Monday, April 21, 2008
BAYWALK CULTURAL SHOW
Entitled "Sining at Kalinangan sa Baywalk," it's a presentation of cultural performances by various local groups. A wonderful production made even more enchanting by a backdrop of a gorgeous setting sun at Manila Bay.
Last Saturday's feature was the Philippine Normal University chorale and rondalla groups. Mayor Lim gave the opening remarks, while PNU President Lutgardo Barbo conducted the welcome address.
The classic "Bituing Marikit" by Nicanor Abelardo was performed by Dennis Van Grospe along with the PNU Rondalla. It was among the rondalla's eclectic repertoire that included "Fifth of Bethoven" and a transporting medley of local pop music.
The PNU Chorale, besides performing the opening program's doxology, also captivated the audience with its presentation of various classic Filipino songs, as well as popular foreign tunes.
This cultural show is Mayor Lim's concept of a wholesome entertainment for the enjoyment of all visitors to Baywalk at Roxas Boulevard. It has been going on every weekend for quite some time now.
Incidentally, earlier that Saturday afternoon, prior to the performances by the PNU groups, the crowd was entertained by the band from the visiting Indian Navy as coordinated by the Philippine Navy.
posted by Señor Enrique at 7:38 AM
18 Comments:
-
Sidney said... Nice initiative but our mayor should accept that people might have other cultural and musical tastes than his.
Give different musical groups and genres a platform to perform.-
Señor Enrique said...
Actually, Sidney, later that evening, right across the street at the Rajah Soliman Plaza by the fountain was a rock band that performed to celebrate Earth Day.
And since you've mentioned it, I'm now wondering what ever happened to the reported plans to move Baywalk's old night life to Intramuros.
Nonetheless, for now, various local cultural performances at Baywalk is fine. This provides a venue for school groups to perform outside of their usual campus stages. I'm sure many of our balikbayan vacationers enjoy seeing such presentations, too :)-
Photo Cache said...
Looks like a lot of activities in the metro this summer ah. Ayos yan sa photogs like you.
How's your summer so far, senor?-
Señor Enrique said...
Summer has been quite productive, Photo Cache, with may activities going on.
However, I've been pacing myself accordingly because doing too many things in this hot weather we've been having in Manila may not be too good in the end.-
said... Applause, applause to my Alma Mater's minstrels! Nice pictures, Senor Enrique!
-
Señor Enrique said...
Thank you, Juleste!
Yes, they certainly put on a wonderful performance :)-
said...
I am glad that the nightlife in Baywalk is up and alive once again. I heard how it was scrapped right after Mayor Lim too office.
Maybe he changed his mind...for good.-
Señor Enrique said...
Well ... it's not back in full force as it once was in the area, Major Tom. And this is what Sidney is griping about.
Am still waiting to hear new developments in the report that claims a certain part of Intramuros is being planned to be turned into Manila's nightlife center.-
Lola said...
So, the "old" Baywalk is gone? I thought it was pretty cool. How about on weekdays? Do they have anything going? We used to stay at a certain hotel on Roxas Blvd (we are creatures of habit) so it was quite convenient to just cross the street and enjoy the bands and savor the different "Filipino flavors". My husband loved it. I will probably enjoy this more.
-
said...
Good idea,I'm a bit concerned though of the noise the vehicles using Roxas blvd. produce.You can't appreciate good music I'm afraid,with thousands of cars passing by your back.Manila kasi today is more of "A City for Cars" rather than "A City for Man"
IndioBravo-
Señor Enrique said...
Those eateries and live entertainment venues along Baywalk has been long gone, Pat -- ever since Mayor Lim took over.
But there were reports that they would be moved somewhere in Intramuros. However, nothing else has been reported about its developments ever since.-
Señor Enrique said...
Surprisingly, IndioBravo, the noise from vehicular traffic along Roxas Boulevard is not at all obtrusive or disturbing enough. It may be because it is not allowed for commuter jeepneys and buses to ply the boulevard.
The only obvious noise disturbance from last Saturday's show emanated from the sound engineer of a makeshift stage right in front of Rajah Soliman Plaza (across the street from Baywalk).
He was doing a sound check for a rock concert scheduled for later that evening, but he wasn't aware that the noise he was making traveled far and wide ... hehehe.-
Ruy said...
I'm very happy in principle with Mayor Lim's "reclaiming" of Baywalk's unobstructed view and tranquility, but I just have to say that I can't get his idea of entertainment.
Whoever his target audience is, it's definitely not me.
Love this site!-
said...
Nice shots. I like the first pic, with the contrast of the lights against the sky :)
Definitely a nice way to spend the afternoon in the park :)-
Señor Enrique said...
Thanks, BW!
The did music provide a wonderful soundtrack as one watches a glorious Manila Bay sunset.-
Señor Enrique said...
I think Mayor Lim is into promoting our local heritage and culture, and this may explain why he invites our schools to stage their performances at Baywalk.
Many thanks, Ruy!-
reyd said...
It's nice to see the baywalk come alive again with people of different ages. That's what it is suppose to be. Everyone should enjoy the sight and sound of Manila Bay. Yung mahilig sa hip-hop or rap or disco, there are places just next street behind Roxas Blvd.
-
Señor Enrique said...
That's right, Reyd! The nearby popular clubs in Malate offer diverse forms of entertainment.
