Isagani (Bong) P. Castillo is not only an educator but more so a musically inclined young Filipino and even described by Filipinos in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as a nationalist.


            He runs a school called Ontario Health Care Academy which offers course  for a personal support worker.  It is a multicultural educational institution in Toronto.

            On December 30, 2011, Castillo put-up a concert at the Toronto Opera House, a historical landmark located in 735 Queen Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada thus giving honor and tribute to the Filipinos national heroes and composers.

            In fact, he dubbed the event as  recognition  of  those who scarificed for the sake of their country and for those musical artists who composed songs that uplift the Filipinos and the country as a whole.

           Actually, I have never heard nor seen a concert that paid tribute to our national heroes and to our composers in the our country and other parts of world where the  Filipino communities are large and strong.

            Castillo has invited Consul General Pedro O. Chan to did the honor of handing to msician and composer Ramon Torralba  an award of recognition. Toirralba was an original member of the Hotdog Band which was so popular in the 70's not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of the world.

            "Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa"  was the focal point of the concert of Bong Castillo which was participated in by the musically talented singersl namely Josie de Leon, Jenifer Camacho, Cheryll Samson, Arnel Arias, the Folklorico rondall  through the courtesy of  the husband and wife team of Paul and Wendy Arena.




              The audience of no less than 300 werecomposed of the young, adult, and weniors. What a nice audience of the very ideal groupings.

              The other performers on stage include Ysabel Sanico, Margerie Mira, Joanne Fruto, Robert Caberto, Joseph Siador, Arnold Manlutac, Caesy Sunglao, Rhea Gamana, and Imee Painit. This group were the back-up and support singers and dancers.

               The show was conceptualized and director by Bong Castillopersonally.

                In fact, Anita Diaz  of  Ready Honda said that Bong Castillo's  show was so nationalistic that it has promoted the music and culture of the Filipinos.

                 There were several foreigners who were part of the audience. Many of our fellow Filipinos are encouraging Bong Castillo to send his CD of the concert to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and the National Historical Institue.

               A native of Rosales, Pangasinan,  Bong Castillo can be contacted at Tel. 416 - 854 - 5442, Email: castilloisagani@yahoo.com.(jojo.taduran@yahoo.ca

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine