Music from  the Himig Collection of the Filipinas Heritage Library was recently showcased in a concert to launch Greenbelt 5.  Spearheaded by Ayala chairman emeritus Jaime Zobel, this momentous event aptly called Bravo Filipino featured masterpieces from the finest Filipino composers and performances by leading Filipino vocalists and musicians. 

The concert to celebrate Filipino music and culture  was held at the heart of Greenbelt 5 Gardens . Guests were treated to a feast for the eyes and ears as the 40-piece orchestra under the direction of the country’s top musical directors, Ryan Cayabyab and Louie Ocampo rendered contemporary adaptations of the timeless classics and modern dances were performed by Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theater, UP Dance Company, The Crew and Steps Dance Studio. The concert also featured music adapted by DJ group LOCAL//:E!.

The night started off with a welcome speech by the man behind BRAVO FILIPINO, Jaime Zobel de Ayala.  The concert kicked off with an opening number by Ryan Cayabyab and the orchestra while the Bravo ensemble sang and dancers  who were all donning accessories by Arnel Papa and Avatar from Greenbelt 5 performed. After this, a showcase of various traditional folk songs from different parts of the country were sung by the industry’s heavy-hitters like Luke Mijares, Rachel Alejandro, Skarlet, Frenchie Dy and Mau Marcelo as Ryan Cayabyab gave the songs a modern twist.  Traditional songs from the different regions of the country were given a contemporary twist by Louie Ocampo and these were sung by Cris Villonco, Rachel Alejandro, Jan Nieto and Gian Magdangal.

Giving the concert an ultra-modern vibe was the DJ group LOCAL//:E! who remixed Filipino children’s songs with their turntables and sound machines while Skarlet and Jun Lopito sang. Ryan Cayabyab and Louie Ocampo then joined LOCAL//:E! and the Bravo ensemble to give the audience their rendition of Freddie Aguilar’s Anak. This was followed by a solo rap performance by Francis Magalona,  a take on his father Pancho  Magalona’s Somos Differentes.

The Bravo Filipino concert would be incomplete without the ballads and the balladeers. Iconic Celeste Legaspi, belted it out followed by Basil Valdez, and a rare performance by Pilita Corrales before the whole Bravo  ensemble, which included Mau Marcelo and Frenchie Dy and Rachel Alejandro.

Going through the history of Filipino music and giving it a contemporary twist truly showed that Filipino talent is world-class. Everyone who experienced this sensory delight left on a high note.

For more information on Bravo Filipino and the related events, please call 892-1801 or send an email to  bravofilipino@filipinaslibrary.org.ph.