JR Bustamante, On February 2, 2012

If you are a foreigner and want to know more about what Filipinos are like?  Then there is one place where you can get a glimpse of the Filipino nature and what makes them tick.  The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is not just a structure where performances are held but it is a home to struggling artists, a haven to young Filipinos who are eager to share their God-given talents but need financial support. The CCP is a family of artists that includes ballet dancers, stage thespians, folk dancers, singers, choirs, film makers and musicians who share their talents to the public almost for nothing.

Since our indigenous history, our progress in the arts, and the integration of foreign influence in our cultures are showcased in this grand stage. It is but right that we don’t hesitate to support and patronize this representation of our heritage and identity to the outside world. This grand dame of the arts is slowly aging and her maintenance and upkeep is more costly than what our government can handle so she needs generous individuals and corporations to help her out.

Construction repairs, stage equipment replacements, training expenses, and financial help for the performers are just some of the burden of expenses that CCP carries on its back.  Most of the funds for these are taken from donations, tickets, and memberships.  Since this is a non-political or profit-making institution, fundraisers may be the only way to pull in resources. and bring light to this situation. At the very least, if all could just join the membership of P1,000 then aside from supporting CCP, this two-way road will benefit each member with updates and certain privileges. But the greatest satisfaction for each member is to be a part of the CCP family and being the beneficiary of the hard work and effort put in by the artists.


Upcoming events to watch out for include:

EYEBALL: NEW VISIONS IN PHILIPPINE THEATER
Date & Time: February 3, 4, 10, 11, at 8:00pm; February 4, 5, 11, 12, at 3:00pm

A selection of the best plays from the Virgin Labfest: The hilarious Bakit Wala Nang Nagtatagpo sa Philcoa Oberpas by Carlo Pacolor Garcia (Directed by Riki Benedicto) tells the story of a man and a woman who decide to meet at the Philcoa Overpass after months of flirting online; In Doc Resureccion, Gagamutin ang Bayan by Layeta Bucoy (Directed by Tuxqs Rutaqio), a well-meaning doctor runs for Mayor only to find out that the community he so wanted to help desires a different path for itself; Discover the question confronted by a mother in Reuel Molina Aguila’s bittersweet Maliw (Directed by Chris Millado); Nick Pichay’s Isang Araw sa Karnabal (Directed by Chris Millado) is about two former activists, both with missing loved ones, meeting again after a long time and attempting to men broken ties.


PHILIPPINE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA SEASON CONCERT VI: JAMES JUDD AND THE ITALIAN SYMPHONY
Date & Time: February 17 at 8:00pm
Venue : Philamlife Theater
Tickets : P 1,000/P800/P500/P350/P200

The February Season concert of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra presents, for the internationally renowned British conductor James Judd, who has conducted many of the top orchestras in the world and has worked with some of today’s most electrifying soloists. Joining conductor Judd is the concertmaster of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Vesa Matti Leppanen, for Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Also on this programme are the joyful Candide Overture of Leonard Bernstein and the energetic Italian Symphony of Felix Mendelssohn!

For directions, click map here.

For a more detailed list of events and schedules, visit their website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

CCP is to be appreciated as the world’s window to the Filipino’s heart and essence.  It is our contribution to world culture and the public’s haven from the daily stress and worries. The cost of the ticket may not even cover half the cost of production which includes the time, effort, transportation, frustrations, missed personal obligations, health and injuries. There is no value one can attach to the love of performing or work of love.  So  give the love back and patronize CCP’s world-class performances, you will always get more than what you paid for.