Barroso-Abejuela
Ati
Peter Macrohon

Puerto Escondido (Hidden Port) Marta Fernandez Portillo, poet

Filipinas Mae Jennie Gallegos, Karizza Mae Alminiana,

Trio Los Panchos Kyan Querijero, Jaya Gallegos
Music Scholars of Sen. Edgardo J. Angara

Cavatina Renato Lucas, cello

Nicanor Abelardo
Asturias
Albeniz

Bailamos Nel Canto
Paul Barry and Mark Taylor

La Edad Del Porvenir Javier Alvarez, guitar

Sunset Boulevard

Philippine Panorama Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe

Jurame Andrew Fernando, baritone

Maria Grever

Bituing Marikit Camille Lopez-Molina, soprano

Nicanor Abelardo

Halik Ballet Philippines

Paul Morales, choreography Candice Adea
Jed Balsamo, music First Prize, Senior Women’s Division
2012 Helsinki International Ballet
Competition, Finland
Jean Marc Cordero
Special Jury Award for Best in Pas
de Deux Technique
2012 Helsinki International Ballet
Competition, Finland

Makikiliti Kang Totoo Camille Lopez-Molina, soprano

from the sarswela Walang Sugat Andrew Fernando, baritone
by Severino Reyes

Flor de Manila Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe

Lahat ng Araw Ballet Philippines

Alden Lugnasin, choreography

Jotas Filipinas Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe

Ngayon, Bukas, at Kailanman Sarah Geronimo

Louie Ocampo
theme song of the movie Baler

Pista sa Pilipinas Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe

As we move into the future, our peoples look forward with the hope that the solidarity we
fostered in the past will continue long into the next generations. With tokens of friendship,
we commemorate our eternal bond and toast to a more prosperous and peaceful time
ahead of us! Mabuhay!

La Celebración Ensemble
 CAMILLE
LOPEZ MOLINA
soprano
Camille Lopez Molina
studied voice at the
University of the
Philippines College of
Music. She obtained her
Professional Diploma
in Music, majoring in
Opera Studies, from the
Hong Kong Academy
for Performing Arts
in 1996. She then
proceeded to Vienna, Austria where she studied Gesang
until 2001 at the Konservatorium der Stadt Wien under
Prof. Marija Sklad-Sauer and Prof. Julia Conwell. She has
sung in opera, operetta, oratorio, music theater, zarzuela,
concerts and recials. She is a frequent guest artist of
the major orchestras in the Philippines - the Philippine
Philharmonic Orchestra, the Manila Symphony Orchestra,
and the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra - having
ANDREW
FERNANDO
baritone
US-based International
Filipino Baritone
Andrew Fernando is the
First Prize winner of the
prestigious 2003 Loren
L. Zachary National
Vocal Competition in
the United States and an alumnus of the world renowned
San Francisco Opera Merola Program. Also a prize winner
in the Metropolitan Opera National Auditions in the Los
Angeles district and in the Pacific region, The Palm Springs
Opera Vocal Competition, a recipient of the Opera Buffs
Inc. scholarship grant and the Grand Prize winner in the
Pasedena Opera Guild Vocal competition in 2004 and a
grand finalist in the Licia Albanese Puccini International
Vocal Competition held in New York in 2003. He was
Opera Pacific’s resident baritone from 1999-2002 where
he worked constantly with internationally acclaimed
conductor John De Main. Andrew was the recipient of the
2009 Opera Buffs Inc. Career Achievement Award.
He has performed as principal artist with a number of
prestigious opera companies and orchestras around world.
The Los Angeles Times has hailed him as “The young
singer to watch.” In 2005, Andrew made his debut with
the Syrinx Concerts Orchestra in Cote D ’ azur France and
recorded the Tone Poem Sa Dalampasigan with the Global
Symphony Orchestra in the Philippines. Also in the 2005-
2006 seasons, Andrew gave an acclaimed performance as
Count Almaviva in the Singapore Lyric Opera production of
Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro & gave full concerts all over
performed under conductors such as Yaacov Bergman,
Piero Gamba, Jerome Hoberman, Oscar Yatco, Eugene
Castillo, Ruggero Barbieri, and Julian Quirit. As a member
of the ARNOLD SCHOENBERG CHOR, she performed in the
world-premiere of Luciano Berio’s CRONACA DEL LUOGO
at the Salzburg Festspiele, as well as in PROGETTO POLLINI
at the Salzburg Mozarteum.
Ms. Molina is a three-time ALIW AWARDEE (2009, 2010
and 2011) for Best Female Classical Performer. She has
also served as Chairman of the Voice Competitions of the
National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA).
She is one of the founders and artistic director of VIVA
VOCE VOICE WORKSHOP, an intensive summer voice
camp, the first of its kind in the Philippines. Most recently,
she was music director and vocal coach of the following:
Dulaang UP’s production of Padilla de Leon’s opera, NOLI
ME TANGERE, St. Scholastica’s College Manila and Manila
Symphony Orchestra’s production of Mozart’s COSI FAN
TUTTE, and FilFest Music Festival’s production of Donizetti’s
L’ELISIR D’AMORE featuring the young singers of Viva Voce
Voice Workshop. At present, she is a member of the Voice
Faculties of St. Scholastica’s College School of Music and
the University of the Philippines College of Music.
the USA. Andrew sang Rigoletto with Townsend Opera
Players in Modesto in February 2007 to critical acclaim.
Musical America called him “A major presence!” Andrew’s
2007-2008 season include his debut season with New York
City Opera and his participation in their productions of
Cendrillon and Tosca. In his 2008-2009 season, Andrew
returned to the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra as
the baritone soloist of Lucio San Pedro’s tone poem
Sa Dalampasigan and received critical acclaims for his
performance as the Dog, Badger and Harasta in The Cunning
Little Vixen and as the Man with the Mule in The Clever One
with Long Beach Opera. In the 2009-2010 season, Andrew
participated in the world premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s
first opera Séance on a wet afternoon. He will be heard
in the Philippines as Baritone soloist of Beethoven’s Ninth
Symphony with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
at the San Agustin Church. In the recent past season,
Andrew was invited by his alma mater the University of
Santo Tomas to sing Alfio in the production of Cavalleria
Rusticana as part of the 400th Anniversary celebration of
the University. He sang his first Verdi Requiem as baritone
soloist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in March
2011. He just recently finished a tour in Minnesota, USA
reprising his role as Powhatan in Tutas Haugen’s and Von
Torne’s opera “Pocahontas” staged by Duluth Festival Opera
where he was praised by critics for his powerful rendition
of the role. He returned to Jakarta Aula Simfonia to sing
the baritone solo in Haydn’s The Seasons last January 2012
and performed the role of Germont in the Cultural Center
of the Philippines’ production of Verdi’s La Traviata in
March of 2012. He also appeared as Sharpless at the CCP/
MusicArtes production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly this
June 2012 and also for CCP, Andrew is singing the role of
Don Basillio in Rossini’s Il Barbiere Di Siviglia in July 2012. In
August of 2012, Andrew returns to Singapore Lyric Opera
as Lescaut in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut.
 RENATO Filipino Artist Series, Coke Bolipata’s Pundaquit Arts
LUCAS Festival, and the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ Festival to name
a few.
cello

