Philippine Opera Company’s “ Harana”

On the eve of the 111th year proclamation of Philippine Independence, June 11, the Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Romeo A. Arguelles, together with the Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in Amsterdam Eppo Horlings, invited the Dutch and Filipinos to an evening of Harana (Serenade) by the Philippine Opera Company.

Seven classically trained singers: four sopranos, two tenors and one baritone took the audience to a journey of music from Kundimans to Broadway hits of the 50’s and 60’s.

At the end of the musical program, the singers received standing ovation from the audience. The venue was the Campagnietheater in Amsterdam.

Mr. Horlings in his speech acknowledged the support, friendship and encouragement he received from the envoy which helped him in his task. Then, he gave the envoy his farewell gift, a Royal Delft Blue.

Philippine Opera Company (POC) is the only opera company in the Philippines that produces regular opera productions. Founded in 1999, it's being managed by classical singers who perform at major venues in Manila as well as abroad. It is committed to extending opera beyond its elitist pedestal by performing in malls, churches, community centers, parks, and schools as well as in theatres thereby making opera more accessible to more audience.

Douglas Nierras’ POWERDANCE

Two weeks earlier on May 28, for National Heritage Month the envoy presented Powerdance at St. Antonius Abt. in The Hague. Powerdance by founder and artistic director Douglas Nierras interprets in modern dance the agony, love and guidance of Christ, and the golden rule of life.


Known as the Philippines’ premiere company in Modern, Jazz and Showdance, Douglas Nierras Powerdance is internationally recognized and respected as a Contemporary Dance Company. It was formed in 1988 by Douglas Nierras with the vision of teaching, performing and sharing the art of dance and making it accessible to a greater number of audiences, especially the youth.

Manuel Baldemor Art Exhibition

On June 14, an exhibit of “Philippine Impressions and Unmistakably Holland” paintings of Manuel Baldemor at Raadhuis, “De Pauw” in The Hague was shown. During the reception to open the exhibits, the Philippine Opera Company again sang a number of Haranas for the guests.


MANUEL BALDEMOR belongs to an artist’s clan of Paete, a town known for its woodcarving. He is a notable artist of Illustrations, abstract paintings, prints, ceramics and paintures. He has garnered awards for his work, one of which is the Thirteen Artist Award of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1992. An avid traveler, Baldemor has held numerous exhibits in Korea, China, Israel, Russia and the USA.

Kammer Chor Manila

The last in the program for the Heritage Month was on June 19, a performance of the Kammer Chor Manila with a repertoire of spiritual Christian and Philippine folk and contemporary music. Held again at St. Antonius Abt. Church in The Hague, it was to commemorate the 148th birthday of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Kammerchor Manila is a church-based, self-supporting chorale organization founded in April 5, 1992, serving at the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish in West Triangle, Quezon City.

Ambassador Romeo A. Arguelles, accompanied by his gracious wife Dr. Azucena Lagumbay Arguelles, bids farewell to the Dutch and his countrymen as he delivered a speech in the series of cultural events he presented before his departure. A lover of arts and music, he showcased the best in Philippine culture in his seven years of tenure in this kingdom through piano concerts, dance and chorale performances, painting and photograph exhibits, etc. Ambassador Arguelles retires next month, completing a life-time career in the Philippine Foreign Service. Hint: Click at any image above to display it in its full size. Hover your mouse pointer over the full-size image and then click at any side arrow that appears or rotate your mousewheel to scroll to the next full-size image.

Munting Nayon News Magazine