The Ayala Malls Group and Filipinas Heritage Library are gearing up for a series of major cultural events as they put together Bravo Filipino, a festival of Philippine art, music, and fashion slated to run starting January until May 2008.

According to the project organizers, “Bravo Filipino is first and foremost a celebration of the Filipino’s innate ability to create and embrace art and music of world-class caliber.” The project was conceived primarily to promote Filipino creativity and ingenuity, and to formally launch Greenbelt 5 as the home of top-notch Filipino fashion designers.

The brainchild of Ayala chairman emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala, the project is a fusion of classic works in Philippine art and music, and contemporary and modern pieces. Seasoned artists, as well as talented newcomers, will take center stage during the festival’s run. Main attractions include a launch concert, a traveling exhibit, and a fashion show.

Marking the start of the entire celebration is the installation of a mural in the Greenbelt tunnel depicting a montage of works by various Filipino artists. Smaller banners inspired by the mural will be displayed in various areas of Ayala malls.

In February 2008, a launch concert will celebrate the works of the finest composers in the local music industry as performed by leading Filipino vocalists and musicians. The concert will also feature several dance numbers, which will be choreographed by instructors from Sofia Zobel’s Steps Dance Studio. Mini concerts featuring bands that performed at the launch event are also set to run in Ayala malls from February to May.

To honor designers who have helped define Philippine couture, a fashion show accompanied by live renditions of music from the Filipinas Heritage Library’s Himig Collection will be staged at Greenbelt 5 in March 2008. Renowned designers and artists new to the fashion industry will participate in the event.

With its repertoire of some of the best in Philippine music, visual arts, and dance, Bravo Filipino is poised to become one of the biggest cultural events of 2008.