DR. RAUL M. SUNICO (6th from left) with the 40th Anniversary Festival Musical Suite Teaser performers.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) carry on its life beginning anew with their 40th anniversary celebration.

It was a successful start as the celebration began last February when the CCP opened the “Pasinaya” Festival that coincided with the National Arts Month. Now, the almost nine-month celebration will come to its peak as the foundation day of CCP nears. Created in 1966 through Executive Order No. 30, with the purpose of promoting and preserving Filipino arts and culture, it was formally inaugurated on Sept. 8, 1969 by then First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos.

At the recent press conference for CCP 40th anniversary held at CCP’s Main Theater Lobby, CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dr. Raul M. Sunico pointed out their main goal, “We must emulate what is really excellent (pertaining to our Filipino world-class talents) to the global arena.” He also stressed that with the successful run of the just-concluded Cinemalaya Film Festival, “we really have the talent to go international.”

CCP has four resident dance companies: Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theatre, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company. Tanghalang Pilipino is the CCP’s resident theater company, while music is represented by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the UST Symphony Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation (NAMCYA).

The press conference also presented to the media the 40th Anniversary Festival Musical Suite Teaser which had presentations from Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and Coro Tomasino who performed a soulful “Dahil Sa Iyo,” with models exhibiting out colorful designed Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog.

“Anghel na Bato,” a sonnet by Bienvenido Lumbera, was interpreted by Nonie Buencamino with the accompaniment of Renato Lucas on cello.

PPO accompanied Mayumi Morales and Isay Alvarez who gave life to their rendition of “Lipad, Lipad” and “Magsimula Ka” respectively, followed by their duet, “Ngayon Pa Lang, Tagumpay Ka Na.”

Associate artistic Director for Theater Operations Department Ariel S.R. Yonzon gave the run down of event for the month of August and September – September, being the culminating gala month of CCP’s 40th anniversary.

CCP presents…

From Aug. 18-22, the First CCP National Choral Competition 2009 will be held at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater). The competition brings together 23 best choirs from different regions across the country that will compete in the children’s choir, mixed choir, sacred and folk music categories. The event also includes a special concert by the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers on Aug. 21.

The CCP resident companies, together with first-class performing arts talents will present a dazzling musical extravaganza in the CCP 40th Anniversary Gala event on Sept. 8, the founding day of the CCP, headed by Conductor Laureate Oscar Yatco and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

On Sept. 11, “Seven Arts, One Imelda” pays tribute to former First Lady Imelda Marcos, as Founding Chair of the CCP. The special night of performances will highlight the talents of the Filipino artists supported by Madame Marcos. It will be directed by Alex Cortez, concept/script by Floy Quintos and music direction by Josefino Chino Toledo and Ryan Cayabyab.

Internationally acclaimed artists Filipina pianist Cecile Licad and German cellist Alban Gerhardt will perform in two special concerts: Duo performance slated on Sept. 15, and with the PPO under the baton of Oscar Yatco on Sept. 16.

On Sept. 18, all CCP incumbent and former officers and employees will gather in a night of “Tipanan at Gabi ng Parangal ng CCP Gawad SINAG” at the CCP Main Theater. The CCP Gawad SINAG (or Saludo sa Isang Natatanging Ambag o Gawa) also gives recognition to CCP employees who have made significant contributions to the development of the CCP as a national arts institution and in the implementation of its thrusts and mandate in culture and arts work.

Likewise, a multi-media and multi-sensory exhibit entitled “Daloy: 40 Years,” which chronicles the development of the CCP as a cultural institution, opens at the CCP Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery) on Sept. 18, and will be on view up to Nov. 8.

On Sept. 24, a commemorative magazine entitled “Genesis,” will be launched at the CCP Main Theater Lobby. Named after H.R. Ocampo’s fiery mural and penned by some of the country’s distinguished writers, the magazine provides the readers with information on the CCP’s past and present programs and directions, honor significant personalities who contributed to the achievements of CCP, and activities marking the CCP’s 40th anniversary.

Finally, the CCP Outreach and Exchange Division celebrates its 30th anniversary with a commemorative CD entitled “Lakbay Himig,” a compilation of the best musical creations and performances by 30 of the country’s most prominent musical artists, to be launched on Sept. 30 at the CCP Main Theater Lobby.

With the CCP Business and Master Development Plan now being implemented, Dr. Sunico stated, “We are planning to have an additional 60 hectares for CCP in establishing more museums, libraries, theaters, and the like. Hopefully, we really want this to push through.”

For more information, visit the CCP website: www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.