MANILA, Philippines – It was a night of incredible music and artistry as the First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA), the first Corporate University in the country, established by esteemed businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP), celebrated another milestone – its 5th anniversary! – with an amazing concert featuring the country’s most talented virtuosos.
On the 30th of June, the halls of Meralco Theater reverberated with the perfect harmonies by the talented maestros – pianist Rudolf Golez, cellist Victor Coo and violinist Coke Bolipata – as they mesmerized the audience by bringing to life memorable, timeless music.
The talented Trio kicked off the evening with a more recent piece by Astor Piazzolla, “The Seasons”, followed by music from cinema’s famed classics – Cinema Paradiso, Schindler’s List, and An Affair to Remember. The Trio then took on the classics where their talents truly shined. With ease and spirit, the virtuosos worked their magic, continuously captivating the audience with their masterful rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz from Serenade for Strings” and Giacomo Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” . After a thoroughly moving set, the three ended the night on a light note, leaving audiences in a jovial mood with Paul Schoenfield’s upbeat “Café Music” and an astounding encore, which included the Filipino classic “Sanay Wala ng Wakas”, and Les Miserables’ “On My Own”
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The Trio Concert is the first of many events that will be crafted by FPLA in celebration of its 5th year anniversary. Each event – whether a concert, workshop or seminar – reflects the influential power and enduring spirit of the Academy and its respected Chairman.
“Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan is not only a renowned businessman, he is the modern Renaissance man who believes in nurturing all passions in an individual – whether it’s love for the arts, sciences, sports, among others. This is exactly why he established the First Pacific Leadership Academy,” says FPLA’s General Manager and Executive Director Roy Agustin K. Evalle. While FPLA is known for its business courses and corporate/ executive programs, it also offers further studies in other fields, nurturing and developing artistic talent and leadership – not just business. “The Chairman’s thrust is focused on Thought Leadership, as well as Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Culture and Music, Sports, Agribusiness, Utilities, Infrastructure, Science and Medicine, among others.”
Taking the lead from Chairman MVP, Mr. Ricky Vargas, the new President of FPLA’s Board of Trustees, aims to fulfill the academy’s commitment of “further education for all” by putting a heavier thrust on leadership development, which will now be extended to the training of local government units (LGUs).
“We believe that nation-building starts with developing the individual and through our courses and events, FPLA hopes to inspire a want in people to better themselves and fulfill their potential as servant-leaders. We are proud to have done that in the past 5 years and we are eager to do much more,” adds Evalle. “We have been able to help executives and professionals but now we also would want to extend these opportunities to those who have no access to such education and resources.”
In the coming months, FPLA will be launching its Leadership Development Program taking underprivileged students in high school and university under its wing. Through this program, FPLA offers an opportunity for young men and women to develop their skills and passion in leadership.
Vargas closes the conversation saying, “Since the Academy was established five years ago, we have continually sought ways to provide more relevant programs and courses for the Filipino; each founded on Chairman MVP’s own principles of success. We are proud to have made great leaps in the past five years, and we look forward to doing more in the next decades”.
POPADVT