Guv sings in theater group’s concert (Sun.Star, Tuesday, October 09, 2007)

Guv sings in theater group’s concert
By Ian Ocampo Flora

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- In a baritone voice fit for a “high mass” celebration, Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio sang Arti Sta. Rita’s third album carrier single “Siwala” in the singer’s Kapampangan musicale concert at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here on Saturday night.

Arti Sta. Rita’s concert musicale dubbed Siwala was a fund raising event for the group’s cultural tour to the US this May. This also coincided with the launching of their album of the same title. Attending the event were a throng of Kapampangan culture enthusiast from the local rich, politician and down to the local community.

Director Andy Alviz of Arti Sta Rita said the group did not have a hard time convincing Panlilio. “We want to show the people that the governor has many facets and that there is more to a priest turned politician,” Alviz said.

The song was specially arranged by Randy Del Rosario, Arti musical director, and was given to Panlilio a few weeks before the concert. Alviz added that the governor had a separate practice for the song in his Capitol office.

“A few hours before the concert, the governor had a sound check at the convention center, he sang so sincerely that the whole cast were cheering for him,” Alviz said.

The initial press release had the governor for the guest of honor, but crowds began applauding when Panlilio went on stage in the finale number flanked by members of the Arti Sta Rita and a long row of Aeta’s. Aeta’s, according to Alviz, are reminiscent of the governor’s stint as director of the Social Action Center of Pampanga (Sacop), the social arm of the archdiocese of San Fernando where he advocated for the cause of the tribal Aeta groups.

The governor also sang “Kapampangan Ku” amid laud cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd. “I have seen these groups (Arti Sta Rita) humble beginnings since their maiden concert, and from the looks of it I can say that Arti has evolved into a group worthy of world-class performance,” Panlilio said.

Monsignor Norberto Mallari, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, was surprised by the governor’s presentation. “I was not aware that he was part of the show. I was surprised, the governor sang very well,” Mallari said.

After his number, Panlilio invited everybody to the celebration of his first 100 days in office on Monday stating that the event was part of a grander celebration. “This concert is the Provincial Government’s contribution to Kapampangan culture,” Panlilio added.