MiCultura distinguishes inputs from Alfonso "Papito" Almanza in cultural management

Panama, 29 April 2020. The Ministry of Culture regretted the passing of the cultural manager Alfonso "Papito" Almanza and distinguished the great contribution and legacy that as a musical producer she led in performing arts and great performances that have been held for decades in the country.

Carlos Aguilar Navarro, Minister of Culture, recognized his work and dedicated to artistic production of national and international stars, his advice to charitable fund-raising events from 1987 to 1996 and his work as creator, producer and director of different national and international festivals, including the OTI Festival, the first Teletón 20-30 and Voices of Panama.

In public service, Almanza was Consul General of Panama in Venice, Italy (1984-1987), General Director ATLAPA Convention Center in the period 1980-1983 as well as director and manager of the National Theater from 1970 to 1980.

His co-workers and friends of the show in Panama remember him as the best producer of Panama and a strong defender for his outstanding role as a Panamanian artist.

Henry Gorgona, Director of Culture of the Municipality of San Miguelito, explained that Panama has lost a great cultural manager, director of theater works, musical promoter and developer of the remembered OTI Festivals of the song.

Gustavo Young, a singer and music producer, remarked that his success and his performances and his performing works are countless but his production of "Voices of My Earth," where his national artist had been put to light throughout his splendour and had been throughout his national territory.

Journalist Alvaro Alvarado commented that "Panama loses one of its great talents... To talk about Daddy is to talk about television, theater, shows, carnival, music and cinema."

At his turn, singer Roger Barés stated that Almanza deserves a special space in the history of all creators and coordinators of artistic activities in Panama.

Due to his valuable creativity and leadership, he was creator, producer, director and advisor of different national and international festivals, among them: the 3 Festival de la Canción (Panama 2013), 2nd Festival de la Canción (San Juan, Puerto Rico 2004), 1st Festival de la Canción, Panama Viejo (Panama 2003), Director Expo- Mujeres (Panama 1996), Artistical Events for Canal 12, San Salvador (El Salvador 1995-1997), Director of Active Activities for the Reubén Darius National Theater (Nicaragua, 1998-1995).

The work of promoting the collection of funds at the head of civic organizations at the Panama Teleton 20- 30 and Colón, National Association against Cancer, Hogares Crea and Nutre Hoga, among others, was great in their professional and gift of people.

"Papito" Almanza Serrato was awarded in many ways, with awards such as the Anita Villalaz Award: Professional of the Panamanian Theater in 1981, Búho de Oro, figure of the year (1978.1980, 1981, 1984), Winner of the 1st and 2nd prize of the OTI Panama Fest 1994: Author and composer (representing Panama in Valencia, Spain), Venezuelan Press Prize for concert Panama and Venezuela "Canal de la Amistidad," Universidad de Caracas. "" Guaicaipuro de Oro "and Distinción de Mario Kreutzberga, 1981," Argentina, "and Argentina."