Lucas was privileged His versatility was much sought after, he has worked with
to have studied at practically the whole spectrum of music collaborating pop
the University of icons Ryan Cayabyab, Basil Valdez; contemporary composers
the Philippines, from the Asia-Pacific Region, contemporary dancers like
San Francisco Myra Beltran; film scoring collaborations with Nonong
Conservatory of Buencamino/ Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Recent collaboration
Music (USA), Royal includes accompanying the renowned Filipina pianist
Northern College Cecile Licad & training the Pundaquit Chamber Orchestra.
of Music (England), Recent concerts include the monumental Dvorak Cello
Hochschule fuer Concerto with the State Philharmonic Brno (Czech) which
Musik Detmold featured Lucas in their Asian tour. Discography includes
(Germany) and recordings with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s
Universitaet Homecoming I Concert of Bruch’s Kol Nidre which drew
der Kunst Berlin rave reviews and was released on CD. Recent CD recording
(Germany). He held entitled ROMANZA (Tawid/Ivory with Raul Sunico) which
the Principal Cellist position of the Philippine Philharmonic received the 2006 Awit Awards for Best Instrumental
Orchestra for three decades and appeared as soloist and Recording.
conductor in various occasions as well as appearances with
many ensembles like the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Lucas currently holds an Associate Professorship at the
Manila Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Manila, the Metro University of Santo Tomas. He holds an M. A. History from
Manila Symphony Orchestra and the UST Symphony the UST Graduate School with his thesis on the History of
Orchestra. He also performed in various music festivals, the Symphony Orchestra in the Philippines (also reading
cello recitals, chamber music performances like the CCP’s his Ph.D. in Cultural History) and is a Research Fellow for
the University’s Center for Intercultural Studies.

MARTA FERNANDEZ PORTILLO

“Conscious wind / we sail the earth / everything else / are objects / moving away / not
under command.” These verses are the beginning of a poem written by Marta while on
board. A Spanish Philologist and a sailing-lover since she was a child, Marta exchanged
her job as a teacher and education manager to become a simple sailor aboard the
Galeon during three months. She went from the classroom to the paints store, from her
office to the foremast crow’s nest and its incredible views.

After this journey she conceived the book titled Voz de Fortuna (Emergency Voice) where
poems and chronicles are combined. This book is in edition process at the moment. She
already had some of her poems published in Extraviada (Misplaced) by Arcibel Editores.
As an artist, Marta has been more than 10 years in the field of poetry experimentation;
performing up to date many different actions where spoken word is the leading role. She
worked in collaboration with many artists from different disciplines, proving that she
understand creation as a continuous search. She consider recitals as an unrepeatable act
of interaction with spectators in a given place and time. Poetry told aloud because this
way words spark off their deepest meanings.

JAVIER
ÁLVAREZ
guitar

He was a homegrown talent from Cuatro Caminos in Madrid.

Born in 1969, Álvarez studied Philology in London. Upon coming
back, he used to play in the Madrid subway and at the Parque del
Retiro. He also performed in bars but, unlike the more traditional
songwriters of his time, his main influences were of the pop genre,
drawing inspiration the likes of ABBA, Michael Jackson, James
Taylor, The Eagles, Tracy Chapman, Nanci Griffith, Suzanne Vega
and Emmylou Harris. He released his first album two years later where he collaborated with several other artists such as
Ana Belén, Víctor Manuel, Luis Pastor, and Pedro Guerra. His succeeding albums can be described to have a more electronic
sound and whose words can be described as “radical”. His single, “Padre” (Father, in English) was banned by major radio
stations.

He released his latest creation was in 2009 entitled “Guerrero Álvarez” which he divided in two- Face A and Face B- the first
half having an electronic sound and the second half leaning towards rock with a hint of the classics.
 SARAH GERONIMO
vocalist

One of the country’s best singers, pop princess Sarah Geronimo is just
unstoppable. After she emerged Grand Champion in Star for a Night,
her career just sky rocketed to stardom. Since then her albums have
always made it on the platinum level and her concerts sold out. She
has also starred in various TV shows—Sarah: The Teen Princess, Bituing Walang Ningning and Pangarap na Bituin and
gained box office queen status when she co-starred along side John Lloyd Cruz in A Very Special Love and sequel You
Changed my Life. Sarah’s wholesome personality also made her a sought after product endorser for Jollibee, Sony
Ericsson, Globe, Sunsilk and a lot more. She is a regular in ASAP’09. This 21-year old, actress, singer, model and host
has made a name for herself in the both in the entertainment and music industry with her talent.

is globally recognized as the country’s flagship company in

ballet and contemporary dance.

With a treasure trove of over 400 works, Ballet Philippines’

BALLET PHILIPPINES
Paul Morales, Artistic Director
Founded in 1969 by Alice Reyes with the support of Eddie
Elejar and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ballet
Philippines (BP) is widely recognized today as a cornerstone
of the Filipino cultural identity. Its audience represents a
cross-section of Manila’s populace and includes visitors
from around the country and around the world. Each
year outreach and educational programs introduce new
generations of audience members not only to dance,
but to music and visual art as well. BP’s official school,
the CCP Dance School, continues to produce dancers of
international caliber. As the dance company in residence
at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ballet Philippines
wide ranging, eclectic repertory is unparalleled in Asia. From
full-length classical ballets and internationally recognized
masterworks to indigenous works of Filipino folklore and
social issues, the company weaves a colorful tapestry of
the Philippine’s rich and diverse cultural heritage – uniquely
and distinctly Filipino. The Company’s achievements,
coupled with the generous and prestigious support
of numerous local and national funding sources, have
dramatically strengthened BP’s position as a world-class
ballet company within the local, national, and international
arts communities. As the Philippines’ premiere dance
company, now in its 42nd season, BP continues its vision
of nurturing the best Filipino dance artists, in year long
program of professional and developmental dance.

