By Invitation Only: Handumanan

Since its beginnings five years ago, Handumanan has always been intended by its organizers as a treat to balikbayans starved of genuine Cebuano songs and tradition. Show tickets are distributed for free to incoming balikbayans upon landing at Mactan International Airport. This project started small, with the backing of Mutya Orchestra owner Cesar Laspiñas. But a good idea answering a need will never fail…as what this undertaking has proven through five years of purely voluntary efforts by all persons involved.

This year, acting Mayor Mike Rama tasked the indefatigable Dr. Odette Jereza of USP to be at the helm as Project Director. Rightly so, as she harnessed her turf to make this year’s show something significant, as well as memorable, for all the balikbayans in the audience. But there was no budget at all to start with. Odette had to call on generous friends and relations for things to start moving.

On January 17, the eve of Sinulog, Handumanan 2009 took centerstage at the University of Southern Philippines Theater for the Performing Arts, directed by USP’s Glen Albutra. Project Chair Jose Go managed to get national Cebuano artists Max Surban and Dulce to perform for free! ( I heard that they had to pay a certain amount for Dulce’s manager…who is most probably not Cebuano.) Rene Mercado provided free video coverage and all those who participated in the show donated time and resources – all for the glory of Senyor Sto. Niño. Of course, select members of the Mutya Orchstra provided live music, led by Musical Director Remy Zafra with arranger Nilo Abella.

This year’s Handumanan had a theme: A Retrospective of the Prestigious Carnival Queen of Pre-War Years. This beauty pageant had only the creme de la crème young women of Manila & Cebu societies. Songs and poetry were performed in honor of the reigning queen and her court. It was therefore a great honor to be crowned Carnival Queen. And we had the distinction of having a direct descendant of a Cebu carnival queen (Concepcion Cuenco-Manguerra) to be the Carnival Queen of the night – Cecilia Manguerra-Brainard, a U.S.-based celebrated novelist.

An audio-visual presentation depicted the pre-war era, the war years and the booming 50s to the overture of the Mutya Orchestra. The presentation and “paso” of the Carnival Queen and her two “damas” took place. All were wearing beautiful gowns by Allan Plattring. When the ladies sat onstage, the “balitaw” and “balak” ensued, all dedicated to the Carnival Queen and her court.

Notable volunteers were Globe Telecom’s Jerry Yntig whose “Patay’ng Buhi” was a breath-taking performance. Versatile performer Roy Caballero, dubbed as the singing banker, was a delight in all his numbers, while my good friend Dante Luzon revived Ol’ Blue Eyes magic in his post-war English medley. Acting Mayor Mike did his usual bit through “Carmela,” with some “balak” added in for good measure.

From half past eight until nearing midnight, the crowd in the USP Theater remained in their seats, enjoying the guest performers, laughing at the antics and novelty songs of Max Surban, and carried away by the swirling voice of the Cebuana diva, Dulce. 

Pit Senyor, alang kanimo kini!