In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Karilagan Cultural Arts International under the strict supervision and administration of the late Conchita Sunico, made monumental marks in the field of the performing arts.

For almost three decades, Karilagan performed at the Top of the Hilton and for years, through the Department of Tourism then headed by Secretary Jose Aspiras, presented shows in major cities in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and the USA.

Karilagan assisted the DOT in its bid for major conventions and meetings to be held in the Philippines. Its meticulously planned and well-executed productions introduced our country to the world.

Ultra talented fashion designers, singers, ballet and jazz dancers, scriptwriters, models, choreographers, sounds and lights specialists, wardrobe mistresses (fondly known as our manangs), beauty queens, musicians, and marketing geniuses were carefully handpicked to be part of this prestigious group.

Karilagan’s home was at the Manila Hilton and with the Hilton chain of hotels, Karilagan shows were always fiestas, depicting Filipino art and culture through songs, dances, and fashion.

When the Metropolitan Theater was reopened by then First Lady Imelda R. Marcos in the ‘80s, Conchita Sunico was assigned to be its executive director and as the years went by, the number of artists that performed there, joined the group’s ever expanding "family."
This "family" paved the way for Ms. Sunico to produce more shows such as, Maalaala Mo Kaya, the Great White Way, and other spectacular box office hits, bringing together now famous singers like: Leo Valdez, Noemi Gomez, Pops Fernandez, Bimbo Cerrudo, Pinky Marquez, Carlo Orosa, and so many others in shows for total wholesome entertainment.

During those days, the theater’s main singers were called the MET Chorus and an array many of them bloomed to be today’s Isay Alvarez, Beverly Salviejo, Pong Alonzo, Debraliz, and the late Rene Requestas to name a few.

Also with the Met then was the young and affable Boy Abunda who made sure that performances at the Theater were featured in the newspapers and magazines.

Busy-busy helping and assisting to put all these shows and activities together was Tito Henry Caballero. He made sure that the artists were well taken care of (having a great time), of course, not forgetting their personal and professional disciplines.

If Tita Conching (also fondly known as Oye) was like a mother to the Karilagan and the Met groups; Tito Henry Caballero stood like father to all.

After all these years, something very exciting (for this family) happened at Teatrino in Greenhills last April 25. These artists came onstage again to honor Tito Henry who turned 89 years old.

The "once upon a time" group of young artists who got together for Tito Henry’s Parangal were: statuesque Betchay Santos-Monserrat, former Miss Philippines, Erlynn Bernardez-Campos, tenor Frankie Asiniero, ballet dancer Monet Garcia-Co, Tito Henry’s only daughter, Carol Villar, Mar and Susan Libao, choreographer-director Veda Bañez, renowned stage actor Chinggoy Alonso, Gaily Cabigao-Descallar (who finished law while at the MET), Christine Hipe of Salsa Manila, Pol Dimerin, now president of a pharmaceutical company, folk dancer Sonny Oñate,

Former Miss International Melanie Marquez, my cumadre Merlita Antonio, sophisticated Tess Galang Shoeffer, demure Mildred Bleza, businesswoman Jenny Alba, Manny Cagalingan (my friend with the golden voice), Arlene and Jun Maranan (who drove all the way from Isabela province), the lady with the most pleasing smile Rosky Balajadia, Marianne Dominguez Paraiso, former Miss Philippines Anna Lorraine Kier-Tabora,

Famous TV host Boy Abunda, brilliant diva Saphire, ballet dancer Pinky Sabinosa-Nelson, Rose Bulaong, Tito Henry’s favorite son-in-law hotelier Rey Villar, no less than my favorite comedienne Beverly Salviejo, soprano Jay Valencia-Glorioso, PBT president Nenette Asiniero, Junjun Garcia the Met Chorus, the Met Dance Theater, international ballroom queen Belinda Adora, looking good Mennen Eddun, Noemi Onglengco-Silang-Cruz, the Hot Legs, the very agile Eddie Bolozo, Efren Lampadio, choreographers Danny Vinculado, Relly Gutierrez, and Jojo Licaros, Arthur Padilla, and Lea Balingit. They were all beautiful as ever, and gosh what a fantastic show they came up with!

Age and pounds may have increased through the years but the camaraderie, the friendships, and the happy memories have stood the test of time.

Karilagan and the MET are not just about songs and dances, they are about a family and in their hearts that fact weighs a ton of happines and bliss.

Cheers to the Karilagan and the Met Gang!

Cheers to Tita Conching Sunico!

Let’s toast to true friendship and drink to Tito Henry’s health!

We thank God for these pillars in our lives!