The inauguration of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on September 8, 1969 marked a momentous and culturally significant event, spearheaded by First Lady Imelda Marcos.
Under the leadership of Chito Madrigal-Collantes, who served as the founding chair and first president, this group established in 1979 the Friends of the Cultural Center of the Philippines—now known as Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP).
Their vision was to rekindle a deep and lasting appreciation for art and culture within the community and to offer steadfast support for the arts. Now, 45 years after its founding, the FCCP remains a thriving and influential organization, steadfast in its commitment to the vision of its founders.
To mark this significant milestone, a special ceremony was held at the ballroom of the SJW Building in Paseo de Magallanes, Makati, to induct the new leadership team.
The event saw the transfer of the presidency from Noel Gonzales to Baby De Jesus, symbolizing the continuation of the FCCP’s mission and the beginning of a new chapter for the organization.
During the ceremony, the following officers and members of the Board of Trustees were officially inducted: Baby De Jesus was named President; Leonida Bayani Ortiz as Vice President; Ningningde Ocampo as Secretary; Mimi Valerio as Treasurer; Mache Torres as Assistant Secretary; and Gilda Salonga as Assistant Treasurer. The new Board of Trustees includes David Ackerman, Noel Gonzales, Yoli Ayson, Martin Lopez, Nonie Basilio, Nene Pe, Leticia Calma, Ester Rosca and Maru Go.
The evening’s highlight was a dazzling entertainment program that captivated the audience. The performance featured Adrian Ong, a talented violinist and FCCP scholar based in Canada, who enchanted the audience with his exceptional skills. Pianist Jeff Stephen Chong provided a stirring musical accompaniment, while opera singer Kathy Mas and Mike Austria delivered powerful vocal performances. The event also included a compelling theatrical presentation by Atty. Vince Tanada and the Philippine Stagers, whose performance received enthusiastic applause from the attendees.
This celebration not only marked a significant milestone for the FCCP but also showcased the organization’s continued dedication to fostering a rich and dynamic cultural landscape in the Philippines.
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Meanwhile, the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP) will hold a Gala Concert on July 25 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-la Hotel featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro Michael Jacinto with outstanding artists performing well-loved arias.
Budding soprano Alexa Isobel Kaufman, currently based in Madrid, is coming home especially for this occasion and will partner with seasoned tenor Christian Nagaño.
Pinky Puno and dance partner Sergio Machon, Jr. will perform a waltz to the music of Johann Srauss II.
JSSP Chairman Consul General of Monaco Fortune Ledesma and JSSP President Olga Severino Martel lead the organization. JSSP Treasurer Virginia Lane is this year’s event vhairperson with JSSP Vice President Consul of Gambia Agnes Huibonhoa and Marissa Fenton as co-chairpersons.
JSSP was organized in 1998 with the primary objective of propagating the development and enhancement of the appreciation and love for music and dance. It organizes and conducts special events that serve as venues for cultural exchanges as well as raise funds for cultural and charitable causes. It serves as the support arm of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). It also aims to preserve and perpetuate the cultural relations between the Philippines and Austria.
The beneficiary for this year’s event are the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra; Music scholars; the Psychological Center at Marillac Hills, a rehabilitation center for abused girls; Home for abandoned children managed by Virlanie Foundation; the Philippine General Hospital Foundation Hematology and Oncology Pediatric Ward and NGF Mindstrong for mental health awareness and intervention.
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