40th anniversary celebration vivifies Orlina’s sterling success

THE ORLINAS. Everything they touch turns to gold—and glass.

LAST APRIL 2, we made it a point to drive up to Tagaytay with Celine Fabie to wish glass sculptor Ramon Orlina all the best on his 40th anniversary as an artist. The venue for the special celebration itself splendidly vivified Ramon’s sterling success—his very own Galerie Orlina building overlooking Taal Lake and Volcano.

In only a few years, the building’s galleries and sculpture garden have become should-see attractions in Tagaytay, boosting the city’s artistic energy, synergy and vibe in no small way.

Aside from Orlina’s galleries, his building has been known for its occasional musical soirees and other performance events. Last April 2, the special treat was a mini concert with Korean gayageum artist Min-ji Jung, pianist Young Sook Kim and baritone Byeong-in Park.

Ming-ji is an art specialist at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines; Young Sook is a music instructor at the Korea International School, and Byeong-in has been studying and performing in Europe. On the local scene, he’s been active in concert and opera productions (he’s married to “our” Rachelle Gerodias).

One of the highlights of the mini concert at Galerie Orlina was the rendition on gayageum of Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak”—an inspired concept, because the iconic song was strikingly and movingly enhanced by the sonorous sound of the traditional Korean musical instrument.

Another highlight

Another highlight was the special exhibit of the recent works by Korea’s own glass sculptor, Dong Hoon Kwak. Titled “Blueshirt,” the colorful sculptures on show were truly striking and unique.

While these and other highlights more than made our day, we were there mainly to wish Ramon and Lay-Ann Orlina more years of success and artistic fruition. Like Celine (and stars like Ogie Alcasid and Cocoy Laurel), we have been involved in the religious musical that the Orlinas produced to great acclaim some years ago, “Birhen ng Caysasay,” with music by the Ryan Cayabyab.

The show has become one of our favorites, so we’re looking forward to staging it anew at Galerie Orlina’s outdoor amphitheater and other venues in Batangas—and elsewhere.

Last April 2, however, we were focused on making Ramon and Lay-Ann feel appreciated, valued and loved for the exceptional artistic prime movers and couple they are.

Beyond their many accomplishments, their rare and intrinsic personal essence and worth shines through—as everything they touch seemingly turns to gold—and glass!