FIRST SAY:
We are the pure and the chosen few, and all the rest are damned,
There’s room enough in hell for you—we don’t want heaven crammed.
—Old English plebeian satire as quoted by Christopher Hitchens
—o0o—
There is no better time than this Christmas season for the Office of the President and Radio-TV Malacañang to invite the leaders of the movie and entertainment industry to a festive event—a concert, no less.
The cheerful and jovial mood of this month might just be the answer to dissipate the vitriolic hatred that characterized recent days in our political landscape.
Last Sunday night, Dec. 15, a day before Simbang Gabi, the palace opened its doors and windows to the country’s biggest stars in the entertainment business, artistic talents, and film industry workers for the fifth edition of the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” (Concert at the Palace), honoring the invaluable contributions of local cinema to the nation’s arts, culture, and economy.
Filipino actors, singers, entertainers and artists truly deserve such a tribute as the year 2024 ends, since this year saw at least two great achievements by our homegrown creatives who have successfully “invaded” the international stage during the last quarter of the year.
First, we refer to the extraordinary feat of Sofronio Vasquez, a singer from Ozamiz City, who was recently named grand champion in the 26th edition of “The Voice USA.” Vasquez rendered a powerful interpretation of the songs “Unstoppable” and “A Million Dreams.” Sofronio Vasquez received $100,000 in cash prize and a recording contract with Universal Music Group.
We note that Vasquez reached the top with the help of his coach, singer Michael Buble.
Sofronio, at 32, is a model of patience, tenacity and determination. It was a long and hard journey to achieve professional growth. He auditioned for “The Voice Philippines” but failed to make it. “Tawag ng Tanghalan” also rejected him. He migrated to the United States in 2022. Sofronio’s first attempt to break into “The Voice USA” was unsuccessful.
Showing that no hurdle is strong enough to discourage him, Sofronio made a second attempt and was chosen as a contestant. Then, he won the grand prize.
Another record broken
Another achievement worth noting is the phenomenal box-office record set by the movie “Hello, Love, Again” starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards—P1.4 billion, on top of its positive reviews following its local and international releases. The film has become the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time.
“Hello, Love, Again” is also the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time in the Middle East. It grossed $1.4 million in its regional run in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabi, and Oman. The movie also raked in big money in its releases in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Norway, Sweden and Papua New Guinea. A testament that the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were all out in supporting this Kathryn-Alden starrer.
Kathryn, Alden and the film’s director and producers deserved the honor of being invited to Malacañang to receive personal praises and encouragement from the First Lady, Mrs. Louise Araneta Marcos. Congratulations are in order for ABS-CBN and GMA 7 for this phenomenal achievement, as the two companies financed and produced this movie.
Palace concert
With the theme “Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino” (For the Filipino Film Industry), the gathering showcased a lineup of world-class performers, including Dane Mercado, a medalist at the World Championship of Performing Arts; Molly Langley; Jon Joven and Gian Magdangal; Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild; and Zsa Zsa Padilla.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the celebration, accompanied by Cabinet members. Among those in the audience were Christopher De Leon, Sharon Cuneta and her husband, former senator Kiko Pangilinan, Tirso Cruz III, Lorna Tolentino, Vice Ganda, Gladys Reyes, Lani Mercado and husband Sen. Bong Revilla, Christine Reyes and Senator Robinhood Padilla. This lineup of showbiz personalities coming from the erstwhile Marcos-Duterte Uniteam and the Liberal Party-Robredo camp showed that if there is anything that could unite our leaders, it is their avowed love for the movies and entertainment.
“Konsyerto sa Palasyo” celebrates the creative achievements of Filipino singers, dancers and performers while preserving the rich heritage of local films.
The event continued the tradition of themed concerts hosted by Malacañang, with previous editions honoring soldiers, athletes, teachers and healthcare workers.
In a previous meeting with showbiz denizens, President Bongbong Marcos expressed the hope that the leaders of the entertainment industry would “continue to strive to raise the standards of our films and our shows at the same time. It is also my wish that you make use and maximize the advantages brought about by new tools, new technologies, [and] new platforms to showcase Filipino excellence and artistry on the world stage.”
Marcos also acknowledged how the film and television industries help promote the rich culture of the Filipino people and reiterated his administration’s support to entertainment stakeholders. He also vowed the government’s unceasing recognition of Filipino talents here and abroad.
We hope President Marcos will flesh out these encouraging words for our creatives.
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