Classical guitarist Aaron Rafael Aguila III, first prize winner in the National Music Competition for Young Artists and winner of the Jakarta International Guitar Competition, headlines an evening of music and poetry on June 12, Independence Day, at Gypsy Baguio by Chef Waya on Road 2, Quezon Hill, Baguio. The event is co-sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
“Tunog at Lasa ng Kalayaan” is an evening devoted to classical guitar pieces and poetry by Pablo A. Tariman with guest chef Ed Bugya lining up his modern take on traditional Filipino dishes. There will be two sets of meals and performances, from 6 to 8 p.m. and from 8 to 10 p.m., that guests can choose from.
The poems of Tariman, from his first book “Love, Life and Loss During the Pandemic”, will be read by these Baguio talents: improvisational theater stalwart Gabe Mercado, actor-director Karlo Altomonte and musical theater artiste Lissa Romero de Guia.
Aguila’s program consists of the following pieces: “L’hymne a l’amour” by Edith Piaf as arranged by Roland Dyens; Beatles’ “Let It Be”; Piazzolla’s “Invierno Porteno”; De Falla’s “Danza del Molinero”; “Bayan Ko” by Constancio de Guzman and Jose Corazon de Jesus; and Tarrega’s “Recuerdos de la Alhambra.”
Aguila started playing the classical guitar at the age of nine under the guidance of Dr. Ivar Nicholas Fojas at the University of the Philippines College of Music extension program. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the UP College of Music, Diliman in April 2013 under the tutelage of Prof. Lester Demetillo. He took guitar lessons with German classical guitarist, Carsten Linck. He obtained from the UP College of Music his Certificate in Music in 2011 and Diploma in Creative and Performing Musical Arts Certificate in 2012, the same year he assumed president of the UP Guitar Orchestra.
For inquiries and reservations to “Tunog at Lasa ng Kalayaan”, call or text 0927-851-7856. – Babeth Lolarga
