"Then I will cut
out my heart and pass it on."
- Coke Bolipata
At some point, I dreamt of playing Bach’s Minuet 1-3. But it
was just a passing fancy when I realized I could never be as good as Coke
Bolipata. Just by the strokes of his hand, he’s got that absolute power to
control the listeners’ emotions. I just recently watched his first heartwarming
indie-movie “Boses” and fell in love right away with his endearing and soulful rendition
of Mozart, Vivaldi and Rossini played all throughout the film.
I’m a silent fan of Coke. Who wouldn’t? He’s a world renowned
violinist, a Julliard alumna, and when I listen to him play “Sana’y Wala nang
Wakas”, I feel ambivalent – happy and sad at the same time. So much of my
adoration for his music that I travelled all the way to CASA San Miguel in his
hometown, where the movie was partly inspired. And hearing the ballad of CASA
indeed made a good prelude to my watching “Boses”.
Nestled between the lovely mountains and raging sea of San
Antonio, Zambales, CASA (which stands for Center of the Arts in San Antonio) is
a picturesque countryside brick and wood chateau, set amidst a lush mango
orchard. It is the ancestral house of the Bolipata clan established in 1921,
and was opened by Coke as a school and foundation for the local community, right
after finishing his studies abroad in 1993. It was his way of giving back to
the community, which was greatly devastated when Mt. Pinatubo erupted. The main
house exudes a homey, artistic appeal for musicians, artists and art lovers.
The vibrant mural mosaic entrance of CASA
Ramon L. Corpus Concert Hall
named after Coke’s
grandfather, also a celebrated concert violinist
A child mentor violinist
CASA supports financially deprived children who have talent
in classical music, theater, and visual arts. During weekends and summer, one
could see happy and talented children playing the violin under canopy of trees.
The best and exceptional young homegrown musicians become part of the Pundaquit
Virtuosi, a chamber ensemble composed of scholars of CASA. Julian Duque, the
child lead of “Boses” and a musical prodigy, was in fact a member of the group.
Through the years, the CASA has evolved and continue to
expand. In 2013, the Museum of Community Heritage was opened to showcase the
rich history and natural treasures of Zambales.
Mini-library and colorful hanging mobile sculptures
Inside the bamboos are mini photos about the history of indigenous
Aetas
Fishes and corals from Zambales are on display in the saltwater
aquarium
CASA also has a cozy bed and breakfast which has
become a steady source of income of the foundation to fund their projects. Spending
a night surely does a lot to rejuvenate and inspire.
Behind the stone fountain are the room accommodations
A lady sculpture on the ground
Magsaysay Room
All-day dining Backstage Café is the perfect spot to chill
out, savor delicious comfort food, and listen to Coke’s soothing music, which I
swear I could listen to over and over again.
With the lantern lit patio, the café looks at its best during
night time
Wonderful mural of violinists inside the café
Tuyo pasta
Molten lava chocolate cake - it was love at first bite
The sister of Coke, installation artist Plet Bolipata and
her visual artist husband Elmer Borlongan, established the charming and
whimsical Pasilyo, a country living store and home of the artists within the
premises of CASA. Their garden comes alive with all the creative and playful artworks
of Plet.
A red car swing
White cats on the tree
Seahorse mosaic sculpture
San Miguel Beach is just less than 10 minute-walk away from CASA.
Though sometimes, I miss rubbing rosin in my bowstring, I guess I’m better off
running to the sea, taking off my slippers, and braving the waves ahead.
The closest I could get in exciting standing waves on a
violin string
I’ve already long accepted that some of my dreams are just
not meant to be. But I’m glad Coke built a happy place for children to dream.
CASA San Miguel
Evagelista St., Brgy.
San Miguel
San Antonio, Zambales
Tel. No.: 0915-6220335
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