Rondalla Rocks!

Whenever I talk to my friends who raise their kids abroad, the conversation often takes a nostalgic turn when it comes to the subject of how they want their children to remember that they are Filipino. 

Lucky for my friends based in and near Boston, MA, Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP) is there for the Filipino-American community in the New England area. Since 1976, they have been providing a nurturing environment for Filipino children where they can learn, appreciate and develop pride in their cultural heritage.

IPs pride and joy, the IP Rondalla Ensemble is one such way for these Fil-Am kids to stay in touch with their Pinoy roots. After all, there is nothing like music to instantly transport you home, right?

That is what the rondalla did literally for the IP kids. The IP Rondalla Ensemble is staging a Rondalla concert here in Manila, which is part homecoming, part cultural exchange and part outreach program.

Entitled "Rondalla Rocks!", it will be held on July 4, 2013 at 8 pm in Resorts World Manila. The concert will be led by the IP Rondalla Ensemble, composed of 25 musically-gifted Fil-Am children aged 12-25 who will perform a repertoire of folk, popular and art music through the traditional and well-loved form of the rondalla. Ever heard Bruno Mars given the rondalla treatment? How about Broadway medleys, Hollywood hits, 70's hits, Samba, Pirates of the Caribbean and Rivermaya? It's going to be one unique night, for sure!

The event will also feature special appearances by Rachel Alejandro, Ryan Cayabyab, Jon Joven, Celeste Legaspi and Jim Paredes.   

Tickets are available for P2,000, P1,000 or P500 and for corporations and generous donors, you may want to participate as a sponsor. 

The Harvard Club of the Philippines is a proud co-presenter of the Boston-based Iskwelahang Pilipino's Philippine outreach concert. Please email hcphils1@gmail.com for ticket purchases and sponsorship inquiries. Proceeds of the concert will be used to support the activities of Iskwelahang Pilipino, including the support of the ensemble's free concert tour for rural areas and the various cultural immersion activities for its members.  

Whether you are a current or prospective student, a parent of an incoming or existing student, or an alumnus of one of the universities in the Boston area, we hope you can support this worthy cause and enjoy a little night of music with the IP Rondalla Ensemble.