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A Message to FCCP Members by President Mimi Valerio: Celebrating 40 Wonderful Years of Promoting Philippine Arts and Culture

To all the members of the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines who are here today, and to the newly elected FCCP officers, to our distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

It is my great pleasure, and with earnest enthusiasm, to introduce to you the theme of my presidency on this very special year, our RUBY anniversary –  40 wonderful years of FCCP existence!!!

Our theme is…

R.U.B.Y. Cultural Awareness

R stands for Revisit,
U for Uplift,
B for Broaden and
Y for Your, Cultural Awareness.

Revisit, Uplift, Broaden, Your Cultural Awareness…

This is in line with the very words of Jawahar-lal Nehru… the first Prime Minister of independent India, who emphasized that for his country to thrive, they, as leaders, must work on how their culture shall evolve, from the closed mindedness apartheid has caused, to a truly free and progressive people, whose minds, hearts, whose will and desire, shall catapult India to become a world power in the future. Nehru said, “Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.”

(From left to right) FCCP Fashion Gala Chairperson – Nelia Cruz Sarcol, FCCP President Mimi Valerio, FCCP Member Nikki Valerio

We, in FCCP, as we progress in our quest to become even more relevant in this day and age, we have to Revisit our essence as an organization concerned with culture.
Are we widening the mind and the spirit of our community, and of our brothers and sisters in our society?

We have to answer this question, if we intend to bring this organization to new heights of vibrancy and greater success.

By the very name of our organization, we must Uplift our cultural concerns. Such that, as we continue, and even expand, our support for the formal training and education of our scholars in music, dance and visual arts…

We must also Broaden the scope of our role in the cultural development of the Philippines, for that is who we really are… the true Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines!!!

We must proactively, purposefully plan and act on a new blueprint on how FCCP can contribute more – to deepening people’s understanding and Awareness of what makes up a great culture, that can in turn can make us better people… and a better nation, a better Philippines.

We shall continue, but at the same time, level up, from cultural arts appreciation to how we, as FCCP, can influence the enrichment of cultural arts in this country.

We call upon all the current members to actively participate… and we shall also continue to recruit younger members, in pursuit of our quest to generate exciting new endeavors, to add on to what we have traditionally been doing, and bring FCCP to greater heights and new significance.

There is a need to halt cultural deterioration… by becoming influencers and creators of a positive, blossoming Filipino cultural arts.

To quote an unnamed professor of History, “We cannot be bound to our atrocious past, we cannot say we are impoverished because of our culture… we should not accept that we are just products of our cultural circumstances, for we are the creators of our culture.”

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Sayaw at Kanta: Kulturang Handog ng FCCP sa Kabataan ng Makati

True to its mission of promoting Philippine Arts and Culture, FCCP organized a cultural event last January 21, 2019 at the University of Makati.

The National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines and various FCCP Scholars shared their talents to the youth of Makati. Several members of FCCP graced the cultural event as well.

The Bayanihan, the National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines
FCCP Voice Scholars Radnel Ofalsa, UST; Hannaniah Dasalla, St Paul University and Jean Luc Dinglasan, St. Paul University 
FCCP Officers, Board of Directors and Members with performer Mr. Cocoy Laurel. Seated L-R: Letty Hahn, PP Nonie Basilio, FCCP President Tessie Rodrigo, Dr. Elenita Binay, PP Rose Marie Lazaro, Karen Macasaet, PP Boysie  Villavicencio and PP Beth Cristobal. Standing L-R: Gay Jamias, Beth Victoria, Yoly Aguilar, Minda Pama, Erlie Gamboa, Cocoy Laurel, Celine Bautista, Gilda Salonga, Nelia Sarcol. Nenuca Blardony, Lita Goño and Ningning de Ocampo   
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A Dance of Hope: FCCP and Erehwon Arts Center Commitment to the Dance Scholars

It is yet another story of hope… a chance given to the youth who desire to pursue dance.

Last January 21, 2019, FCCP signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Erehwon Arts Center at the University of Makati to fund a number of Dance scholars. An initial donation of Php375,000  was allocated for this project.


The MOA Signing was represented by then FCCP President, Tessie Rodrigo, and Erehwon Arts Center Executive, Director Greg de Leon.

