Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

FOR Filipinos around the world, the name Cecile Buencamino Licad conjures images of a piano virtuoso, an accomplished musician who has made a big name for herself in the industry and a Filipina who continues to amaze people with her God-given talent.

Aside from being the most celebrated pianist from the Philippines, Ms. Licad is also known for her generous heart, particularly when it comes to sharing her time and talent for causes that she considers near and dear to her heart.

After her masterful performance at the benefit concert held at the Philippine Center, the world-renowned Licad, with her deep alto voice, spoke with the media and shared her thoughts on helping out fellow Filipinos who need help.

"I’m just happy that I can share my music, and that I can help. It is always a pleasure for me to play music," she said.

Ms. Licad chose to honor one of her favorite composers, Frederyk Chopin, in honor of his 200th birth anniversary.

"This is special. I just love playing his music so much," she added.

The concert was born out of necessity, especially since Handang Tumulong Foundation, the newly-formed organization was thinking of ways to raise funds. Deputy Consul General Millie Thomeczec knew Ms. Licad from before, and she broached the idea to her. Right there and then, Ms. Licad agree to do the show.

The pianist is thankful that kababayans continue to support her and said that performing has somehow become second skin to her.

"I see colors, amazing colors in my head when I perform and my emotions always come out, whatever they may be. I feel happy when I perform so that is projected in my music," she shared.

For many in the audience, it was a little night of mesmerizing music.

"It was my great pleasure of seeing and hearing her perform again. I’d been an avid fan of her since I was a music student myself back in Manila. And as I mentioned, her mother was one of teachers at Santa Isabel Conservatory of Music," Grace Matubis said.

The audience got so captivated that they sent e-mails to the Philippine Consulate, which helped organize the event to benefit the organization Handang Tumulong Foundation. The organization is geared to raise funds, which can be immediately disbursed and sent to the Philippines when needed.

Most of them expressed their gratitude to Ms. Licad for giving back to the community, especially since Consul General Cecille Rebong announced before the start of the concert that Ms. Licad was doing it gratis et amore.

"It was a wonderful and well-attended concert. Marami pong salamat for doing so much for our fellow Filipinos," Lani Misenas said.

Ave Pimo, one of the event organizers and a member of the foundation, was likewise thankful—both to community members who trooped to the consulate that evening and to Licad for her performance.

"We cannot thank her enough for sharing that wonderful gift that God has given her. We pray for her continued success," Pimo said.

Ms. Licad is known for her technical virtuosity and large repertoire, which ranges from acclaimed interpretations of Mozart and Beethoven classics to the Romantic Literature of Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Schumann, and Rachmaninoff to the modern works of Debussy and Ravel.