‘Atong Saulogon’, ‘Siddhartha’ amazed audiences
AMAZING. It was an amazing concert that I saw last week at SM City Seaside where several talented elementary pupils and high school students of the Cebu Normal University (CNU) delighted the spectators. The show was a production of the CNU Integrated Laboratory School and the CNU Children & Youth Choir Parents’ Council. The concert was titled Atong Saulogon (Let’s Celebrate), the title of a Christmas song composed by Dennis Martin, a Pardohanon now working in Ireland.
DELIGHTFUL. The presentation was truly a delightful musical treat for all of us that were there to watch it. Conductor Niño James Bañares did a splendid job in mentoring all the young singers as well as the CNU String Ensemble and the J Band that provided the live accompaniment. Solo numbers were done by Cebu’s top tenor Zennith Rivera and Therese Villarante whose nice singing voice should be given more exposure in the future. Both can give their Manila counterparts a run for their money!
MUSICAL. Fortunately, I was also able to witness another amazing production last week, the 10th anniversary and the 100th staging of Siddhartha. The musical was a fantastic event based on the biography of Sakyamuni Buddha by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The show had homegrown talents performing major and minor roles, so I was in complete awe with the kind of performance that they did. For one, singer/ actor Cerj Michael was splendid in his role as the King and the rest of the members of the cast were equally superb in their respective parts.
AMAZING. Yes, the entire musical was so amazing. Musicality was perfect, although there was one instance when the head-worn microphone of one of the actors malfunctioned. But it was negligible. What makes the entire show more attractive to the eyes was the use of those colorful video support on the widescreen. Kudos to all those behind Siddhartha the musical. Two thumbs up to all of you, guys!
BARANGAYS. I noticed that only two barangays in Lapu-Lapu City are spreading the Christmas spirit by putting up those colorful lights on the center island when we enter Barangay Pajo from the first MandaueMactan bridge. Next to Pajo is Barangay Basak. Beyond Basak, there is nothing to delight the eyes. I thought the rest of the city’s barangays are ready to follow suit but it seems their leaders are not interested in spreading the feel of the yuletide season. How sad.
WINNERS. Next Monday, I shall announce here the result of the global dance competition of the staff and employees of Cebu Catholic Television Network during their annual Christmas party over the weekend. The contestants were divided into several groups representing various countries, so they were naturally garbed in colorful costumes. Congratulations to the winners! CONTROVERSY. So what if 10 Miss Universe 2017 candidates swam with the butandings off the seas of Oslob for their pictorial? What damage, if any, have they caused to the town’s number one tourist attraction? Is that enough reason that the video shots taken during the swim will no longer be shown during the actual pageant next year?