Diplomatic notes

Diplomacy by musical notes is a well-established practice. Without a doubt, music can be a window to the heart and soul of one country’s culture and heritage. Berta Rojas hails from the South American country, Paraguay, and it is through her classical guitar playing that she has transformed herself, not just into a marvel to watch and listen to, but also into a virtual ambassador for her country.

The Washington Post music critic called her a “guitarist extraordinaire,” and we get two wonderful chances to see her perform live, along with the premier Filipino classical guitarists Ramoncito Carpio and Triple Fret. Thanks to the Independent Philippine Art Ventures Inc. and the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, Berta has a concert at the Meralco Theater on May 15, Thursday, and then flies to Cebu for a performance on May 17, Saturday. For anyone who appreciates musical artistry, or is ready to observe guitar wizardry, these are red-letter nights!

To my eye (and ear), classical guitar music has always gotten a raw deal from the music purists. Whether dating the music to the Renaissance, Baroque, or Romantic eras, or guitar’s Golden Age (the late 19th century); the instrument has seemingly played “second fiddle” (yes, pun intended), to other string instruments like the violin and cello. And when you consider how the guitar, in its electric configuration, became the foundation for contemporary pop and rock music, you can just imagine the musical snobs raising their noses, with eyebrows arched. But the very reasons it may be looked at with disdain by some, becomes its very strength in terms of accessibility and having so much “soul.” Coupled with the fact that Spanish and Latin composers make a good bulk of modern classical guitar compositions also help give the music a populist hue, with flamenco, indigenous folk music, and even jazz, as distinct influences to the canon of classical guitar music.

Berta Rojas has been a champion of this kind of “cross-fertilization.” One consistent inspiration to her playing has been noted Paraguayan composer/guitarist Agustin Barrios. He may have passed away in 1944, but his over 300 compositions live on, some folkloric, others religious in influence, but all touched by what John Williams calls “guitar genius.” Three years ago, Berta collaborated with Cuban saxophone and clarinet player, Paquito d’Rivera on an album that was Grammy-nominated. It is this kind of openness to other types of music, combined with masterful technique and genuine, open-hearted warmth, that will be on display when she performs here in the Philippines. Some lucky young guitar players will even get a chance to attend her Master Class — and this is something she has always pushed, that individual expression and national pride can dovetail nicely through the arts. Whether in her home country of Paraguay, or as she sojourns across the globe, she is always more than ready to seek out the young and talented, and help guide them on their path.

Wilcon’s MBP

It’s May, and for Wilcon, that means MBP time, as in Mercedes-Benz Party time. This year, in its continuing tradition of giving back to its customers, Wilcon is celebrating four decades in the retail construction business by coming up with the grandest promotion yet. Priding itself on being the most complete, accessible (via strategic locations), and well-organized choice for all your housing needs, Wilcon is raffling off not just one, but five Mercedes-Benz B180 sedans. One earns a raffle coupon for every P5,000 purchase at any Wilcon store nationwide, and this promotion commenced March 14, ending on Dec. 30. The draw dates will come fast and furious throughout the year, and the first draw date is looming, on May 19! Succeeding draw dates are July 16, Sept. 8, Nov. 10 and one final draw date on Jan. 9, 2015 — so that’s one MB B180 sedan raffled off on each draw date.

The concept, Dream Big and Win Big, comes from the notion that as homeowners turn to Wilcon to help build that dream house, Wilcon will also leave no stone unturned in helping one achieve that dream life, one that can be complemented by letting you have a chance to “win” that dream car — a  luxury vehicle being one of those objects we may all aspire for. Every draw date will also see 20 other winners who gain Wilcon Gift Certificates worth P10,000 — 20 winners over five draw dates and that totals to P1 million-worth of GCs being given away.

I’ve spoken to Wilcon president and CEO William Belo on several occasions, and it would be hard to find a more unassuming, friendly CEO. With Wilcon Depots springing up all over the country; he’s created a business model that may draw inspiration from American and European retail construction houses, but has found a way to tweak it and make it distinctly agreeable to the Filipino consumer. Floor areas that are clearly designated, staff that are knowledgeable and attentive, and a policy for returns that regular customers all rave about. Not only private DIY homeowners, but even architects and interior designers have called Wilcon a godsend for the industry, making it easier for these professionals to bring their clients to a venue where final decisions can be made in an atmosphere and environment palatable to even the most discerning of clients. For five lucky Wilcon customers, I’m certain their drive to a Wilcon Depot will soon be even more enjoyable!