Boston’s Iskwelahang Pilipino Rondalla Performs in Toronto

TORONTO 17 August 2018 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto welcomed the Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP) Rondalla in Toronto, Canada on 09 August 2018, the day before the Toronto leg of their touring show dubbed “Reveries & Rhythms”.

The show was held at the JLA Church in North York, Ontario on 10 August 2018, in cooperation with the Ontario Filipino Women’s Club.

In her remarks, Consul General to Toronto Rosalita S. Prospero thanked the IP Rondalla members for their stellar performance, and commended them for taking pride in their Filipino heritage and honing their musical talents.

“Music is one of the most potent ways to strengthen people to people ties between countries and we thank you for being musical ambassadors for our home country. May you continue to take pride in the richness of our cultural heritage and share your musical talents to a wider North American community,” Consul General Prospero said.

After the Toronto leg, IP Rondalla will proceed to Winnipeg, Manitoba where they will have two performances in collaboration with Magdaragat Philippines.

The first performance was held at the Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park on 12 August 2018 as part of the Folklorama in the Park, Assiniboine Park Conservancy Summer Concert Series. The last performance was held at the Portage Place Mall on 13 August 2018.

The IP Rondalla was established in 1986 by Cristina Castro under the musical direction of classical guitarist Michael Dadap.

Mr. Dadap and his successor Christi-Anne Castro guided the IP Rondalla into becoming a versatile ensemble capable of playing folk, popular, and art music, as well as contemporary compositions.

The IP is a non-profit Filipino cultural school established in 1976 by a group of parents and educators to create an environment where their children would have an opportunity to learn about their Filipino heritage.

The group offers families a welcoming community that embraces Filipino culture, and provides Filipino American children with the opportunity to learn about their Filipino heritage in a nurturing environment.

Over the years, IP has grown from its signature biweekly language and culture program for school-age children to include a number of family activities, a rondalla music program, the acclaimed IP Rondalla Ensemble, and a vibrant community of Filipino American families.  END

Iskwelahang Pilipino Rondalla serenades the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto on 09 August 2018. (Toronto PCG photo)

For more information, visit www.torontopcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.philcongen-toronto.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinToronto.