HARANA

Last night I dragged my family to the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza to watch HARANA, the Filipino musical presented by the Philippine Opera Company.
I did not tell them what we were going to watch. I just used my authority, I told them two days prior to reserve Saturday night, we hear mass at 6, quick dinner at 7 and opera at 8 pm. I also invited Jill, my son’s girlfriend. They all said yes.

Kids nowadays know nothing about our past. I wanted my children to remember who they really are. We are not Black-eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Boys II Men. I want them to be conscious of our Filipino heritage. I am a corny and sentimental mother, I know.

I grew up hearing these songs from my mother. When I became a mom myself, I was not as strict but I managed to teach my kids how to sing “Bahay Kubo”.

We were about 20 minutes late because we ate first. We missed some good songs like Leron-leron Sinta, Sitsiritsit and Penpen De Sarapen. But still, the remaining numbers were a delight and I am truly happy that my family also enjoyed the performances and the songs too.

Congratulations to Karla Gutierrez, Jack Salud and all the artists. They did an excellent job.

Charley Magalit (Soprano)

The first ACT was a medley of classic Kundiman songs and our old favorite children’s songs namely,

Ili-ili, Tilibum, Si filemon, Lubi-ubi, L:eron leron Sinta, Penpen de Sarapen, Sitsiritsit all by anonymous composers.

Dance Interlude:  Banong-Banong of Sulod, Kandagyan of the Ifugao and Pansak of the Yakan.

Second ACT was a homage to original Diva Sylvia La Torre and composers Levi Celerio (Waray-waray, No touch Filipino Kostum, Peksman and Kalesa by Ernani Cuenco.

They were dancing and moving that’s why it was hard to capture a still photo.

Karla Gutierrez sang The Prayer at our anniversary mass and was also one of the singers in the Jesus Christ Superstar mini opera held at our house.

The last part was a medley of contemporary Filipino songs composed by Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco, Willy Cruz.  They also sang Freddie Aguilar’s iconic  song “Anak” and Francisco Santiago’s Pilipinas Kong Mahal.

Janine Santos (Soprano),  Al Gatmaitan (Baritoner) , Twinkle Prietos (Soprano)

Ako ay Pilipino, by  George Canseco

Captured audience, Jill, Edmund, Julienne and Marvin. I was glad they also liked it.

My mother was actually the first one who initiated teaching Julienne how to sing the Bahay Kubo.

After the opera, my family and I left singing the Bahay Kubo.