Like mother, like daughter.
This is the comparison between former first lady Imelda R. Marcos and her daughter Irene Marcos-Araneta.
This is about the promotion of performing arts especially foreign ones but homegrown acts as well during the reign of the dictatorship.
It must be recalled that during the Ferdinand E. Marcos regime, Imelda was agog inviting Western artists like pianist Van Cliburn, Hollywood actor George Hamilton, ballerina Margot Fonteyn, to name only a few, not only to perform but also to train local artists.
While Madam Imelda was patronizing Filipino talents, she was also promoting the imported ones.
No wonder, the chip of the old block is also following in the footsteps of her parents.
Presidential sister Irene Marcos-Araneta has inherited the artistic patronage of her mom.
At the moment, Irene is the proponent and producer of Progetto Puccini, named after the acclaimed Italian musician and composer of such classics as "La Rondine," "La Boheme," "Madam Butterfly," among others, Giacomo Puccini.
Progetto Puccini is a five-day masterclass empowering selected Filipino operatic singers through rigorous training like new techniques in classical singing, diction and pronunciation, particularly of the Italian language and other disciplines in opera.
The masterclasses which will start on October 1, 2024 will be handled by the renowned Maestro Fabio Armiliato with the support of Musical Director and Vocal Teacher Mariano Panico, Diction Coach Lorna Zaccaria and music mentor John Florencio.
On October 5, 2024 at the Metropolitan Theater, a recital will be showcased by the participants.
According to Irene, the daughter of the Rose of Tacloban City, Progetto Puccini will add luster to the already decorated plums of Filipino talents.
"Progetto Puccini 2024 represents more than a tribute to a legend's genius. It is a bold celebration of the rich cultural synergy between the Philippines and Italy. It is an affirmation of the country's commitment to the Filipino musicians," commented Marcos-Araneta.
Progetto Puccini is a collaboration among the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), the Arturo Toscanini Foundation and the Filipinas Opeta Society Foundation.