Page 13 - 2017 JUL -DEC KAAKBAY

13July to December
2017

Maestro Raul Sunico Returns to New York Stage; Holds Masterclass with Young Musicians

L-R Jerry Sibal of JS Productions, Consul General Theresa L-R Edwin Josue of JS Productions, Santiago Lomelin, Rheal Balajadia,
Dizon-De Vega, Raul Sunico, Edwin Josue of JS Productions Alexandra Wong, Isabella Ma, Raul Sunico, Consul General De Vega, William
(photos by NYPCG) Chen, Prof. Cynthia de Leon of the Felipe De Leon Foundation, Jerry Sibal of
JS Productions at the Masterclass for young musicians.

Acclaimed Filipino pianist Raul Sunico delighted New Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega dubbed
York audiences with a well-received recital at the prestigious it a unique opportunity for a world classFilipino musician
Merkin Concert Hall in Manhattan on 21 October 2017. to interact with emerging performers in the US.

Mr. Sunico’s renowned talents were on full display Young Filipino-American pianist Rheal Darlyn
for a recital of works by Chopin, De Leon, Piazolla, Balajadia, who participated in the Masterclass for the first
Rachmaninoff, Liszt, and Ravel, among others. Maestro time, said that the advice given by Mr. Sunico will serve
Sunico was congratulated by a throng of admirers from the as an inspiration to further hone her skills in piano
Filipino-American Community and mainstream music performance.
audiences at the post-recital reception at Merkin Hall.
Mr. Sunico not only provided helpful tips to the
A few days earlier on 19 October 2017, Mr. Sunico young performers but also took to the keys to
shared his , and expertise with young musicians at a demonstrate ways to improve their piano playing. He
Masterclass on Piano Performance held at the Kalayaan Hall likewise educated the audience by providing information
of the Philippine Center in New York. The event organized by on different musical styles and background inputs on the
the Philippine Consulate General in cooperation with JS composers and the chosen pieces.
Productions and the Felipe De Leon, Jr. Foundation was held
as part of the commemorative activities for Filipino-American
History Month.

Global Language Project Launches Lea Salonga Recording of Philippine Folk Music, “Bahaghari”

The Global Language Project, through GLP Music, launched on 14 December 2017 at the Philippine Center in New
York its latest initiative to promote foreign language and culture appreciation. The album “Bahaghari” features new
recordings and arrangements of Philippine Folksongs performed by Tony-winner Lea Salonga.

The song selections come from different regions of the Philippines and are performed in a variety of Philippine
languages like Capampangan, Bicolano, Bisaya, Ilonggo, Ilocano and Tagalog. Among the popular songs featured include;
Pobreng Alindahaw, Tinikling, Atin Cu Pung Singsing, Ili Ili Tulog Anay, Pamulinawen, Sarung Banggi, and Leron Leron Sinta,
among others.

In his remarks at the launch, GLP A & R Music Director Rex Niswander, thanked Ms. Salonga for taking part in this
latest undertaking of the Global Language Project and expressed the hope that more and more young people would be
encouraged to learn foreign languages and cultures through music.

Representing the Philippine Consulate General at the event, Consul General Theresa
Dizon-De Vega lauded the entire team behind the project and expressed support for the initiative
towards engendering more inclusive and multi-cultural interests among young Filipino-
Americans.

Ms. Salonga sang two selections from the album, “Ili Ili Tulog Anay” and “Paruparong
Bukid” to the great admiration of those present. GLP Music was established to introduce young

people to different world languages and cultures through musical recordings. It won the Latin
Grammy award in 2014 for Best Latin Children’s Album for “Coloreando” featuring Marta Gomez.

Bahaghari is produced by Ryan Cayabyab, Angela Jackson, and Rex Niswander and International artist Lea Salonga with Mr.
was recorded in Manila, Philippines.
Rex Niswander of the Global Language
Project and GLP Music .