| |
March 9, 2000
The
Philippine/Asian American Times sponsored a concert of the popular
Philippine Rondalla of Denver, a local orchestra. Rondalla music
is based on string instruments such as the guitar, bass, and mandolin.
Additionally, other string instruments include bandura, octavina,
and laud. The orchestra is made up of 14 musicians including Amy
Ashmann, Megan Buness, Julie Belleza, Marc Cordova, Pele Cordova,
Janet Culig, Chris Fernandez, Matt Fuller, Caliz de Guzman, Mitch
Pahang, Mike Scalese, Pepita Tuason, Mary Yardley, and Alice Yoder.
 Most
authentic and traditional Filipino music is performed on rondalla
instruments. At this performance, the Rondalla also performed
many popular songs especially arranged for the string instruments.
A special highlight was a vocal solo by Megan Buness who sang
Sa Kabukiran, a famous folk song. Sa Kabukiran means rice fields.
 (Tuason/Pahang)
Pepita Tuason, orchestra founder and music director, and Mitch
Pahang, assistant director, praised the dedicated musicians who
make up the Rondalla. As Colorado’s ambassadors of Philippine
instrumental music, the orchestra’s mission is to instill a genuine
pride in Philippine cultural heritage and preserve musical traditions.
Held
at the Filipino American Council of Colorado Cultural Center in
Edgewater, the event also included showings of the movie, Jose
Rizal. Rizal is a famous Filipino nationalist and martyr.
He was shot before a Spanish firing squad in 1896 for rebellion
and sedition. The Philippine Revolution (1896-98) was partially
precipitated by his execution. The movie chronicles his life and
his accomplishments. The movie has received over 70 major national
and international film awards.
  (Kitchen
and Ticket Volunteers) As with any FACC event, there were delicious
snacks prepared by volunteers. Nora Mercado, managing editor of
P/AAT, wanted to thank all of the volunteers who made the event
a success. The Philippine/Asian American Times has a new e-mail
address and web site URL. Mercado can be reached at: nora@philasian.com.
The website is http://www.philasian.com.
You
can get more information on FACC by contacting Giselle Rushford,
FACC president, at giselle@alisa.org.
|
|
