The showbiz fans of Cecile Licad

MANILA, Philippines — Expect showbiz personalities to just show up in the concerts of pianist Cecile Licad starting Nov. 27 at the Manila Polo Club, Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 in Iloilo City, Dec. 6 in Baguio City and Dec. 8 in Roxas City.

In the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) engagement of Licad at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, one of those who raved about the pianist was John Lloyd Cruz who became a fan he was thrilled no end when he was escorted to the dressing of Licad. “Watching her perform was like watching a good film,” Cruz said. “Every sound she made has a story tell and she does it so well and spontaneously.”

In the ‘80s, the fans included the late filmmaker Marilou Diaz-Abaya, the late award-winning actress Charito Solis and Dina Bonnevie, among others.

Few know Licad’s showbiz connections are really wide. She happens to be the cousin of composer Willie Cruz, Nonie Buencamino and film scorer Nonong Buencamino.

Licad’s Nov. 27 all-Chopin program at the Manila Polo Club will benefit the PPO Society, Inc. and Childhope Philippines, Inc.

Cecile’s fans way back in the ’80s, namely a younger Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Charito Solis and Dina Bonnevie.

Meanwhile, the world-acclaimed Filipino pianist will pay tribute to Iloilo’s heritage landmarks when she performs at Nelly Garden on Nov. 29, 6 p.m., and at the historic Molo Church, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.

On Dec. 1, 6 p.m. she caps her Iloilo visit with a special concert at Cinema 6 of SM Iloilo, sponsored by the City Government of Iloilo. The Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 Iloilo concerts are open to the public. The Nov. 29 concert at Nelly garden is strictly invitational.

The all-Chopin program in Manila and the provinces includes two nocturnes, a Mazurka, Fantasie Op. 49, Berceuse in D flat major op. 57, Scherzo no. 2 in B flat minor Op.31 and Twelve Etudes Op. 10.

The first Filipino to win Poland’s Grand Prix du Disque from Warsaw’s Chopin Society for her recording of the F Minor Chopin concerto with André Previn and the London Philharmonic from Warsaw’s Chopin Society, Licad is also the first Filipino to win the Leventritt Gold Medal in New York.

(For inquiries on the Manila Polo Club engagement, call tel. no. 895-2109 or text cell no. 0917-5708301. For the Iloilo concerts sponsored by the City Government of Iloilo, text 0906-5104270 or e-mail [email protected] and for the Baguio City concert, call CAEO 782-7164 or 0918-3473027 and 0920-9540053.)