By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) staged the musical concert “Musikalayaan” at Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium in Manila Thursday night, a pre-Independence Day concert that showcased the talents of Filipino soldiers.
“It has been a yearly tradition already na ginagawa ng Armed Forces of the Philippines na ma-ibahagi sa inyo ang mga kwento ng kabayanihan sa pamamagitan ng musika at sa kasiyahan (that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is sharing with you stories of heroism through music and fun),” Brig. Gen. Medel Aguilar, Deputy Commander for Civil Relations Service, said in an interview.
Themed “Pagtatanghal pPara sa Karagatan ng Pilipinas: Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future,” the musical promoted national consciousness on the importance of safeguarding the West Philippine Sea and asserting the country’s sovereign maritime rights. It was jointly organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the AFP Media and Civil Affairs Group.
Aguilar added that the theme can be summarized in three words: Freedom, future and history.
The play featured musical and dance performances by members of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Philippine Coast Guard.
The Philippine Army Marching Band, National University-Tanghalang Nasyonal, and the Indayaw Dance Company from Signal Village National High School, Taguig City also took the stage during the event.
Headlining the night were celebrities who also reservists, led by singer-actresses Geneva Cruz and Arci Munoz, balladeer Ronnie Liang, and actor Rocco Nacino. (PNA)