Seated L-R: FCCP Director Letty Hahn, PP Nonie Basilio, Director for Scholarship Committee, Greg de Leon, Erehwon Executive Director, Tessie Rodrigo, FCCP President, witnessed by Dr. Elenita Binay, and PP Boysie Villavicencio.  Standing L-R:  Directors Ningning de Ocampo, Sol Tan-Gatue, Karen Macasaet, PP Rose Marie Lazaro, Baby de Jesus and Gay Jamias. 
Seated L-R: FCCP Director Letty Hahn, PP Nonie Basilio, Director for Scholarship Committee, Greg de Leon, Erehwon Executive Director, Tessie Rodrigo, FCCP President, witnessed by Dr. Elenita Binay, and PP Boysie Villavicencio. Standing L-R: Directors Ningning de Ocampo, Sol Tan-Gatue, Karen Macasaet, PP Rose Marie Lazaro, Baby de Jesus and Gay Jamias.
FCCP Visits Erehwon Arts Center in Quezon City.  Seated L-R:  Nenuca Blardony, Baby de Jesus, Mimi Valerio, Greg de Leon Erehwon Executive Director, FCCP President Tessie Rodrigo, PP Boysie Villavicencio, Erehwon Art Foundation President Raffy Benitez, Letty Hahn, Angie Godoy and Jose Cabazor. 
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Changing Lives: FCCP Vows to Continue to Provide Scholarships – One Scholar, One Filipino Artist at a Time.

One of the main thrusts of the Friends of the Cultural Concerns of the Philippines is to provide scholarships to Filipino Youth who are in dire need of financial assistance to push through with their tertiary education specializing in the field of Music and Arts.

FCCP believes that through this project, we are helping our nation to guide aspiring artists to serve the Filipino people… future Filipino Artists who would passionately advocate to preserve and enrich our cultural heritage through their skills, talents, and masterpieces that they would create.

This has been proven true to one of the FCCP Scholars, Nathan Samuel B. Gimena. These are the photos taken during his Recital last May 8, 2019 at the UST Recital Hall 2, Albergus Magnus Building, University of Sto. Tomas, Manila.

From left to right: Prof. Raul Sunico, Grace Soong, Bert Basilio, Nathan Samuel B. Gimena, FCCP President Mimi Valerio, FCCP Past President Nonie Basilio, Nikki Valerio.

From left to right: Prof. Raul Sunico, FCCP Scholar John Paul Mendoza, FCCP Scholar Nathan Samuel Gemina, FCCP President Mimi Valerio, FCCP Scholarship Chairperson Nonie Basilio.

A proud moment. The photo shows the family of Nathan together with his Mother, Chelo Gemina, who is a ballet dancer, his Father, his Brother, and his baby nephew.

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Royal Families Go High Fashion (by Johnny Litton)

Johnny Litton (The Philippine Star) – April 22, 2019 – 12:00am


(From left) Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) Annual Fashion Show committee co-chairs Nelia Sarcol, Annabelle Adriano and Rose Lazaro, chair Terry Tam- bunting, FCCP president Tessie Rodrigo, Annual Fashion Show director-in-charge Mimi Valerio and co-chairs Nonie Basilio, Baby De Jesus, Estela Lopez and Ningning De Ocampo

Under the dynamic leadership of president Tessie Rodrigo, the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) held its Annual Fashion Show at the Makati Shangri-La, Manila. The show was categorized into two segments called Buena Familia, which highlighted the Filipino family and where parents and their children walked the runway in notable fashion designer Frankie de Leon’s stunning pieces, and Alta Moda, where FCCP members and guest models sashayed in the haute couture gowns by celebrated fashion designer Albert Andrada. Another unique feature of the show was the participation of leaders from the academe and owners and presidents of colleges and universities who have altruistically pledged to enter into an exchange scholarship agreement with FCCP for young and talented but underprivileged artists. Congratulations to the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines for yet another successful Annual Fashion Show! Keep up the good work!



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FCCP Gala 2019

The Friends For Cultural Concerns of the Philippines celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year, having been founded by a group of advocates who are passionate in preserving, enriching, and promoting arts and culture in the Philippines.

FCCP aims to foster a deep sense of appreciation of all forms of art among its members. Further, FCCP seeks to share this mission among its fellow Filipinos by organizing fund-raising projects and events to support the activities of local institutions and organizations which are aligned with the vision of FCCP to develop and enrich Philippine Culture such as the performing arts, visual arts, literature, music, fashion, as well as, raise awareness of art films, post modern architecture and heighten our consciousness of Philippine history.

With this celebration, the FCCP shall continue to do its most-awaited traditional events injected with new ideas to deepen and widen its influence in national cultural development, hoping to encourage more advocates to support the endeavors of FCCP.

We are having a unique FCCP Gala this year with the emphasis on high culture, as defined as a set of cultural artifacts, mainly in the arts, which includes fashion, held in the highest esteem by a culture and its people.

