Serenata Shines at Seven Serenata, in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, is once again set to stage a benefit concert now in its seventh season on Feb. 16, 6 p.m., at the American International School of Jeddah. Serenata is a non-stock, nonprofit, cause-oriented organization founded in Jeddah in 2005. It aims to promote Filipino culture and values as well as to enhance the Filipino global image through choral and orchestral performances by children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It was formed with the vision to help uplift the socio-economic standards of the marginalized sectors of Philippine society. The presentation features the Serenata Children's Choir and the Serenata String Chamber Orchestra, with the special participation of Precy Ann Cua and the Knight Movers dance crew. The choir is usually composed of around 45 children between the ages of eight and 16, who gain admission through auditions held between June and July. The orchestra, meanwhile, is composed of fledgling violinists, violists and cellists, some of whom are also choristers. Serenata holds two benefit concerts yearly, one in December and another in February. Both productions come under the musical direction of Sylvia de los Santos, who also founded the organization, along with Desil Manapat and Louis Bautista. Bangladesh consular tour A team from the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh will render consular and welfare services to the Bangladeshi community on Feb. 23-24 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Hotel Al-Khamasin, Wadi Al-Dawasir (Tel: 01-7841924/01-7840701). For further information please contact Tel: 4195300 ext 17 and 14. __
