MPO, Ica Fidel head to Laguna dinner-benefit concert

The touring Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) goes to Laguna on Saturday, September 23, to back up a lady singer celebrating her 50th birthday in both grand fashion and for a cause.

Dubbed "A Night With Ica," the dinner-benefit concert will feature former band vocalist-turned-businesswoman Ica Fidel, in a specially arranged concert at the Lina Lajara Chipeco Auditorium, Central 2 in Calamba City, Laguna at 5 p.m.

                                                 The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra

"She's good, especially in terms of musicality and the passion for it," said MPO's music director Rodel Colmenar, referring to Ica who started singing in her school days and honed it even more as a live act in Japan some years ago.

The concert's theme, Hollywood in 80s, black and bold, ensures that the night's repertoire will mostly consist of Ica's versions of hits from the 80s, accompanied by a 15-piece chamber. More than 500 guests are expected to grace the show.

                            Rodel F. Colmenar, music director and founder of Manila 
                            Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ica shared, "I love singing and I always dream of having a grand concert like this. Songs of the 80s talaga ang alam ko and I love them kasi nung teenager ako I was into Madonna, Michael Jackson, Irene Cara, while among local singers, sina Sharon Cuneta, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and my most favorite, si Kuh Ledesma."

The concert will have as recipient the Calamba orphanage Children's Joy Foundation, Inc. Donation money initiated by Ica herself will be handover to the foundation in the presence of the children under its wing.

                                                                     Ica Fidel
 
MPO, founded in 1998, is celebrated for its "Philharmonic in Jeans" mall shows that practically revolutionized the image of orchestra in the eyes of Filipino spectators. Colmenar expressed, "We want everybody to experience how it is to perform with an orchestra so we're trying to make ourselves more accessible even for private shows. If it is your dream to have a concert with an orchestra and you have the budget and the talent, why not do it."

Set to wear multiple gowns and high-fashion dresses throughout the show, Ica, described by friends as a loving wife and a caring mother of two, is actually open to pursue a career in both recording and touring after her concert.

"A Night With Ica" is made possible by the following sponsors: Aaron Eagle Security and Investigation Aency, Inc.; Premid Security and Investigation Services, Inc.' Bioessence; Integrated Management Services, Inc.; Mrs. Ilusa Suva Bush; Selective Security Services, Inc.; Eat. Sleep. Burger. Calamba branch; and Wild and Fresh Mobile Bar.