Four classical singers join tenor Joey Lina in a concert to declare a glorious Philippines

by Boy Villasanta

It is indeed a casting coup.

A powerhouse billing of four classic singers, namely Lara Maige, Isay Alvarez, Rachelle Gerodias and Gerphil Flores and a tenor, Joey Lina make up a giant musical show to remind every Filipino that through music, we are all glorious and blessed by the Almighty.

“Ang nag-conceptualize ng show ay si Atty. Joey Lina. Gusto ni Joey na maipakita ang values nating mga Filipino na hindi nawawala kahit anong oras, kahit saan at kahit anong pagkakataon (He conceptualized the show. He likes to show the values of the Filipinos not lost anytime, anywhere, anyhow),” said Joel Macanaya, one of the pioneering members of the 1970s pop group Rainmakers and director of the show.

The show’s title, “Maluwalhating Pilipinas” was also thought out by Lina, according to Joel.

It should also express the spirit of the singing prowess of the chanteuses like Lara who, like her colleague Rachelle, has been celebrated as classical singers not only in the Philippines but overseas as well.

Isay has been exposed to both classical and pop genres so she could perform them with gusto while Gerphil is a contemporary forerunner of classical pop.

Joey was considered one of the three tenors in the company of his late colleagues in the government cabinet, Angelo Reyes and Bayani Fernando but currently performs solo pieces of the tenor nature.

“Very positive lang message ng concert,” exclaimed Henry Soleta Tenedero, the President of the UST Philets-Artlets Alumni Association, Inc. and one of the prime movers of the musical project.

“Maluwalhating Pilipinas” buckles up and soars tomorrow, Saturday night at 6 at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel.

The concert is a shared altruism between the Children’s First 1000 Days Coalition and the Manila Hotel.

Other notable performers to bless the classical taste of the audience are Bobby Alvarez, Reggie Nolido, Egay Rubiano, Raffy Garcia and Ador Tolentino.