Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative, is hosting “MAD4Arts,” a benefit concert for the CENTEX After-Hours Program

“Art plays an important role in the holistic development of children. Which is why the After Hours Arts Program has helped our CENTEX students become more confident young men and women.” ~Ruel Maranan, President of Ayala Foundation

The talented students of CENTEX

Founded in 1998, CENTEX has two campuses—one in Tondo, Manila, and the other in Bauan, Batangas. Aside from these two schools, The program has also trained over 800 teachers from 20 public elementary schools across the country, thus effectively bringing the CENTEX education model across the country. 

As Ayala Foundation’s flagship education program, CENTEX offers bright children from underprivileged families access quality primary public education. This year, CENTEX celebrates its 20th anniversary, and to mark this occasion Ayala Foundation, in partnership with the Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative, is hosting “MAD4Arts,” a benefit concert for the CENTEX After-Hours Program on May 9, 2018, at the Ayala Museum, Makati City.

CENTEX gives students the opportunity not only in academics but also to hone their talents in the arts, particularly in music and dance. Through the after-hours art program, students excel not only in academics; they also hone their skills in other areas of learning and development.

Maestro Ruggero Barbieri

Serving as musical director for this concert is Maestro Ruggero Barbieri, former music director and principal conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. He will be joined by acclaimed violinist Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata and the Pundaquit Vurtuosi, which is the resident chamber orchestra of CASA San Miguel. 

“MAD4Arts” also showcases the talent of CENTEX students who went through the arts program. Five CENTEX alumni, personally trained by Bolipata himself, will be performing with the Pundaquit Virtuosi, while a CENTEX Manila alumna will be lending her voice to the event through a song number. Alumni of the STEPS Dance Program will also be performing at the event.

Ms. Joanna Duarte, Senior Director Programs

“We at the Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative believe in the importance of providing the underprivileged youth a brighter future and have pursued Education, whether in the classroom or the arts as its advocacy. We are honored to partner with Ayala Foundation to promote the After Hours Arts Program at CENTEX.” ~Lourdes Orosa, general manager of the Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative

MAD4Arts: 

A Benefit Concert for the CENTEX After Hours Program

About the Performers

Maestro Ruggero Barbieri

Musical Director

Maestro Ruggero Barbieri was Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra from 1996 to 2004. Having been mentored by the most prestigious conductors in Europe, he has worked with the world’s best orchestras and was awarded by His Majesty King Juan Carlos of Spain, the Cruz de Isabel la Catolica, the highest honor given to artists. In 2005, Maestro Barbieri formed the Filipinas Chamber Orchestra.

Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata

Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata is one of the Philippines’ leading artists. A seasoned performer, writer, educator, and administrator, he is widely recognized as an advocate for cultural development.

Mr. Bolipata began playing the violin with Mr. Oscar Yatco at the age of 8, then later on with Basilio Manalo and Rizalina Buenaventura. He won first place in the National Competition for Young Artists at the age of 12, then studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York under the tutelage of various world-renowned violin mentors. He has performed all over the world as a soloist and a chamber musician and is a regular soloist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

He co-founded the Metro Manila Community Orchestra, a community-based orchestra designed for the urban area, and the Symphony By The Sea Community Orchestra composed of gifted students from CASA San Miguel with musician employees at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). Mr. Bolipata also served as a Trustee of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for 18 months.

He continues to perform professionally but devotes equal time to working with gifted musicians, molding young artists who have won competitions, attended international seminars, and current members of various professional orchestras.

Pundaquit Virtuosi

The Pundaquit Virtuosi is a chamber ensemble composed of scholars from CASA San Miguel’s Cuerdas-Cuadros music program. 

Steps Dance Project
The Steps Dance Project caters to various premier events in the country and showcases ballet, modern dance, and jazz performances by young gifted Filipino scholars of the Steps Scholarship Foundation founded and currently managed by Sofia Zobel-Elizalde. It is headed by Manager and Choreographer, James Laforteza, a seasoned teacher at the Steps Dance Studio and choreographer for major dance and performing arts groups including Repertory Philippines, Trumpets, Stages Production Specialists, Ballet Philippines, and of course, Steps Dance Studio.

Mariel Reyes, Soloist, Voice
Mariel Reyes is an alumna of CENTEX Manila, Class 2007. She studied at Berea Arts and Sciences High School, Major in Voice and went on to study BS Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas. She was a former member of Hiyas ng Pilipinas Children’s Choir and the UST Singers and has performed with the groups both locally and internationally. She is a licensed and registered architect and master plumber and is currently working as a project coordinator for construction firm based in Taguig City.

Tickets for MAD4Arts are now available at the Ayala Museum lobby (tel. no. 759 8288). They are also on sale at all Ticketworld outlets, or at ticketworld.com.ph (tel. no. 891 9999).

About Ayala Foundation

Ayala Foundation is the social development arm of the Ayala group. As a non-stock, not-for-profit organization that envisions communities where people are productive, creative, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. AFI seeks to achieve this through programs in education, youth leadership, sustainable livelihood, and arts and culture.

For more information, visit www.ayalafoundation.org.

About the Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative

The Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative is an independent cooperative with over 33,000 regular and associate members from the Ayala group. Its assets are currently valued at P2.7 billion.

For more information, visit www.ayalacoop.com.