21 September 2020 – Sentro Rizal Tokyo of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan in collaboration with the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Sentro Rizal Filipinas organized an online concert on 18 September 2020 for the Filipino Community under the program “Padayon: Paglikha sa Panahon ng Pandemya.”

The online concert is entitled “Isang Gabi ng OPM – Paghilom at Pag-Asa sa Gitna ng Pandemya.” It was made available through the Philippine Embassy’s Facebook Page.

In his message, Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V shared that the event aims to feature Filipino talents and artists based in Japan, promote Philippine culture through music, showcase Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and bring comfort, healing and hope to the viewers in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Left Photo: Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V giving his message at the beginning of the concert)(Right Photo: The Koristas: Top (L-R): Mei Samson, Megan Sumpaico, Cynthia Sy, Vernice Bernardino;Bottom (L-R): Raniel Herco, Marco Tolentino, Jun Mapa)

The Embassy featured the Koristas, a Filipino vocal ensemble based in Japan. The eight-member group of singers are composed of Cynthia Sy, Mei Samson, Vernice Bernardino, Megan Sumpaico, Jun Mapa, Marco Tolentino, Raniel Herco and Warren de Luna. In December 2015, the Koristas was formed to rekindle a shared love for chorale music. They are former members of choirs from different universities in the Philippines and Japan. Since 2015, the Koristas has been performing for different multi-cultural events, including the Philippine Embassy’s 2016 Independence Day celebration.

The online concert received great support during its availability over the weekend. Within two hours from its premiere on Friday, 18 September 2020 at 6:00 P.M., it garnered 1,400 views, 149 positive reactions, 67 shares and reach of 3,067 people. By the end of the weekend, it has now reached over 14,200 people with 6,500 views, 335 positive reactions and 151 shares.

(Screenshot of the uploaded Online OPM Concert at the Philippine Embassy’s Facebook Page)

The Philipine Embassy and Sentro Rizal Tokyo will continue in its efforts to promote Philippine culture through digital platforms. These online platforms enabled a wider reach of viewers for its events. It also endeavors to engage the Filipino youth in activities that enrich their pride in their Filipino heritage and culture.

This online OPM concert can be viewed at this link: https://www.facebook.com/518829081494669/posts/3629382050439341/?vh=e&extid=2rbGFKlrSuJNImSg&d=n

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