LOPEZ-SUPPORTED YOUTH ORCHESTRA HOLDS B.G.C. CONCERT

Members of the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) hold their first concert of 2019 at the Sun Life Amphitheater within the Bonifacio Global City Arts Center, Taguig City. The orchestra is the performing arm of Ang Misyon, a nonstock corporation supported by the Lopez Group of Companies-ABS-CBN Corp., First Gen Corp. and First Philippine Holdings Corp. The OFY repertoire showcased during the performance sponsored by Sun Life Foundation included classic pieces by Wagner, Handel and Schumann, as well as local songs such as Rey Valera’s “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” one of the OFY’s crowd favorites. In inset photo, Federico “Piki” Lopez (second from left), president and cofounder of Ang Misyon, and his wife Monina (left) share a light moment at the concert with Benedicto Sison (third from left), Sun Life Foundation trustee, and Alex Narciso (right), Sun Life Foundation president. OFY consists of young music scholars, many from less-privileged families and handpicked for their talent, passion and need. Since its formation in 2012, Ang Misyon has helped more than 900 scholars in its continuing effort to provide programs and services, such as professional music lessons and materials based on Ang Misyon’s curriculum, instrument support, opportunities for local and international performances, and service as junior mentors to younger scholars. The musical curriculum is also complemented by values formation and a counseling program. In 2018, the OFY had international performances at the Qatar National Library and the Katara Opera House in Qatar. Local OFY events last year included performances at Robinsons Galleria, ShangriLa Mall, Power Plant Mall and at the Qatar National Day in Makati Shangri-La.