Senator Cynthia A. Villar acknowledged the presence of dignitaries from different countries who attended the the International Bamboo Festival of her home town Las Piñas City.

Villar thanked Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss with Madame Gila Fluss (spouse), Austrian Ambassador Johann Brieger with Madame Roswitha Brieger (spouse), Swedish Ambassador Annika Thunborg with Mr. Aaron Tovish (spouse),French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz, Belgium Ambassador Michel Parys, Brazil Ambassador Antonio J.M. de Souza e Silva, German Cultural Attache Kai Tomzig and Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Kenichi Matsuda for witnessing the momentous event.

She also cited Msgr. Bobby Olaguer, the Parish Priest of Las Piñas’ St. Joseph Parish Church and the Bamboo Organ Foundation Inc. for his tireless efforts in bringing annually the amazing Bamboo Organ Festival.

She described as “captivating evening” the Gala Concert of the 48th International Bamboo Organ Festival with Baroque Music from Europe and Latin America rendered by featured brilliant performers to the accompaniment of the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ.

“This is a fine evening and we are happy to be here at St. Joseph Parish Church face-to-face with our esteemed festival organizers, performers, patrons, sponsors and guests for the Gala Night of the 48th International Bamboo Organ Festival,” said Villar.

She extolled that the world-renowned Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is a genuine source of pride for natives and residents of the city. It is composed of around 900 bamboo pipes that exude unique, soothing sounds and melody.

In 2003, the Las Piñas Bamboo organ was duly recognized as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines since it is the only 19th century bamboo organ in the country that has survived, functions really well and continuously plays beautiful music.

Established in 1975, the International Bamboo Organ Festival is an annual musical and cultural event held February every year in Las Piñas.

It features concerts and recitals of classical and traditional music that highlight the world famous Las Piñas Bamboo Organ – which is a masterpiece creation in 1824 of Spanish priest Fr. Diego de la Cera, said to be the city’s first Catholic parish priest.

Source: http://www.senate.gov.ph