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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Celebrating music

Celebrating music

Published Sep 25, 2023 04:05 pm

MEDIUM RARE

Jullie Y. Daza

In his usual booming voice – a voice as big as his heart, baritone-like – Tony Pastor announced, “I’ve invited an entire barangay,” or 40 persons to fill four tables at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.


Nothing new as far as Dr. Atty. Pastor, music lover and musician, Papal Awardee and soon, National Cultural Heritage Awardee, is concerned, in acknowledgement of a lifetime of bringing musicians from Manila to Batangas and vice versa, supporting up-and-coming artists, buying tickets to spread the joy of listening to live music. The latest event was a dinner concert featuring Arthur Espiritu, tenor, and Lara Maigue, coloratura soprano, last Saturday.


The two made a handsome pair, Mr. Espiritu who has been busy performing in Europe (where they appreciate opera more than we do over here) and Ms. Maigue, a stunning presence with the voice of a nightingale and the face of a movie star. Thanks to Nick Lizaso, who put them together, but maybe next time we can do without dinner? Waiters crossing the room, diners talking during the performance, the clatter of silver against china... and still the fantastic duo held their audience without skipping a beat.


Concert etiquette gave way to social manners, but Mr. Lizaso knows his audience. A dinner affair promises happy vibes for bringing together friends to a party more than the strangers who fill a concert hall. I for one saw so many old friends – old as in Pre-Pandemic – and I was suddenly conscious of my getup of jeans, jacket, sneakers (no time to go home to change). Not that it mattered much to my host, who assured me, “Look at me, this old shirt, this old jacket. Casual is comfortable.”


The rest of his barangay included a clutch of nephews and nieces and music lovers from Batangas City and guests from Metro Manila. Immediately after waves of applause for the performers, including the Manila Symphony Orchestra under Jeffrey Solares, Tony left to make the trip back to Batangas. At the ripe young age of 95, he attributes his bountiful energy to “my morning walk” – but I think it’s also because he attends church every morning and he sings during the mass. Of course, jokingly or not, “no wife, long life.” 

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