Government ignores national treasures
First posted 10:52pm (Mla time) June 05, 2005
By Pablo A. Tariman
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page E1 of the June 6, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
MANY things about the state of art and culture in this country are worth reflecting on as the nation observes its Independence Day on Sunday, June 12.
The good news is Filipino artists continue to shine here and abroad.
Cesar Montano's "Panaghoy Sa Suba" (Call of the River) got fantastic reception in Cannes (several scenes were applauded, among them the letter-writing scene of Montano and Rebecca Lusterio, the audience yelling "Bravo!" lustily at the end of Lusterio's narration of life by the river).
The Cannes audience also got some insight into the Mindanao conflict with Marilou Diaz-Abaya's "Bagong Buwan."
Our own Cecile Licad continues to dazzle audiences in the United States almost every month, opening orchestral seasons right and left.
Lately, two national and international prizewinners-pianist Oliver Salonga and cellist Victor Michael Coo-came home from the US where they are studying as full scholars to play with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra in a special Independence Day gala at the Philamlife Theater.
Salonga, who topped all national competitions in Manila, also won in two concerto contests in the US.
Coo won in concerto competitions in Michigan, Florida and Indiana after topping the Namcya (National Music Competition for Young Artists) in Manila. He also got a special prize for chamber music in France.
Are these honors received by Filipino artists enough to make national officials and cultural institutions sit up and take notice?
Nope.
The musicians arrived unnoticed and without the invitation to Malacanang extended to Taiwan telenovela heroes and heroines, boxing champs and songbirds facing tax-evasion charges.
They arrived while the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) was holding a cultural summit called "The Power of Arts and Media for Values Formation: Breaking the Cycle of Corruption, Poverty, Pollution and Violence" in line with the President's program for "social transformation through culture and the arts."
But the artists were told the NCCA could not help produce their concert because it took three committee meetings to approve a grant, and a qualified project proponent registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission was needed to get things moving (now, isn't this reminiscent of a stomach-churning scene from the play "Anatomiya ng Korupsiyon.")
They were also told there were no slots for them in the national orchestra (at the moment) and they had to produce the concert themselves if they were to be heard by Manila audiences. The First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo, sent his regrets. He could not help (music would not help his private and public battles).
So what social transformation can be expected when national treasures are treated like second- class citizens by the same people and institutions supposed to protect their interests?
Last week, Salonga got a standing ovation in Baguio City. Both local and foreign members of the audience said it was the highlight of their visit to the City of Pines.
Coo guested in a special concert by the Adventist Church at the Francisco Santiago Hall last week, and the first person who noticed his solid, good sound was no other than the former First Lady, Imelda Romualdez Marcos, who brought to Manila one of the greatest cellists of his generation, Mstislav Rostropovich.
But Coo and Salonga, both brilliant talents, are young and idealistic so they will play their best when they perform with the Manila Philharmonic under the baton of Rodel Colmenar.
If you think these young artists are worthy of your support, watch them on Sunday.