FOR MUSIC lovers the inaugural concert of the restored 18th-century pipe organ at San Agustin Church in Intramuros was a real treat. The P4.5 million-restoration job was aided by the Spanish Embassy through the efforts of the Ambassador Delfin Colomé, a true lover of the arts, Instituto Cervantes, the Agencia Espa¤ola de Cooperacion and the many supporters of the World Heritage San Agustin Church.

The evening was a dream come true for Fr. Pedro Galende, who should receive some kind of appreciation award from the Augustinian Order for his efforts on their behalf.

It was also good to know that we already have competent organ restorers, the Diego de Cera Organ Builders, of Las Pi¤as who, together with Federico Acitores, an expert in Spanish baroque organs, carried out the P4.5 million restoration job. Thanks to their efforts Manila's music lovers can now enjoy again 17th- and 18th-century organ compositions in the only surviving colonial church of Intramuros.

THE REPUBLIC of Romania celebrated its National Day on Dec. 1 at the Century Park Sheraton with a special exhibit of stained glassworks by Romanian artist Dan Bancilo who has exhibited his works in European capitals as well as in the US and Japan.

President Estrada sent his congratulatory letter to Romanian President Emil Constantinescu through Romania's Charge d'Affaires Dr. Emil Ghitulescu.

Acting Foreign Secretary Lauro Baja, Ambassador Hassan Mohammad Obaid Al-Suwaidi, Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado, Secretary Lenny de Jesus, Foreign Undersecretary Rory Tolentino, Ambassador and Ms Victor Garcia, Evie Costa, New Zealand Ambassador and Ms Graeme Waters and the many friends of Romania attended the festivities.