MALACAÑANG Palace has made a master move by utilizing the festive atmosphere of the Christmas season in promoting popular culture, particularly local music and cinema.
Last Sunday evening, the Palace hosted the country’s biggest stars in the entertainment business, artistic talents, and film industry workers for the fifth edition of the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” (Concert at the Palace), honoring the invaluable contributions of local cinema to the nation’s arts, culture, and economy.
With the theme “Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino” (For the Filipino Film Industry), the gathering showcased a lineup of world-class performers, including Dane Mercado, a medalist at the World Championship of Performing Arts; Molly Langley; Jon Joven and Gian Magdangal; Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild; and Zsa Padilla.
‘Marcos also acknowledged how the film and television industries help promote the rich culture of the Filipino people…’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the celebration, accompanied by Cabinet members. Among those in the audience were Christopher De Leon, Sharon Cuneta and her husband former senator Kiko Pangilinan, Tirso Cruz III, Lorna Tolentino, Vice Ganda, Gladys Reyes, Lani Mercado and husband Sen. Bong Revilla, Christine Reyes, and Sen. Robinhood Padilla. This lineup of showbiz personalities coming from the erstwhile Marcos-Duterte UniTeam and the Liberal Party-Robredo camp showed that if there is anything that could unite our leaders, it is their avowed love for the movies and entertainment.
“Konsyerto sa Palasyo” celebrates the creative achievements of Filipino singers, dancers and performers while preserving the rich heritage of local films.
Talking of the achievements this year of Filipino creatives, it is well to note that Sofronio Vasquez, a singer from Ozamiz City, was recently named champion of the 26th edition of “The Voice USA.” Vasquez rendered a powerful interpretation of the songs “Unstoppable” and “A Million Dreams.” Sofronio Vasquez received $100,000 in cash prize and a recording contract with Universal Music Group.
Another achievement worth noting is the phenomenal box-office record set by the movie “Hello, Love, Again” starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards — P1.4 billion, on top of its positive reviews following its local and international releases. The film has become the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time. Kathryn, Alden and the film’s director and producers deserved the honor of being invited to Malacañang to receive personal praises and encouragement from the First Lady, Mrs. Louise Araneta Marcos.
The event continued the tradition of themed concerts hosted by Malacañang, with previous editions honoring soldiers, athletes, teachers and healthcare workers.
In a previous meeting with showbiz denizens, President Bongbong Marcos expressed the hope that the leaders of the entertainment industry would “continue to strive to raise the standards of our films and our shows at the same time.”
“It is also my wish that you make use and maximize the advantages brought about by new tools, new technologies, [and] new platforms to showcase Filipino excellence and artistry on the world stage,” he added.
Marcos also acknowledged how the film and television industries help promote the rich culture of the Filipino people and reiterated his administration’s support to entertainment stakeholders. He also vowed the government’s unceasing recognition of Filipino talents here and abroad.
We hope Marcos will flesh out these encouraging words for our creatives.
