Pasko sa Kiosko Kagawasan: A Symphony of Christmas Carols

Have you ever watched a concert at the park? Or a musical show in an open theater at the park? These types of shows were common back in the 80s and early 90s in Manila. Concert at the Park and Paco Park Presents drew in audiences of different age levels every weekend. It was a beautiful sight to behold, seeing people listening to and watching music maestros and their choirs, bands, and orchestras fill the afternoon and evening with music.

This the idea that made the Association of Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra (ACDOSO), the first city orchestra in MIndanao, to put up a special Christmas concert on Sunday, December 17.

ACDOSO, or the Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra, is set to entertain Kagay-anons with 15 well-loved Christmas carols during the concert. Each song was carefully chosen to make sure that every person in attendance would think of (and feel) the spirit of Christmas while watching the show. Each song was chosen because they help bring out a symphony of beautiful, festive, and joyful music – everything that a Christmas concert should be.

One of the Christmas favorites the orchestra will perform is Stille Nacht, a lullaby that aptly describes how peace reigned when Christ the Child was born. Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in Austria in 1818, the song is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Some of the Christmas carols will be performed by the orchestra along with some special guests, including the Liceo de Cagayan University Senior High School Glee Club and Ms. Hanh Felicity Agawin of the Liceo U Conservatory of Theater, Music, and Dance. 

The orchestra will be under the batons of Chief Conductor Horst-Hans Bäcker and his co-conductors Krenz Banzon Sabanal, Olfie Hope Reyes, Kyle Christian Manamtam, and Zion Preach Tumanda. 

It’s guaranteed to be a fun and festive night as a symphony of Christmas carols fill the air at Kiosko Kagawasan. The concert is free, so there’s no reason for you not to be there. Bring your family and friends to Pasko sa Kiosko Kagawasan!

Pasko sa Kiosko Kagawasan starts at 7pm on December 17. See you there!

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The Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra is the first city orchestra in Mindanao. It has been around since 2018 but has not had a major show outside of the Rodelsa Hall. They performed at the CDO Toy Show last October at the Limketkai Atrium and their performance drew in positive feedback. It is the ACDOSO’s goal to bring symphony orchestra music closer to the public, hence the show at Kiosko Kagawasan. 

ACDOSO is also looking for partners and supporters who are willing to work with the group in honing local musical talents and putting Cagayan de Oro on the global orchestra music map. If you or anybody you know is interested in partnering with the group, please get in touch with Ms. Maia Fortich-Poblete at 0927-5263083. Please send a text message before calling. 

Rex Education takes home awards at 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal, 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards

Rex Education was recently recognized at the 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal and the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).

The Quezon Gawad Parangal is held annually in October as part of the local government’s celebration of the city’s founding. The 2023 awards ceremony recognized individuals and institutions who were exemplary in the fields of social work, environment and sanitation, law and justice, business and entrepreneurship, and science and technology.

Rex Education was among the 15 individuals and institutions recognized at this year’s iteration of the prestigious event. The 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal took place on October 25 at the PETA Theater Center.

The selection panel of Quezon City department heads, previous award winners, and respected professionals from various sectors conferred the award to REX for its prominent dedication to educating the masses through literature. The local government also cited REX’s pioneering work in the educational publishing industry, particularly through Rex Book Store, Inc. (RBSI).

RBSI’s contributions to education publishing include learning materials encompassing early childhood education, basic education, high school, tertiary, law, and post-collegiate materials. RBSI takes pride in its extensive network of 24 branches located across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This only further affirms REX’s mission of nurturing every child for lifelong learning. To be the choice learning companion of Filipino learners and to be recognized by the communities REX serves, are a joy and honor.

Four of REX’s published works were also recently recognized at the 45th CMMA. The CMMA is an annual ceremony that pays tribute to individuals and organizations that produce values-filled content through print, broadcast, and social media. The CMMA pre-announced winners virtually on October 27.

REX and Catechetical Media Network (CMN-Asia, Inc.) bagged the Best Children’s Magazine with the publication “Backpack.”

Meanwhile, REX and CMN-Asia’s “Crossroads” won in the Best Youth Magazine category.

“Tangkilikin ang Sariling Atin (Marketing Our Local Products)” by Allan Alejo Jr., published by REX and CMN-Asia, was recognized as Best Editorial Cartoon.

 “Si Nelia, Si Marta, at Si Maria” by Felix C. Alcantara, published by REX and CMN-Asia, was acknowledged as Best Comic Story.

These citations further fuel REX's drive and dedication to producing quality learning materials that can inspire spirituality and values among Filipino children. REX always endeavors to contribute to the development of the whole learner— one who is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and values-oriented.

In light of these accolades, REX remains inspired to constantly improve and strive for excellence— para sa bata, para sa mamamayan, para sa bayan.