CITY OF MALOLOS—Warming the hearts and spirit of Bulakenyos on a drizzling December night with classical orchestra masterpieces by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) is a dream come true for Senator Joel Villanueva.
The more than an hour transcending calmness and joy the group brings to the hearts and emotions of the officials and residents of Bulacan particularly the people of this capital city who were gathered at the grounds of the historic Barasoain Church on Monday evening gives fulfilment to the senator, one of today’s leading pride of the Bulakenyo race.
Amazed and inspired by the fine and soothing sounds and music of the PPO while watching them perform in orher regions, Villanueva had long dreamed to bring the group in his own province for his fellow Bulakenyos to also experience and enjoy.
Dubbed as “Isang Gabi ng Musika,” the concert reminds everyone of the significant role of Barasoain Church in the country’s freedom and democracy where the Malolos Constitution was crafted following the Malolos Congress on Sept. 15, 1898, the senator said.
“We do not only celebrate today and feel the spirit and joy of Christmas, but we remember and we give thanks and honor, Barasoain Church is the cradle of our freedom, the shrine of our democracy,” the senator said in his speech just before the orchestra jives with the night skies.
On Jan. 23,1889, the Malolos Constitution was ratified and gave birth to the First Philippine Republic which also later was known as the First Republic in Asia.
Michelle Nikki Junia, President of Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) expressed gratitude to Villanueva for being their partner in a similar dream which is to bring the culture, history and heritage of the country to the country side through the CCP and the PPO.
“It is our dream to bring culture and heritage to the regions, the provinces, the communities. This event gives significance to Barasoain Church which is not only a historic place but of beauty. That is what we are doing, we uphold beauty and goodness. We bring the country the top orchestra, the PPO which serenades us with beautiful and captivating classical, light music and Christmas songs that signify our Filipino culture and tradition ,” she said.
PPO is CCP’s very own symphony orchestra.
