Last night, Setember 29 marked the premier of "Ang Bagong Harana" presented by the Philippine Opera Company at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza.
I had the pleasure of attending this premier which awed me from start to finish. This also leaves me 2 more days to tell my friends about this wonderful musical experience which will take you back to your childhood days of songs and dances.
The Philippine Opera Company's production showcases Kundiman songs and folk songs from the Visayas and Mindanao regions including traditional Cordillera and Maranao chants. A task, which the cast members, admitted took intensive researching and months of rehearsals albeit their busy schedules.
Excerpts from songs of George Canseco, Willie Cruz and Ryan Cayabyab will also be heard such as Pangarap na Bituin, Ngayon at Kailanman, Kastilyong Buhangin and Sana'w Wala Nang Wagas to name a few. I am definite that most of the audience will hum to these tunes, even more, sing along (scenario last night in the auditorium).
Dance interludes were provided by The Ramon Obusan Folkric Group, also another spectacle to see in "Ang Bagong Harana" production. The ROFG boasts as a forerunner of Philippine folk dances performed closest to the original and was founded in 1972. They were also one of the resident dance companies of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Maglalatik, Pandanggo Sa Ilaw and Sayaw sa Bangko were some dances they performed that I recognized.
The icing on the cake for me during this show was when all the cast members sang the song "Anak" by Freddie Aguilar, a song that my mom would teasingly sing to me and admittedly, I'd feel a pang in my heart knowing that the song hits me, my life and my personality right on the dot. Tearjerker!
Indeed, Ang Bagong Harana is a musical journey every Filipino should take. Let us support Filipino talents. Make do without the foreign tunes for just one night and get re-acquainted with our own heritage and culture. A whole family attraction, it's high time to take your parents on a night out to something that they would truly appreciate. You will not be disappointed and would go home with a glow in your heart, feeling proud again to be Pinoy!
Directed by Floy Quintos, Ang Bagong Harana presented by the Philippine Opera Company will run from September 29 - 30 at 8pm and on October 1 at 3:30pm and 8pm respectively at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Makati City.
For tickets, please call:
Philippine Opera Company - 881-7168 or (917)527-2880
Ticketworld - 891-9999
\The powerhouse casts:
Twinkle Prietos – Soprano  | Al Gatmaitan – Baritoner  | Janine Santos – Soprano  |
Floyd Tena – Tenor  | Jurgen Unterberg – Tenor  | Lawrence Jatayna – Baritone  |
Jack Salud – Baritenor  | Karla Patricia Gutierrez – Soprano, Artistic and Managing Director, POC  | Nazer Salcedo – Tenor  |
Marian Santiago – Soprano  | Marvin Gayramon – Baritone  | Charley Magalit - Soprano  |
