What do Calauag, Quezon native Ice Seguerra and conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Herminigildo Ranera have in common aside from their being fixtures in the world of show business?
They’re both prides of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Ice, formerly known as the child star Aiza Seguerra was a graduate of the UST Conservatory of Music while Herminigildo, better known as Maestro Hermie is a faculty member of the department.
What a way for Ice and Maestro Hermie to meet again after many years of being UST mainstays when Seguerra emceed the recently concluded “Perfect 10” virtual band concert which featured the Philbanda Wind Orchestra (PWO) organized by Ranera and under his baton as well?
PWO is regarded as the country’s sole professional wind orchestra for which Ice took so much appreciation. As a matter of fact, Seguerra was elated to have been chosen to host the digital show which was aired last weekend on the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Office of the President’s Facebook pages. Ice took time out, set aside some of his tasks, personal and otherwise to concentrate on his hosting the gig to promote wind orchestra.
As a music degree holder, Ice is very proud and consistent in her academic learning of the purposes of various types of musical instruments and particularly employing wind devices that produce awesome music. “Wind musical instruments are very close to my heart as they distinctly share sounds very unique and inspiring to people who want to enjoy music as a factor in good life,” said Ice in an interview.
“I salute the Philbanda Wind Orchestra,” beamed Seguerra with pride.
The PWO show was ably supported by the Philippine Baton Twirling Association (PBTA), as well as various young talents from around the country, under the direction of theater, film and television artist Dennis Marasigan.
Philbanda Wind Orchestra from opinyon
Ice explained that “Perfect 10” was a tribute to Philippine Band Associaton (Philbanda)’s tenth year of existence in bringing symphonic performances from the country’s sole professional wind orchestra.
Seguerra’s participation in the show made an impact as he knew what he was leading in his introduction to each number which was meticulously and faithfully supported by “Sining Sigla” under the leadership of CCP President Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso. “Sining Sigla” as a project aims to continuously reach out to the public, even in the midst of the pandemic, by providing artistic and culturally-relevant content online. Past programs include “Jazz Stay At Home” (Jazz Festival), “MALA” (Movies Adapted from Literary Arts), “Sigla ng Pasko,” “Awit at Dula: Pagbabalik-tanaw sa Unang Hari ng Balagtasan” and “Pintig–A Percussion Festival.”
Meanwhile, Ranera’s PPO has already resumed rehearsals in person for the first time since the pandemic, according to CCP Marketing Head Gemma Andres Marco.
“By carefully adhering to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, wearing masks and social distancing, the PPO was on its tracks again,” said Gemma.
PPO is CCP’s resident orchestra.