PH Embassy in Moscow Holds First-Ever “Gabi Ng Kundiman”
The Philippine Embassy Officers and staff, distinguished judges, members of the All-Russia Filipino Community Leaders Council, MSU-IAAS Professors and Russian students and friends of the Embassy. (Moscow PE photo)
MOSCOW 18 May 2022 – The Philippine Embassy in Moscow, Russian Federation held its first ever “Gabi ng Kundiman” festival at the Embassy on 13 May 2022, as part of its commemorative activities for the 124th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence.
The festival celebrates one of the timeless elements of Filipino culture—kundiman music—and aims to enhance knowledge and appreciation of this art form among Russian and Filipino communities. It was a fitting reintroduction of in-person cultural events at the Embassy, following two years of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings and events.
In his welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Russia Igor G. Bailen emphasized the importance of music and culture in fostering unity, strengthening people-to-people ties and promoting greater understanding between two countries. “The tradition of kundiman is rooted not only from the love for others, but also for one’s country… In joy and sorrow, in victory and loss, music remains a unifying factor for all of us,” Ambassador Igor added.
Six finalists from the Filipino community sang classical kundiman pieces for the audience: 1) Ms. Jocelyn Baldamor sang “Ang Tangi Kong Pag-Ibig” (composed by Constancio de Guzman); 2) Ms. Gerly Ganelo sang “Magbalik ka Hirang” (composed by Nicanor Abelardo); 3) Mr. Jerwin Belmonte sang “Bituing Marikit” (composed by Nicanor Abelardo); 4) Ms. Maricel Castillo sang “Gaano Kita Kamahal” (composed by Ernani Cuenco); 5) Ms. Rosita Advincula sang “Pakiusap” (composed by Francisco Santiago); and 6) Ms. Ana Maria Santos, who sang “Saan Ka Man Naroroon” (composed by Levi Celerio).
Mr. Jerwin Belmonte triumphed over other contestants with his soulful rendition of “Bituing Marikit”. While Madame Judylyn Ferrer, spouse of Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) and Consul General Robert Ferrer, performed a surprise song number “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” followed by a duet with DCM Ferrer on the song “Ating Purihin ang Diyos” to the delight of the audience.
The judging panel is composed of: Madame Ferrer; Dr. Ekaterina Baklanova, professor of Philippine Studies at the Moscow State University; and Mr. Lenin Magallona, Filipino scholar, engineer and entrepreneur based in Moscow.
“Gabi ng Kundiman” is the brainchild of Ambassador Bailen and is part of a series of projects of the Embassy’s Cultural Section to promote Filipino culture in Russia. END
Philippine Ambassador to Russia Igor G. Bailen during his opening remarks. (Moscow PE photo)
Six finalists, from left to right: Mr. Jerwin Belmonte, Ms Gerly Ganelo, Ms Jocelyn Baldamor, Ms Maricel Castillo, Ms. Ana Maria Santos and Ms Rosita Advincula. (Moscow PE photo)
Madame Judylyn Ferrer singing “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” (left). Duet of DCM and Consul General Robert Ferrer Jr. and Madame Judylyn Ferrer of “Ating Purihin ang Diyos” (right). (Moscow PE photos)
Ambassador Igor G. Bailen (left) awards Mr. Jerwin Belmonte who won the first prize. Mr. Belmonte singing his winning song “Bituing Marikit” (right). (Moscow PE photos)
For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/, https://twitter.com/phlinrussia, or https://www.instagram.com/phlinrussia/.