Katrine Sunga Represents PhI at 'ASEAN Connectivity Concert' in Kuala Lumpur

Filipino singer and theater actress Katrine Sunga proudly represented the Philippines at the "ASEAN Connectivity Concert," an international orchestral showcase organized by the Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur City Hall).

- CARLO OROSA

The concert was staged in conjunction with the Meetings of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) and the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanization Forum (ASUF), both held in the Malaysian capital from Aug. 11 to 15.

Katrine captivated the audience with her heartfelt performance of Araw Gabi, the well-loved Filipino love song composed by National Artist for Music, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. Her rendition stood as a proud representation of Philippine music and artistry on an ASEAN platform, showcasing the emotional depth and lyrical richness of Filipino compositions.

The inclusion of a Filipino piece by a national artist also highlighted the country's contribution to the region's cultural heritage. Araw Gabi has become a modern classic in the Philippines, and its performance in Kuala Lumpur offered audiences from across Southeast Asia an opportunity to experience the Filipino musical tradition in a symphonic setting.

The "ASEAN Connectivity Concert" brought together performers from across 10-member states, each presenting a piece that represented the spirit of their homeland. These were performed in collaboration with the Orkestra Kuala Lumpur, whose orchestral arrangements allowed the audience to appreciate Southeast Asian music in a fresh and dynamic way.