The month-long celebration of the Philippines’ 121st Independence Day has officially been concluded with another toast for world-class Filipino talent through a thanksgiving concert entitled, “MusikAwitan, a Soiree of Songs and Saga” last June 29, 2019 at the Emirates Institute of Banking & Financial Studies.
The musical Saturday night was held to pay tribute to honor Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music, together with one of the region’s leading chorale group, Christian Voices Chorale, and select community soloists and an orchestra of mixed nationalities in a magical performance dedicated to the nearly 600 community volunteers who helped make Independence Day celebrations a success.
The invite-only musical event, produced by the Philippine Independence Day Organizing Committee in partnership with Emirates NBD and BDO Unibank, was largely inspired by the theme volunteerism which was generously served by community volunteers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Emirates NBD’s award-winning corporate volunteering program, Exchangers, is a collaborating partner of Impact2030, the UN’s corporate volunteering arm. It works tirelessly with Filipino community volunteers in support of the UN Development Goals (UNSDGs).
Cayabyab encouraged Filipino music artists in the UAE to take part in music literacy programs to further enhance their skills and talents such as writing better songs.
The musical tribute featured Cayabyab’s iconic masterpieces such as Awit ng Pagsinta, Dacoconut Nut, Mamang Kutsero, Awit ni Isagani, Tuwing Umuulan, Tunay na Ligaya, Better World, Limandipang Tao, Hibang sa Awit, Nais Ko and Finale – Kay Ganda ng ating Musika. Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes’ singing prowess highlighted the show with two solo performances. He later joined the group in the finale.
“We would like to inspire a movement of a Filipino people who is unafraid to express himself in whatever field of art there is — music, theatre, dance, song, photography, visual art and so on — so that they become active contributors to a humanity that continues to improve its heritage all for the betterment of their lives,” said Cortes.
As for Chairman Josie Conlu the month-long celebration wouldn’t have prospered without its greatest foundation: the volunteers.
“The incomparable success of this year’s 121st Independence Day celebration is all made possible with the sheer grit, passion, and unbeatable spirit of nearly 600 volunteers who have been a part of another history. The selfless volunteers worked day and night, from one Emirate to another, sharing whatever talent and time they had without any thought of reward or recognition, just to see our shared vision come true,” said Conlu.
Cortes and wife Dra. Yasmin Balajadia-Cotes, together with PID Organizing Committee leaders – Chairman Josie Conlu and Vice Chairman Jason Roi Bucton were awarded with a Certificate of Recognition by Emirates NBD wherein the highlights of last June 14, 2019’s Philippine Independence Day 2019 event at Dubai World Trade Center. Philippine Airlines and Tabeer Tourism for the continued support.
