“Take a Bow: A Strings Concert” Celebrates Heritage and Talent

The UPAA-W’s Asuncion Miteria Austria Value Our Heritage Activity took place on October 7, 2023, at the Pitman Auditorium in Alverno College. Titled “Take a Bow: A Strings Concert,” the event was a remarkable celebration of both musical excellence and cultural heritage. The concert featured three talented professional artists—Joanna Mendoza (viola), Joseph Ortiguera (violin), and Marvin Suson (violin) —children of UPAA-W charter members. Their performances showcased the next generation of Filipino talent. Accompanied by Venezuelan pianist Elena Abend, they delivered a captivating repertoire of timeless classics, Kundiman, and beloved OPM (Original Pilipino Music), to the delight of a packed audience.

The evening opened with the Philippine Center Strummers, a 31-member ukulele ensemble with amateur performers ranging in age from 12 to 80. Lead by director, instructor and conductor, Jojo Agoncillo Ramos, their lively and harmonious performance set the tone for the night, charming the audience with a unique intergenerational collaboration.

The event raised money for the Iskolar ng Bayan fundraising drive, which supports scholarships for deserving students in the Philippines.

Overall, it was an unforgettable evening of beautiful music, cultural pride, and community, further strengthening UPAA-W’s commitment to education and the preservation of Filipino heritage.