We are featuring ‘Alta Moda’ which means high fashion, made by a highly creative Filipino designer, Albert Andrada. He is considered as a ‘true purveyor of glamour’ and a topnotch couturier. His works contribute to the cultural evolution of Philippine fashion.

Another segment of the FCCP Gala is a parade of some of the ‘Buena Familia’ of the Philippines. Noted best-dressed families are gracing the show walking down the ramp wearing Frankie de Leon’s creations.

The FCCP Gala is also presenting ‘Distinguished Leaders of the Academe’ (DLA) who shall be our partners in supporting more scholarships. They are some of the noted forerunners in Education here in the Philippines. Both the FCCP and the DLA passionately aspire to promote the preservation and enrichment of Philippine Culture.

All these segments of the FCCP Gala capture its vision and mission of engaging society to have a front seat experience of some of the best evolving artifacts of our culture and get to know some of the people who actively contribute to enhance the Filipino way of life.

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Friends for the arts

Inducting officer Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) president Tessie Rodrigo and guest of honor and speaker lawyer Manuel ‘Lolong’ Lazaro.

OH YES, IT’S JOHNNY! – Johnny Litton (The Philippine Star) – June 3, 2018 – 12:00am

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” — Mahatma Gandhi

The Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) recently inducted its new set of officers, board directors and new members at the Manila Golf & Country Club in Makati City.

Gracing the event were Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos as inducting officer and lawyer Manuel “Lolong” Lazaro as guest of honor and speaker.

Seated, from left) Pam de Ocampo, your columnist, Nene Leonor and Baby Ramos;(standing, from left) Chloe Periquet, Nini Layug, Tessie Amparo and Joey Soriano.

Inducted were president Tessie Rodrigo, vice president Raul Sunico, secretary Ningning de Ocampo, assistant secretary Gay Jamias, treasurer Marge Ortiz-Luis, assistant treasurer Karen Macasaet, directors Letty Hahn and Mimi Valerio, PRO Boysie Villavicencio and ex-officio Nonie Basilio, who, in her valedictory address as outgoing president, reported three projects under her watch — the marked increase in membership, the establishment of the FCCP Award for Excellence, and the soon-to-be launched coffee table book on the history and current cultural activities of the FCCP.

Congratulations to the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines for a successful induction!

Tessie Rodrigo is flanked by FCCP’s newly inducted members (from left) Maurice Lim, Carol Entote, Beth Tagle, Helen Massab, Inos Eugenio and Mercedes Rodriguez

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Advocates of art & culture

Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines’ (FCCP’s) newly inducted officers. (From left) Assistant treasurer Karen Macasaet, treasurer Marge Ortiz-Luis, VP Tessie Rodrigo, president Nonie Basilio, secretary Lin Liboro and assistant secretary Gay Jamias.

OH YES, IT’S JOHNNY! – Johnny Litton (The Philippine Star) – May 17, 2017 – 4:00pm

The Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) recently inducted its new set of officers, board of directors and members at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Forbes Park, Makati City.

With Cultural Center of the Philippines president Dr. Raul Sunico as special guest, the FCCP recently inducted Nonie Basilio as president, Tessie Rodrigo as vice president, Lin Liboro as secretary, Marge Ortiz-Luis as treasurer and Karen Macasaet as assistant treasurer. Some of Manila’s notable personalities in business circles and high society were also inducted as board of directors and members.

The enjoyable and well-attended event was capped by a sumptuous merienda cena and fun ballroom dancing.

Congratulations to FCCP’s newest officers, board of directors and members!

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Message of President Aquino to the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines on the occasion of their 35th Anniversary, October 14, 2014

Message
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
To the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines
On the occasion of their 35th Anniversary

[Released on October 14, 2014]

My warmest greetings to the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines as you celebrate your 35th Anniversary.

The works of our artists form a repository of our nation’s experiences, aspirations, and ideals. These are imparted to succeeding generations as reflections of our Filipino identity, imbuing our people with pride and inspiration to further our advancement. Encouraging today’s youth to participate in this endeavor is imperative, that our values and wisdom may persist through the ages and guide future generations as they embark on the next chapters of our narrative.

For more than three decades, you have taken up this task: By rendering support to our country’s budding artists, you have galvanized the imagination of our young citizens, and allowed them to dream for themselves and their families. May this milestone invigorate you as you provide our future stewards with the tools to express their creativity, refine their ideas, and lend a hand in chronicling our shared journey.

Many of our countrymen have reaped success on the global stage and enchanted others with their talent for image and design, harmony, song and performance, among others. Let their triumphs convey the vitality and determination of our people, and mirror our commitment as co-agents of culture and progress.

May you have a joyous and meaningful celebration.

(Sgd.)
BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
MANILA
14 October 2014