O F

The Philippines promises some of the best-staged entertainment in Asia all year round. The Filipino's theistic and musical skills have been acclaimed internationally. The melodious, strikingly dramatic operetta called the zarzuela is but one of the many traditional and indigenous entertainment fare on view in such cultural institutions as the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The zarzuela became popular in Spain during the 19th century, the height of the international Romantic Movement for nationalism. Introduced in the Philippines in 1878, the zarzuela developed into an entertaining musical comedy of manners. If grew from a purely Spanish spectacle to an art from intrinsically Filipino, performed in various native languages and dialects. Today, the zarzuela is still staged, although it has evolved unto other forms of contemporary theater. Its spirit lives on in the ingenuity and originally with which current Filipino artists approach their work.

Suggestions:

Theme Party:
* A Night Out in the Theatre

Venues:
* Cultural Center of the Philippines
* Paco Park
* Puerta Real Gardens
* Selected hotels can recreate the theatre in their ballrooms or function rooms.

Entertainment:
* A Comedia staged by the Tanghalang Pilipino
* A Ballet or play staged by the Ballet Philippines Co. and other cultural production companies.
* A Cultural or Musical Extravaganza featuring the best Philippine artists.

Gifts:
* Rosebud or Carnation for the gentleman's buttonhole.
* Single, long stemmed red rosebud for the ladies.
* Personalized Souvenir Programme of the Play/Show.