Malacañang Palace’s majestic gardens transformed into a dazzling concert venue on Sunday night for “Konsyerto sa Palasyo,” hosted by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
The event was a grand celebration of Filipino cinema, featuring a 12-piece orchestra led by musical director Jeddi Cris Celeste from Iloilo City, who brought to life all-original OPM movie soundtracks performed by a bevy of world-class Filipino talents.
As World Championship of Performing Arts (Wcopa) medalist Dane Mercado, theater artist and “The Clash” contender Molly Langley, stage actors Jon Joven and Gian Magdangal, the Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild and Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla delivered stirring renditions, snippets of iconic films from decades past to present flashed on screens above the stage, completing the immersive tribute to Philippine cinema.
More than just a concert, the evening doubled as a tribute to the upcoming 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), set to start on Dec. 25. As such, the occasion brought together an extraordinary mix of luminaries from the entertainment industry, prominent business figures and government officials, underscoring the festival’s enduring significance.
Among the night’s highlights was the appearance of stars from all 10 official entries to this year’s MMFF. Leading actors Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes (“Topakk”); Lorna Tolentino (“Espantaho”); Tirso Cruz III and Mylene Dizon (“Uninvited”); Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz (“My Future You”); Ruru Madrid (“Green Bones”); Enrique Gil and Alexa Miro (“Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital”); Cristine Reyes and Sue Ramirez (“The Kingdom”); and Vice Ganda (“And the Breadwinner Is”) among others lit up the gardens with their presence.
Spotted lending their support for dear friends and colleagues were industry icons like Sharon Cuneta, escorted by her husband, former senator Kiko Pangilinan; Christopher de Leon and wife Sandy Andolong; Sylvia Sanchez and husband Art Atayde; Mowel Fund Chairman Boots Anson Roa; Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman and filmmaker Joey Reyes and many more.
Producers and directors from competing films like Regal Entertainment’s Roselle Monteverde and son Keith Teo and lawyer Joji Alonso of Quantum Films were also in attendance, alongside distinguished guests including Transportation Secretary Jimmy Bautista, Trade Secretary Cris Aldeguer, actress and Congressman Lani Mercado, and of course, the ever busy belles and palace event leading ladies, the duo of Social Secretaries Bianca Zobel and Dina Tantoco.
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