Three young, aspiring performance artists have been named as the pioneer batch of scholars of the Original Pilipino Performing Arts Foundation.
Receiving full scholarships for performance arts courses in OPPA partner schools are Emma Rose Almario, a second year Music Major in Vocal Performance at St. Scholastica’s College; September Gempesaw, who will be taking up Theater Arts at Meridian International College; and Orion Flynn, an incoming AB Music Production freshman at College of St. Benilde.
The selection committee is headed by renowned theater director and OPPA Foundation vice president Michael Williams.
The selection panel for the pioneer batch was composed of leading luminaries in the local performance arts industry, such as Philippine Opera Company Artistic and managing director Karla Gutierrez, Manila Philharmonic Orchestra musical director, Maestro Rodel Colmenar, musical theater and opera director Jaime Del Mundo, theater icon and OPPA Foundation president Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, along with Resorts World Manila chief operations manager for entertainment Alou Almaden.
“We looked for individuals who have both the drive and the talent for performance arts,” Lauchengco-Yulo said. “It wasn’t enough for somebody to just have the natural ability to sing, dance, or act, but we looked for that special spark that we feel could one day uplift the local theater industry.”
With help from Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., owner and operator of RWM, the foundation aims to cultivate Filipino talent by supporting the local industry with an initial funding of up to P100 million.
The resources will be channeled to grants and scholarships providing artists with avenues and opportunities for development and elevating standards and capabilities by providing global expertise and resources.
“Beyond thrilling the world, we at RWM are also committed to social responsibility and corporate citizenship. One of the ways we achieve this is by nurturing the performing arts, especially for homegrown talent,” Owen Cammayo, RWM director for corporate communications said.
Assured by the foundation’s support, the OPPA scholars can focus on reaching their full potential and use their talents and passion to contribute to Philippine arts and culture. The OPPA Foundation is now accepting applications for scholarship for the 2nd term of the current academic year.
RWM is the first one-stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure destination in the Philippines that features recreational thrills, world-class performances, unique events, and exciting lifestyle options.
Conveniently located across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, RWM is an instant gateway to world-class Philippine hospitality and is home to four lodging brands: Maxims Hotel, Marriott Hotel Manila, Remington Hotel and Belmont Hotel. A three-story convention center houses the country’s largest hotel ballroom (Marriott Grand Ballroom), while two more hotels (Sheraton Hotel Manila and Hilton Manila Hotel) are currently under construction.
Also home to RWM is Newport Mall which features international luxury brands, state-of-the-art movie theaters at Newport Cinemas, an award-winning, ultra-modern Newport Performing Arts Theater and a cozy, 24/7 entertainment hub at Bar 360.