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UPA & FR Celebrates Concert’s Success New Jersey
Praise was overflowing for the University of the Philippines Alumni and Friends Rondalla (UPA&FR) after their debut performance on November 30 at the jam-packed New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The appreciative audience was treated to music, dances, poetry and historical accounts that dramatized the Philippines struggles that gave birth to her declaration of independence 100 years ago next June. "You did a great service for the Filipino community with this presentation. Everything was so professional," observed Consul General Willy Gaa. "This is the best Filipino cultural show I have seen - ever!" gushed Consul Cecille Rebong. Aptly titled "Musika at Kabayanihan: Travels in Philippine History Through Music," the production was a collaborative effort between UPA&FR and many of the leading lights of Philippine music and theater in the north-east; UPA&FR Music Director, Bayani De Leon; Artistic Director, Lerrick Santos; and Stage Director, Bernie Villanueva. The collaborators’ artistic vision was realized with he invaluable participation of soprano Cynthia Wuco, PINTIG Choral Group, and Folklorico Filipino Dance Company. "This is definitely a mile stone not only for UPA&FR but also for other Filipino artist," mused Clarita Ramos, UPA&FR President. "I hope that our success, however modest, will inspire others to reach for even higher standards of artistic excellence and be assured that the Filipino community and mainstream audience are ready to take us seriously as artists." The presentation was produced with assistance from numerous civic and business entities, primarily TLC Beatrice International, 1st 2nd Mortgage Company of New Jersey, and the Philippine Centennial Coordinating Council Northeast USA (PCCC-NE). It was also partially funded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation through NJPAC. Excepts of the UPA&FR were published in the Filipino Express February 2-8, 1998. Information about the UPA&FR can be obtained by calling Clarita (908) 359-3297 or Amor at (973) 335-7660 or visit their website at http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/1939/.
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