Night of a million stars

ON THE evening of Dec. 2, Manila was plunged into darkness because many of its stars were in attendance at the UST Chapel. It was from there on that night that the brightest light shone and the sweetest music emanated, washing away the dust and easing the pain of our daily existence.

The stars that I refer to were the performers at the UST Christmas Concert Gala, who, along with a privileged audience braved the madness of Manila’s holiday traffic to attend.

Initiated eight years ago as a small program, not only to showcase Thomasian talent but also to express appreciation for the University’s friends and benefactor, the UST Christmas Concert has since evolved into something truly spectacular, an annual black-tie event eagerly anticipated by Manila’s glitterati.

Inaugurated in 1942 as the Santissimo Rosario Church, the choice of UST Chapel as the concert venue was most appropriate, since churches are often used as an alternative venue for classical and religious concerts, especially in Europe. It was also an opportunity to showcase the church’s lovingly preserved Art Deco-inspired architecture by Fernando Ocampo.

One of the main objectives of the gala concert was to raise funds for the ongoing restoration and heritage conservation efforts of the important works of art housed both in the UST Museum and the University itself. The funds are also intended to provide scholarships for deserving students from the Conservatory of Music.

Heritage gang

As co-chairs of the Christmas Concert Gala, UST Museum director Fr. Isidro Abaño, OP, has collaborated with art patroness and socialite Maricris Zobel since 2008. This somewhat unlikely union was made possible by UST alumnus Jonathan Matti and University friends Andrew Gan and Greg Jarencio. Zobel’s innate inquisitiveness during her travels overseas, coupled with Father Abaño’s, study of art conservation in Rome, led them to follow the example of other countries by sharing a vision to conserve works of art in the Philippines.


To set the tone for the musical treats to come, the UST Brass Ensemble played the Christmas Fanfare, while student volunteer ushers, dressed in resplendent barong and ecru gowns, welcomed the guests as they trickled into the Chapel. By the time the UST Symphony Orchestra, with its conductor, Herminigildo Ranera, entered the stage the venue was filled to capacity.

The Orchestra, combined with the Coro Tomasino gave a magnificent performance of familiar and lesser known Christmas melodies and Hymns.

Included was the English folk song Greensleves “What Child Is This?” arranged for two harps by Fr. Maramba, OSB, and, with Christian Caragayan, was beautifully interpreted by the Philippine’s first lady of the harp, Lourdes Gregorio.

The “Oh Night Divine Medley” was a touching yet powerful performances by sopranos, Nenen Espina, Thea Perez and Naomi Sison; and tenors, Eugene delos Santos, Ronan Ferrer and Randy Gilongo.

Pianist Raul Sunico’s interpretation of “The Nutcracker Suite” transported us from the UST Chapel to the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. It was both haunting and magical.

Audience favorite

A particular favorite with the audience was a unique interpretation of “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” from the chorus of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Beginning with the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble and soloist Lemuel de la Cruz singing the chorus in a classical manner it then transfigured into a pop ballad, and again into a rapturous gospel spiritual followed by an injection of R and B until finally, and most surprisingly, a rap version, performed by tenor Lemuel dela Cruz.

Soprano Mylah Ann Combo Rubio and tenor Jose Maria Rubio sang David Foster’s “The Prayer” and the lively “Kumukutikutitap” by Ryan Cayabyab, followed by the UST Singers with their conductor Fidel Calalang, Jr. singing “Kampana ng Simbahan” and “Alleluia.” All of which were rendered with utter gracefulness and spiritual warmth.

Another highlight of the evening was soprano Rachelle Gerodias’s performance of “Rejoice Greatly,” from Handel’s “Messiah.” Singing later the pop tune, “Because of Who You Are,” Gerodias was able to display her musical versatility and vocal range.

All choral groups came together to perform the commissioned piece, “Pasko sa UST” by Antonio P. Africa.

To the delight of the audience, the evening ended with a communal rendition of “Adeste Fideles” and “Joy to the World.”

The seamless presentation of the show can be attributed to the direction of Alexander C. Cortez, assisted by Janice Dee and chief stage manager Ed Murillo. Writer was Floy Quintos.

The crisp, balanced sound was designed and engineered by Rads Corpuz, while Voltaire de Jesus designed the spectacular lighting. Winter David devised the video design and Lemuel Inocencio coordinated the technical aspects of the production. Product designer Al Caronan designed the stage and decorated the venue.

Guests were subsequently treated to a post-concert reception consisting of an exquisite dinner buffet, over which, the atmosphere from the concert continued to flow, and the stars continued to shine until the last guest had left.
source: lifestyle.inquirer.net