RC Makati Spreads Holiday Cheer with a Classical Christmas Concert

RC Makati brought the holiday spirit to life in spectacular fashion with its Classical Christmas Concert on December 10 at The Fifth at Rockwell. The grand event welcomed a full house of guests who were treated to an unforgettable evening of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols performed by some of the Philippines’ finest musical talents.

The evening commenced with a lively cocktail hour, where guests mingled over fine wine and delectable pass-around hors d’oeuvres. The beautifully decorated hall, adorned with a dazzling LED backdrop, was alive with holiday sights and sounds, instantly immersing everyone in the Christmas spirit.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), under the baton of conductor Herminigildo Ranera, opened the concert with a breathtaking rendition of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Throughout the evening, the PPO’s rich and evocative music provided the perfect accompaniment to the stellar performances.

The Coro Tomasino Choir, led by Mark Raniel Agpasa, delivered a heavenly choral performance, including the uplifting “For Unto Us a Child is Born.” Their harmonies resonated beautifully, adding an angelic touch to the evening.

Renowned soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park delivered soulful renditions of “What Child is This” and the moving “Light of a Million Mornings.” Her collaborations with the Coro Tomasino Choir on “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Joy to the World” were unforgettable highlights that showcased her exceptional artistry.

International baritone Byeong In Park lent his warm and resonant voice to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and shared a stunning duet with Rachelle on “Panis Angelicus.”

Adding a Filipino flair to the evening, celebrated tenor Sherwin Sozon evoked nostalgia with heartfelt renditions of “Pasko Na Sinta Ko” and “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit,” while the PPO delighted with their lively rendition of “Kumukutikutitap.”

Nomher Nival, one of the most sought-after classical soloists, opened his performance with a stirring “Adeste Fideles” and captivated the audience with his powerful rendition of “O Holy Night.”

Audience favorite Gerphil Flores-Libanan, a classical crossover singer, brought vibrancy to the stage with her dynamic opening act alongside the Coro Tomasino Choir on “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.” She dazzled the crowd with solo performances of “What Child is This,” “First of May,” and a spine-tingling rendition of “Ave Maria.”

Mezzo-soprano Krissan Manikan-Tan touched hearts with her stirring interpretation of “Stille Nacht.” She later joined Rachelle and Gerphil in a delightful performance of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

The evening concluded with a showstopping ensemble performance of the “Hallelujah Chorus,” where the audience stood and joined in singing, honoring a cherished Christmas tradition.

The visionary behind this musical extravaganza was Eduardo “Eddie” H. Yap, a past president of the Rotary Club of Makati. Eddie, known for his creative expertise, developed the concept, production design, and direction for the concert. This marks Eddie’s fourth successful concert for Rotary, following “An Enchanting Evening of Music,” “A Vienna Spring Concert,” and “The Best of Broadway and the Classics.” Eddie’s passion for producing concerts began in 2006 with Adeste Fideles at Santuario, which was hailed as “Rousing Magnificence.”

The event was chaired by Tony Lopez, with support from an energetic committee composed of Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison, PP Louie Aseoche, PDG Pepz Bengzon, PN Howie Calleja, PP Jun Jun Dayrit, Leo de Leon, PND Chris Ferareza, PE Eddie Galvez, and Paolo Turno.

The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors: TGP Partylist through PP Louie Aseoche, Universal Leaf Philippines Inc. through Dir. Winston Uy, and SGV through Wilson Tan. Additional contributions came from donors and advertisers, including Rante Aguila, Arthur Antonino, Henry Aquende, PP Jun Jun Dayrit, PE Eddie Galvez, James Bosch, PN Howie Calleja, Ramon Garcia, PDG Sid Garcia, Pres. Keith Harrison, Tony Lopez, Dir. Neil Makasiar, PP Bimbo Mills, PP Tito Panlilio, PP Charlie Rufino, Ronnie Siasoyco, Johnny Sy, Dir. Derrick Tan, AJ Violago, Bounty Fresh, Movenpick Resorts Hotel Boracay, W Companies, Ramon Fereros, and Rockwell Land Corporation.

More than just a celebration of the season, the Classical Christmas Concert was a charity event that raised funds to benefit indigent students at Sisters of Mary, a school dedicated to providing free, high-quality education to children from impoverished families.