The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) brought world-class music to Antique on Friday with a concert at the University of Antique Sibalom campus, marking its seventh performance in the province.
Led by conductor Herminigildo Ranera, the orchestra presented a two-hour program that featured Dvorak’s Carnival Overture, Anderson’s Serenata, Jenkins’ Palladio, and Ennio Morricone’s Sergio Leone Suite with cellist Giancarlo Gonzales.
Filipino artistry took center stage with a medley of Tagalog classics arranged by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, and selections from Miss Saigon performed by tenor Arman Ferrer and theater actress Shiela Valderrama. The evening concluded with film scores from Harry Potter, Superman, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Mission: Impossible, along with a medley of Filipino rock hits.
The concert opened with a traditional performance from the Ati community of Tobias Fornier, showcasing Tatay Miroy Karinyosa.
Organized with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Sen. Loren Legarda, the PPO’s return underscored Antique’s rise as a cultural hub.
“Ang muling pagtatanghal ng PPO ay isang paanyaya para sa ating mga kasimanwa na magdiwang, mangarap, alalahanin na ang ating lalawigan ay isang makulay at mahalagang bahagi ng bansang Pilipino,” Legarda said.
“Naging huli man ang ating pag-usbong, taas noo nating ipagmalaki na hindi tayo mapag-iiwanan pagdating sa kagandahan at kaayusan ng kapaligaran, sa talento, at sa mayaman nating kultura at diwa bilang Antiqueño,” she added.
The PPO first performed in Antique in 1993 and has since staged concerts in Anini-y, Tibiao, San Jose, and Pandan.
