Great music and great talent combined to give our country's music aficionados a memorable evening at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

This enchanted night was a celebration of the golden anniversary of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, a resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Fittingly, CCP's lovely and elegant president, Margie Moran Floirendo, delivered a welcome message that traced the journey of PPO from its beginnings in 1973 as a "musical accompaniment of the performing artists at the CCP Theater to its becoming the country's leading orchestra…" Margie, in her usual genuinely inimitable way, said, "Tonight's concert is not just a celebration for the Cultural Center of the Philippines, but a milestone for the country…a testament to the enduring and lasting Filipino artistry and creativity."

A surprise yet remarkable highlight of the evening was the host's acknowledgment of the presence of PPO's indefatigable benefactress and friend, Nedy Tantoco, chairman of the Rustan's group of companies. Nedy graciously acknowledged the audience's thunderous applause with her signature shy smile and a royal wave.

The stellar performances of virtuosos Raul Sunico and the 18 year old super talented and good looking Aidan Ezra Baracol brought the house down. Of course, Arthur Espiritu's stirring rendition of arias by Charles Gounod and Giacomo Puccini and Augusto Espino's Kundiman ng Langit had the mesmerized audience clamouring for more.

Thanks to world class conductors Rodel Colmenar and Herminigildo Ranera, the PPO performed with utmost enthusiasm, thus eliciting from the audience its wondrous appreciation.