11 July 2012- A violin recital cum art exhibit, entitled, "The Philippines: Alive with music and color," held at the Chapelle Saint Louis of the Ecole Militaire in Paris on June 15, capped the week-long celebration in France of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
The event was a triple treat that highlighted the best of Philippine music, arts, and culture. It featured world class Filipino artists - violinist Alfonso Bolipata, pianist Jourdann Petalver and painter Manuel Baldemor.
In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to France Cristina G. Ortega noted that like our forebears who had demonstrated great courage and determination, a number of Filipinos today are making their mark in their chosen fields, through hard work and dedication. The acclamation given them not only locally but internationally brings joy and pride to the Philippines and the Filipino people.
The centuries old Chapelle Saint Louis, with its nearly perfect acoustics, provided the right mood and ambience for the violin recital of Mr. Alfonso Bolipata, accompanied by pianist Jordann Petalver.
Their repertoire of classical and Filipino compositions, received long, appreciative applauses from the audience, which included the diplomatic corps and the French public.
Mr. Alfonso Bolipata is one of the country's leading violinists. A seasoned performer, teacher, writer, and administrator, he has earned wide recognition for his performances and efforts in cultural development, including being awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines in the year 2000.
The Louvre-inspired quadrangle of the Ecole Militaire provided the perfect setting for the art exhibit of Mr. Manuel Baldemor. His paintings reflected the color and vibrancy of the Filipino people and its culture.
A consistent recipient of both local and international grants and awards, Mr. Baldemor was chosen artist-in-residence in Chile, Estonia, France, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and Portugal. His mural in mosaic portraying the Philippine People Power Revolution of 1986, done in collaboration with French mosaic artists Sylvie Henot and Francois Sand, is now installed at the Basilica of St. Therese in Lisieux. His two other works adorn the United Nations Offices in Vienna and New York.
After the event, guests had a taste of the savory flavors of Philippine cuisine and a sampling of Filipino beverage concoctions.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of Dr. Stephen Zuellig, Consul General, ad honorem, of the Philippines to Monaco. END