VIDEO: Cultural Performance during the APEC Leaders’ Meeting Welcome Dinner

apec lumad performance

The cultural show presented before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Welcome dinner was so beautiful and touching. I could not help but feel a twinge of sadness as Apl.de.Ap and the The Voice Kids PH finalist Reynan Dal-Anay (dressed as a Lumad) sang . Michelle, my friend, says it so well “I hope the irony is not lost on Noynoy Aquino. That while he and his men try their best to hide the Lumad from the APEC delegates, here is one, performing right before them.

apec lumad performance

Or is this the only kind of Lumad that he wants to see and to show the world? Rehearsed, controlled, predictable, with prior approval?

Know that beyond the rows and rows of policemen, container vans, steel railings and tarpaulins, the Lumad remain. They exist, no matter how hard you deny it. No matter where you look. The Lumad are within you. Their blood is in your hands. Unlike this performer who is at your beck and call, the Lumad stand their ground and fight on. No rehearsals. No performances.”

Watch the video:

manobo lumad at apec

The artists present during the Cultural performance are:

1. Jessica Sanchez and El Gamma Penumbra opened the program,
2. Jed Madela
3. Arnel Pineda
4. Cecile Licad , playing the Chopin’s Revolutionary Etude on the piano
5. Apl de Ap and The Voice Kids Season 2 finalist Reynan Dal-Anay who sang “The Apl Song,” and Black Eyed Peas’ “Where is the Love.”
6. Charice Pempengco, accompanied by a choir, performed “Para Sa Bayan.”
7. Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Buganda Drumbeaters, Douglas Nierras’ Powerdance, Madrigal Singers, and Makiling Ensemble.
8. Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano.

The musical director for the night was Louie Ocampo.

apec cultural performance

Screencaps from the youtube video from RTVMalacanang