The Foundation for Development Through Education Inc. (FDTED) celebrated its 20th anniversary last January 18 with a classical piano benefit concert at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Davao.
The concert featured internationally awarded Filipino concert pianist Jovianney Emmanel Cruz. A former child prodigy, Mr. Cruz is one of twelve international artists to inaugurate the Solomon Gadles Mikowsky Recital Hall in New York, and the first Filipino to perform at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia.
Taking his turn after the ladies of the Agdao Violin Institute’s String Quinet, Mr. Cruz took guests in the fully-packed ballroom out on a classical piano journey from Chopin’s Waltz and Scherzo to more modern pieces such as Cordoba, Asturias and El Salon Mexico. Mr. Cruz also shared his passion of giving music education to the less fortunate and he hopes his performances would help inspire more Filipinos.
For the past twenty years, FDTEI has educated 122 underprivileged yet deserving young adults coming from eight provinces in Mindanao. Of these scholars, 101 will have graduated by 2017. The scholars of the foundation are enrolled in undergraduate programs in engineering, medicine, nursing, business, accountancy and education, to name a few with many having found meaningful and productive employment after completing their studies.
After graduation, FDTEI also assists graduates in reviewing for qualifying board examinations. To complement their academic training, FDTEI involve scholars in community projects ranging from health, education and environmental initiatives.
Congratulations to the Foundation for Development Through Education Inc. and to Jovianney Emmanel Cruz on a beautiful night of music and good deeds.
