Profile: Dr. Ramon Sison Geluz
Although Dr. Ramon Sison Geluz is a medical doctor and an educator by profession, his real passion has always been in the arts, especially music and poetry.
It was this life long passion that constantly burned in his heart; a passion that gave birth to the first original Filipino opera "Karim at Jasmin", a product of his creative efforts for more than two decades.
No doubt, Dr. Ramon Sison Geluz made history when he conceptualized, developed and wrote the libretto and composed at least 34 songs and arias for his master piece, "Karim at Jasmin". First staged before a full house, standing ovation performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines with the world renowned Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra on November 4, 2006, "Karim at Jasmin" had its U.S. Gala Premiere at the Terrace Theater of the Long Beach Convention Center on June 23, 2007. The opera’s showing earned raves and praises from all sectors of the community: academe, government, business, and media making Dr. Geluz a multi awarded opera composer in such a very short period of time including two awards for excellence in music arts from the United States Congress.
It also earned commendations from Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa who wrote: "I commend you for your pride in our Filipino heritage and your profound desire to perpetuate our cultural legacy."
Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon, who attended the gala showing of "Karim at Jasmin", said of the opera: "Every Filipino should see it because it makes us really proud of our heritage." She has remained a faithful supporter of "Karim at Jasmin"and together with Ms. Zen Lopez, a Commissioner of Culture and Arts, are always present in the opera’s performances
Since "Karim at Jasmin" embarked on its "All U.S. Cities Tour" it has been presented to different standing ovation audiences at the La Mirada Performing Arts Center, the historic Spreckels Theater in San Diego, CA, and the Horn Theater at the North Las Vegas Theater for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Most recently,"Karim at Jasmin" was performed at the Grand Hall of the Opera Theater of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on May 16, 2009 for the Benefit Ball of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra where the members of the Consular Corps, ambassadors and their spouses, and other staunch supporters of the LA Philharmonic gave a standing ovation and Ms. Aida Gaona, the Ball Chair, called it "the most spectacular and elaborate cultural performance" in the history of the International Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
Dr. Ramon Sison Geluz’s teen age musical "Heart 'N Soul" which is currently on tour after successful performances at its Gala Premiere at the Normandie Casino in Gardena, CA, at the Gemmrig Park in Long Beach CA, and most recently at the Veterans Park in Carson City CA.
The patriotic musical, 'The Life and Loves of Dr. Jose Rizal" also written and composed by Dr. Geluz will be showing in Los Angeles in August and September after a performance at the Los Angeles County Filipino American Employees Association and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Philippine Independence Day Celebration where Dr. Geluz was the " Kalayaan Awardee for 2009" for his many contributions in Art and Music.
His most recent completed work, "JV INC., The Musical With A Mission", a dramatic musical comedy will have its Gala Premiere at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, CA on November 14, 2009.
Other successful musicals he has written and performed at the Normandie Casino in Gardena include the Valentines’ Day Special broad way musical "Tina and the Magic Mirror" and the Archie’s Cartoons classic inspired "Ron Dante, Return to Riverdale".
Among the many projects he has completed and lined-up for future productions include: "The Adventures Of Lam-Ang, The Superman", the epic Pinoy Rock Techno Musical, "The Voice in the Wilderness", an English musical based on the life of St. John the Baptist; the English version of "Karim at Jasmin"; and "Karim at Mei", a sequel to "Karim at Jasmin".
Tireless and ever prolific, Dr, Geluz hopes to finally establish the MRG Services Inc. School For the Performing Arts, and as he said, "So we can provide assistance in developing the talents of our Filipino and Filipino American youth, both here in the United States and in Philippines.