At the recent press launch of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' (CCP) 40th anniversary, Leo Valdez sang the theme song of the now classic musicale, "Magsimula Ka".

As he was singing and descending the stairs of the CCP Main Theater, Valdez waxed nostalgic and personal.  His participation in the play almost three decades ago is still felt.

He was, as usual, very sincere and soulful in his rendition of the song, which he also recorded and popularized. “Magsimula ka” made Leo a terrific actor and singer.

As a matter of fact, his new version of the iconic piece was more mature and multi-dimensional. It was clear he has acquired a lot of insights from the reel stage translated in real life.

Leo’s musical history as an artist and as a person has been a long local and international journey. He has wowed even theater audiences abroad, which has made him more versatile.

Come to think of it, Valdez can be a symbol of CCP’s celebration of forty solid years of inspiring the Filipino soul, reinvigorating its aesthetic fibers, and elevating the national spirit by promoting arts and culture in the country.

Like the new logo of the nation’s premier cultural house, the wave in Leo’s artistry represents the flow of new life making its way through.

Empowering artists

According to one of CCP’s publicists Irene O. Rada, as this wave breaks into the shore, it reveals pebbles that serve as stepping stones for nurturing the arts and culture of Filipinos. As time gradually passes, these small stones slowly transform into a rock that empowers artists to create works that inspire.

Valdez is already a rock in the local music scene, indestructible and able to weather the test of time. Yet, he is also like a model young artist the CCP wants to develop.

Since September 8, 1969, the CCP has been very active in rearing artists from various fields like theater, music, dance, performing arts, television, film, visual arts, architecture and painting to become the country’s pride across the globe.

By remembering and giving life to a hopeful artist such as Valdez, who had to start somewhere to fulfill his dreams of a successful future, the CCP has also inspired hope to a lot of deserving Filipino talents that they, too, can make their dreams come true.

Popular TV, movie and stage personalities like John Arcilla, Angelique Lazo, Coke Bolipata, Paul Alexander Morales, Beverly Salviejo, Chinchin Gutierrez, Rachelle Gerodias are among the many products of the CCP.

Foreign artists also had premier performances at CCP, among them, pianist Van Cliburn, British ballerina Margot Fonteyn, and many more.

Activities lined  up

CCP is celebrating its ruby anniversary with many other activities.

In February, there will be a restaging of the comedy-musicale, “Zsa Zsa Zaturnah”; a showcase of outstanding dance groups; animation and graphic artworks; rendezvous with National Artists in Music featuring musical styles of Felipe de Leon, Antonino Buenaventura, Lucrecia Kasilag, and Lucio San Pedro.

In April and May, there will be a forum of arts development, and environmental shows through art installation.

In June and July, there will be a presentation of literary gems, mounting of new plays as in Virgin Labfest, digital films at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

Many activities have been lined up until the last quarter of 2009.