Music provides refuge from life’s miseries
“Where words fail, music speaks.” —Hans Christian Andersen
The way we choose to view the world creates the world we envision. When music is infused into the system, we transcend to a melodious communication that helps unite a divided world. Music gives soul to the universe and refuge from the miseries of life.
Music is healing. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone enjoys music. My soul got a lot of cleansing at the special event featuring Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) last weekend. On the kind invitation of my good friend Junie Peña, I attended an evening of classical music and world-class Filipino musicians.
In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Independence of Lithuania and 150th birth anniversary of renowned Lithuanian artist and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, guests gathered for the Lithuanian Embassy’s event at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati.
For the occasion, the PPO played one of Čiurlionis’ most famous compositions, “Miške” (In the Forest). “Miške” reflects Čiurlionis’ deep connection to the Lithuanian landscape, often referred to as a musical landscape, evident in his Lithuanian symbolic paintings, which were projected on the screens before the concert.
Lithuania Ambassador Ričardas Šlepavičius stressed Čiurlionis’ significant influence on preserving Lithuania’s national identity, which laid the foundation for the restoration of the independent State of Lithuania, as well as his lasting impact on both Lithuanian and European art.
“Presenting Čiurlionis’ legacy in the Philippines for the first time is a special feeling—the Philippines is an important like-minded partner of Lithuania, so it is a joy to finally be able to present one of the symbols of Lithuanian culture here. Čiurlionis was an artist of extraordinary talent and spirit. He was a composer, painter, photographer, writer, and active participant in Lithuanian cultural life,” Šlepavičius said.
In the audience were first lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Triumphant return
The concert opened with pianist Rowena Arrieta, who made her triumphant return to the Philippines with the PPO for the highly anticipated sixth installment of the orchestra’s 40th concert season.
Truly a Pinoy pride, Arrieta was hailed the “youngest and most promising of 82 contestants” in the prestigious Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow in 1982. After winning the competition’s fifth prize and special prize, she received the title “Laureate.” Arrieta is the only Filipino to attain this honor.
Since 1990, Arrieta has been a faculty member of the National Piano Teachers Guild (USA). She was then inducted into the Hall of Fame of the US National Piano Teachers Guild in 2009.
Apart from Arrieta, PPO guest concertmaster and artist-in-residence Diomedes Saraza Jr. also performed an exquisite work that highlighted its emotional depth.
The PPO will be touring in the United Kingdom on May 13 to May 24. They will perform in London, Birmingham, Guildford, Norwich, and Manchester.
Cultural Center of the Philippines president Kaye Tiñga has been so busy preparing for this concert tour. I am so proud of my Red Charity Gala partner as she promotes Filipino musicians all over the world. Kaye is just one of the empowered women who continue to inspire and influence my life.
Strong women
I come from a family of strong women and business leaders (who outlive the men). Their success was a byproduct of a sense of duty and obligation.
Men can be ambitious. Diverse opinions strengthen leadership and teams. When women succeed, they often pursue success out of love.
My first cousin, lawyer Amanda Carpo, shared those insights at the Asia Women’s Forum 2025. She also has been so helpful with my recent legal dilemma as one of my legal advisers.
Amanda, KMC Solutions cofounder and chief legal counsel, took the stage to share her journey as a woman in leadership. She reflected on the power of embracing opportunities, noting that “in times of challenge, saying ‘yes’ opens the door to growth.”
She emphasized that success is personal and ever-changing. She highlighted the value of diverse perspectives in strengthening leadership and stressed that in a fast-moving world, the ability to learn, relearn, and adapt is essential. More than expertise, she reminded us that women lead with love, duty, and a deep sense of purpose.
At the empowering forum, speakers included women high up in the corporate ladder in Mondelez and Concentrix. They had Cynthia Carreon, who talked about her role in the Olympic gold medals of Carlos Yulo.
Another very driven and focused woman heads the leading retail estate company in Central Roxas Boulevard. Lady boss Beth Ventura is CEO of Anchor Land. Her development is located at one of the Philippines’ most historically rich and culturally significant landmarks. As the heart of the capital, it serves as a gateway to the nation’s most treasured sites, like Intramuros, the historic Walled City; San Agustin Church, the country’s oldest stone church and a revered Unesco World Heritage Site; and Rizal Park.
To feature the latest development and to enjoy the breathtaking Manila sunset, Anchor Land hosted a sunset cruise with Tim Yap and renowned chef Chele Gonzalez. A true reflection of Chele’s signature hospitality, each dish was thoughtfully curated to capture Manila’s local flair and cultural significance.
