Konsyerto sa Palasyo trains spotlight on Philippine cinema

Malacañang Palace dazzled with glitz and glamour on 15 December, as it hosted the 2nd Konsyerto sa Palasyo, a celebration of Philippine cinema. The concert, held at the Kalayaan Grounds and starting at 6:30 p.m., brought together the industry’s brightest talent in a tribute to the cultural power and impact of Filipino films.

The evening, aptly themed “Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino,” highlighted the crucial role of Filipino cinema in shaping the nation’s identity. The star-studded event featured performances by world-class artists such as Dane Mercado, a medalist at the World Championship of the Performing Arts (WCOPA); Molly Langley, a contestant from The Clash; Jon Joven and Gian Magdangal, renowned actors from television and theater; and Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild. A special performance by the iconic Divine Diva, Bb. Zsa Zsa Padilla, also graced the stage.

VIP Guests

The concert, organized by the Office of the President and Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), was graced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Representative Sandro Marcos, as well as key figures from the entertainment industry.

Among those in attendance were Senator Robin Padilla, Sharon Cuneta, Christopher de Leon, Lorna Tolentino, prominent producers like Atty. Joji Alonso and other influential industry figures.

Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) stars also made their presence known, including Cristine Reyes and Sue Ramirez from The Kingdom, the love team Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz from My Future You, Vice Ganda from And the Breadwinner Is..., Arjo Atayde from Topakk and Julia Barretto from Hold Me Close.

Music and cinema

The evening opened with a medley of Filipino favorites performed by Jon Joven and Gian Magdangal: “Hahabol-Habol,” “Estudyante Blues” and “Alabang Girls,” which set the tone with a mix of energy and nostalgia. Throughout the concert, the audience was treated to video presentations that chronicled the milestones of Philippine cinema, offering a deeper understanding of the industry’s evolution while paying tribute to both pioneers and unsung heroes behind the camera.

The highlight of the night came when Zsa Zsa, the Divine Diva, took the stage for a mesmerizing performance of “Kahit Na.” After the song, she acknowledged the hard work and sacrifices of everyone in the film industry, from actors to filmmakers, and their families:

“Anyway, it’s a lot of superstars in the audience. It’s thrilling, di ba (right)? Mga gusto ko pang makasama sa industriya at makatrabaho. Isang karangalan ang kilalanin ang ating industriya para sa ating kontribusyon sa lipunan. Sa bawat pelikulang ating napapanood, nagpapasaya o nagpapaluha. Oras ang puhunan ng ating mga kapwa-artista at mga taga-produksyon, para lang makapaghatid ng dekalidad na produkto (These are people whom I would still like to work with in the industry. It is an honor to be recognized for what we contribute to society. For each film we watch, giving laughter or tears. Time is what fellow actors and production staff invest in order to deliver quality products).”

The concert capped off with the introduction of the 10 official entries for the upcoming MMFF, with representatives from each film’s cast and crew taking the stage. This shift from music to cinema showcased the diverse range of upcoming MMFF entries — from heartfelt dramas to high-energy blockbusters — that would grace the silver screen beginning 25 December.

More than a concert

Konsyerto sa Palasyo is more than just a concert; it is an initiative that began in 2023 with the aim of spotlighting Filipino artists and honoring various sectors of Filipino society, such as soldiers, healthcare workers and athletes, who contribute to the nation’s progress.

The second edition of the concert emphasized the importance of Philippine cinema in both reflecting and shaping the nation’s story. With a blend of music, film and history, the event served as a poignant tribute to the enduring power of film to entertain, educate and unite.