MANILA - Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival isn’t the only activity the Cultural Center of the Philippines has successfully mounted to pay tribute to its ruby anniversary.

As a matter of fact, there have been quite a number of shows that were also as successful as Cinemalaya like the “Virgin Labfest” held last June and July. The event showcased new, innovative and experimental stage plays by the Tanghalang Pilipino.

The “13 Artists Award” exhibit last month was also a significant discovery from among young Filipino installation artists who have contributed important artistic creations that could best describe as world-class experience.

Five months ago, a gala concert of leading business figures in the country was held to reveal their artistic “secrets” in a show billed as “Counterpoint: Musical Suites for Leaders of the 21st Century.”

Last May, a retrospective of Lino Brocka films were screened at the Dream Theater that attracted both cineastes and ordinary moviegoers alike.

And so the 40th year of CCP will still be observed in the coming days.

From August 18 to 22, the 1st CCP National Choral Competition 2009 will be held at the Main Theater to bring together 23 best choirs from different regions across the country that will compete in the children’s choir, mixed choir, sacred and folk music categories.

The nine-month long celebration will end in September, CCP’s founding month.

A dazzling musical extravaganza will be held on September 8 with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) holding its 27th concert season led by renowned American conductor Anthony Quartuccio. It will feature works by traditional masters—Dvorak, Galindo, Debussy, Tchaikovsky and Antonio Buenaventura.

Filipino musicians, conductor Laureate Oscar Yatco and the other pride of the music industry, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, will also be part of the performance.

In time of political upheavals, the CCP will pay homage to its creator, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, in a tributary show, “Seven Arts, One Imelda,” on September 11.

The show will feature the virtuosity of the Filipino artists to be directed by theater thespian Alexander Cortez. The script was written by TV man Floy Quintos and musical direction by Josefino Chino Toledo and Cayabyab.

Internationally acclaimed pianist Cecil Licad and German cellist Alban Gerhardt will perform in two special concerts on September 15.

Meanwhile, all former CCP officers and employees as well as incumbent ones will gather in a night of “Tipanan at Gabi ng Parangal ng CCP Gawad Sinag.” This will be a gathering to gratify, recognize, remember and celebrate the contributions of past and present movers of the cultural center for Filipinos.