LAHING BATANGAN DANCE TROUPE
Lyceum University of the Philippines
Batangas City
Rodel Fronda, Artistic Director & Choreographer
Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe, the official dance company
of the Lyceum of the Philippines University (Batangas),
marks 15 years of advocacy to the authentic Philippine arts
and culture. Founded in 1995, the group is a duly accredited
proponent of the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts (NCCA), duly recognized by the Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP), and is enjoying a reputation as one of
the premiere folk dance troupes in the country. Starting as
a fledgling university-based dance troupe, Lahing Batangan
gradually soared to greater heights as the ultimate cultural
ambassadors not only of the university but of the entire
Batangas Province as well.
NEL CANTO is an ensemble of highly experienced and vocally gifted
gentlemen from the ranks of the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the UST Singers.
With its diverse backgrounds, and passion for music, and a little encouragement
from those who believe in them, the group decided to pool their talents and
collaborate on an ambitious project and share joys with everyone. The group
hopes to bring their music closer to the general public through classical to
operatic adaptations of popular music.
BUKIDNON STATE UNIVERSITY
CHORALE
Mercibelle Barroso-Abejuela, choir director
The Bukidnon State University Chorale is the premier
cultural group of Malaybalay academic istitution. It is a
mixed choir composed of students and employees of the
University. The choir is a two-time champion, in 2006 and
2008, of the Mindano-Wide choral competition of the
Mindanao Association of State Colleges and Universities
Foundation. The choir has also been a two-time consecutive
first runner-up in the National Competition for Choirs of
the Philippine Association of Universities and Colleges,
In 2002, the dance company broke grounds by being
one of the featured artists for the Intramuros’ “Concert
Night at the Old Walls” and participating in the 2002
Philippine Independence Day Grand Parade at the Quirino
Grandstand, Luneta as part of the WOW Philippines
contingent. In January 2003, Lahing Batangan staged its
first full-length concert at the “Concert at the Park” in
Rizal Park, Luneta featuring Mindanao festival dances. As
an accredited performing group duly recognized by the
Department of Tourism, the group is a regular performer in
several formal tourism activities and functions in Batangas
province and nearby areas and the metropolis. The group
is now a veteran of performance tours all over the country
as it showcased its cultural brilliance through the various
projects of NCCA including Sayaw Pinoy (A Touring Concert)
and International Dance Xchange.
Since 2003, Lahing Batangan was a special participant of the
CCP major dance production entitled “Sari-Saring Sayaw,
Sama-Samang Galaw: Mga Tradisyon at Interpretasyon”
held annually at the CCP Main Theater. The group has also
been a constant figure in the roster of performers invited
by the CCP for the annual National Folkdance Workshop
for Teachers. The group was also one of the participating
performing groups in the Opening Ceremonies of the 23rd
South East Asian Games held at Subic Bay Freeport Zone
in November 2005. Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe had
already staged four major dance concerts showcasing full-
length all-Filipino repertoire in their home ground Lyceum
of the Philippines University (Batangas) and had already
ventured in three major international tours.
in 2006 in Malolos, Bulacan and in 2008 in the Philippine
Normal University, Manila.
The group is the resident performer at the Cultural Night
“Piniliyapan” of the Annual Kaamulan Festival of the
Province of Bukidnon. They had performed in various
high profile government functions. Under the tutelage of
Mercibelle Barroso-Abejuela, the group has specialized
in Bukidnon ethnic music. Recently, they represented
the Philippines for the 2011 Prague Quadrennial of
Performance Design and Space in Prague, Czech Republic
on June 2011. They also performed at the inauguration
of the exhibition of traditional Philippine garments at the
Blumentritt-Rizal Bastion in Litomerice, Czech Republic.
They also participated in two celebrations marking the
Philippines 113th Independence Day in Prague, with a
diplomatic reception at the Hotel Hilton Celnice and at
the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus. The chorale unleashed
its boundless gifts of talents and brought Philippines to
the world stage through music and dance for the 150th
Birthday Celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal at Námestí Republiky
in Prague. Recently, they performed in Baguio City last
February 2012 during the Grand Alumni Homecoming of
the Philippine Military Academy, sponsored by the Class of
1982.
Carmencita “Chinggay” Jasareno Bernardo Executive Producer

Monino S. Duque Director

Gino Gonzales Stage Designer & Exhibit Curator
Arnel “Ato” Del Rosario Music Arranger
Dominique Garde Torres Writer

Sherwin Paay & Rosalyn de Mesa Program Emcees

Arnelio “Doods” Manzano Technical Director
Eduardo Murillo Stage Manager
Jayr Inocencio, Romnick Antonio, Jheyar Caguimbal Assistant Stage Managers
Elizabeth Baldovino Production Coordinator
Nolie Seneres, Mike Gomez, Harold Balabbo CCP Cultural Exchange Staff
Shantie de Roca, Edgar Aguja, Benjie Cabanilla CCP Technical Staff
Eugene Fronda, Elias Rosaban, Halie Rold Aldon CCP Technical Staff
Edgar Laganas, Jaime Sison & Felix Candelario CCP Administrative Assistants
Raul P. Hababag Graphic Designer
Bai Salina Pendatun-Ilagan Production Support, Office of Senator E.J. Angara
Riza del Rosario Production Support, Baler Office of the Mayor
Carminda Arevalo & Rose Sapitan Production Support, NHCP

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

JOSEFINO “Chino” TOLEDO

Images for photo panels by JAIME ZOBEL DE AYALA