The UNESCO Philippine Center for International Theater Institute (UNESCO-ITI), Asia Pacific Bureau, the University of Santo Tomas, Conservatory of Music in cooperation with the DIALECT, Inc./Earthsavers DREAMS Academy and National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), Office of the President for Culture (OPAC) is proud to announce that the critically-acclaimed and award-winning full-length modern zarzuela titled SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT based on the prize-winning book of the same title by National Artist for Literature Dr. Alejandro R. Roces is set to perform in the Bay Area at the Santa Clara University Mayer Theater on July 1, at 3:00 pm. Tickets are sold at $25 for general seating, $15 for alumni rate.

            The production just won the 2006 ALIW AWARDS (the local equivalent of the American Tony Award) for Best Musical (zarzuela) and Best Musical Direction under the guidance of the NCCA Executive Director & Presidential Assistant for Culture Cecile Guidote Alvarez . The overseas presentation of this award winning show is a part of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s directive to reach out to the Filipino communities worldwide through cultural care giving for all and promote pride of heritage, history and habitat.

            The musical bears the hallmark of some fascinating scenes from Dr. Roces’ book marked with wit, humor and satire highlighting the traditional sport of cockfighting as vehicle to unfold the colorful panorama of customs, heritage, values, religions, and even relationships on the social, political and economic life of a typical Filipino town.

            This was applauded by 80 countries in its world premiere at the 31st UNESCO ITI World Congress/Theater Olympics of the Nations with UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura leading the local and international delegates worldwide in observance of the Congress’ theme, “Mobilizing Cultural Diversity for the UN Millennium Development Goals.”

            Gen. Matsuura’s letter to Phil ITI reads in part: “. . . I recall with pleasure the performance of the Zarzuela SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT which was so admirably directed, exquisite reminders of the warm hospitality of the Philippine people’’. Another letter from Sec. Gen. of UNESCO – ITI Jennifer Walpole reads: “. . . The lively Zarzuela SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT was directly relevant to the UN MDGs’ which introduced delegates to several important aspects of the Philippine cultural life and character like the importance of music, singing and cockfighting.”

            The US theater doyenne and internationally renowned artist-producer Ellen Stewart of the world-famous Off-Broadway La Mama Theater has invited the zarzuela to perform on June 21, 22, 23, & 24, 2007 in New York. The group composed of 40 persons inclusive of cast and staff (25 males & 15 females) will proceed to Los Angeles from June 27 to 29 and then to San Francisco from June 30 to July 3.

            Ellen Stewart was in the Philippines for the Arts Month of February to supervise the final preparation of the modern zarzuela for showing abroad and as guest speaker in several fora through an Asian Cultural Council Grant, the Phil. ITI Center, Office of the President on Arts and Culture (OPAC) and through DOT – the Philippine Center of Culture for Peace (PCCP). The trip is undertaken in line with the goal to promote eco-cultural tourism programs and focus on culture as an essential ingredient for development.

            The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Office of American Affairs and the Consulates abroad, and Filipino communities in the Tri-State Areas will be partners in realizing the dream for the first time to send a Filipino zarzuela of a National Artist Off-Broadway. This will also be a unique occasion for a participatory involvement of the Filipino communities in the production not only in their capacity as audience and sponsor but also as talents for cameo roles to join the performance in the fiesta finale and Santacruzan.

            For other concerns such as bookings and special performances of SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT, interested communities are enjoined to get in touch with Mrs. Cecile Guidote Alvarez thru mobile phones: 09209010969; 09189066349; and NCCA Office: 5272193; 5272192 loc.729 or through her designated Production Supervisor George Vail Kabristante, mobile phone: 09282577871; landline: 4331534 or thru NCCA Office and e-mail address: cecilealvarez@yahoo.com.