Patriotic choral music movement launched in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – The Gatpuno Andres Bonifacio Music and
Policy Research Foundation Inc. was formed recently to promote
unity, love of country, patriotism and active volunteerism by
building and maintaining choirs at the barangay level all over the
land, starting with Quezon City. Using music and song and other
cultural elements and events, the movement hopes to strengthen
national identity and consciousness.

Vice mayor of Quezon City and head of Congressional Spouses Joy
Belmonte-Alimurung is the foundation’s honorary chairman. Bagong
Henerasyon (BH) Party-list congresswoman Bernadette Herrera-Dy is
project director of its launching choral concert and is treasurer
of the board.

As a launching event, and in celebration of the 147th birth
anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, the foundation is presenting the
choral concert titled “Mga Awit ng Pag-ibig sa Inang Bayan” at the
Philamlife Theater on UN Avenue in Manila on Bonifacio Day, Nov.
30, 8 p.m.

The concert, to be performed by the Andres Bonifacio Choir under
the baton of conductor-composer Jerry Dadap, will feature the
best-loved and most moving patriotic choral masterpieces by famous
Filipino composers and national artists in music.

Founded in the ’80s by Jerry Dadap, the Andres Bonifacio Choir
has produced alumni luminaries like diva Lani Misalucha, songstress
Dianne dela Fuente, Miss Saigon leads Leila Florentino in Broadway
and Cezarah Campos in Australia and actors Tommy Abuel and Pen
Medina, among others.