After keeping herself busy with corporate shows, The Vamp Verni
Varga will grace the upcoming concert titled Si Lapulapu, Si Rosas Pandan: a
Bisaya Musical Extravaganza. She portrays Rosas Pandan, the
mythic Bisaya maiden who symbolizes beauty and virtue. The Singing Bee
host Cesar Montano (who hails from Bohol) will play the legendary Lapulapu,
the heroic leader of Mactan.
Aside from Verni and Cesar, other Visayan talents will perform on stage this Saturday, November 22, at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater). The event is organized by Kadugong Bisaya, the national organization promoting Visayan languages, culture and the arts.
Ms. Verni told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that she looks forward to
taking part in this Visayan musical.
"Ako kasi proud Cebuana, proud Bisaya ako. Tingin ko ang dominanteng lahi, mga Bisaya. Siyempre, happy ako na tinawagan nila ako to perform in this extravaganza. All of sudden, parang isang dugo yung nararamdaman ko, e. Pag sinabing magsasama-sama mga Bisaya, pati yung mga taga-behind the scenes, mga Bisaya, e. Iba ang pakiramdam ko na isang Bisaya ako."
She adds, "Ang mga Cebuana, masyadong masarap mapagmahal, malambing, maasikaso."
Initially, Ms. Pilita Corrales was supposed to be part of this event but in the final lineup, she was no longer included in the concert.
"Happy ako nung narinig ko na kasama nga si Pilita dahil siyempre siya ang pinakakilala na Cebuano sa industriya, di ba? Hindi ko lang alam kung anung nangyari kaya hindi na siya kasama," admits the native of Bantayan island in Cebu.
According to organizers, there was miscommunication about the date of the event, which is why Ms. Pilita would not be able to perform in the Visayan musical extravaganza.
Ms. Verni was saddened to learn that Ms. Pilita is not included in the concert. She feels incomplete because Pilita, for her, is one of the pillars of Visayans in the music industry. "Parang kulang, kulang sa pundasyon, di ba? Kung ang industriya lang ang pinag-uusapan na puro mga Bisaya, si Pilita ang unang papasok sa isip mo."
Fresh from his international performances in Miss Saigon, Leo Valdez will also take part in this special event. Other performers are Joey Ayala and Bayang Barrios, Elizabeth Ramsey and daughter Jaya, Rachelle Gerodias, Jose Mari Chan, the Philippine Dance Sports Association, Noni Buencamino, Raki Vega, Deeda Barretto, Jerry Dadap's Andres Bonifacio Choir, Ballet Philippines, Modern Ballet Dancers, and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group. The Philippine Madrigal Singers will also render Yoyoy Villame "classics" as a tribute to the singer-composer dubbed as the "King of Philippine Novelty Songs."
Various Visayan songs and medleys, displaying all kinds of classic, vintage, and popular Sugbuanon music, including Hiligaynon and Waray, will be featured in this unique concert.
The cultural event is being presented by Kadugong Bisaya in
cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Department of
Tourism. The director of the program is Chris Millado, who proudly declares
that he is an Ilonggo.
