They will sing to save Nolyn

MANILA, Philippines - I studied at St. Joseph’s College, a strictly Catholic School, and I firmly believe in God. I have always been taught to accept God’s will but try as I may, there are just those rare instances that I do, admittedly, have some doubts. One of those rare times happened last week, when I shockingly received almost instantaneously several text messages from friends in the music and theater world informing me that renowned Filipino tenor Nolyn Cabahug’s two kidneys had ceased functioning and he needed blood donations badly. I felt a stab of pain, and ordinary human that I am, I asked “Why, God?”

I knew I was not alone in that sentiment and I was also sure that like me there were so many people in the music and theater industry who wanted to help Nolyn and his family as he now has to undergo regular dialysis, which as we all know are very expensive and could last for a prolonged period of time. It was very clear that there was an immediate outpouring of love and affection for this well-respected and well-loved man because soon after, I received another text from Karla Gutierrez, president of the Philippine Opera Company, informing me that artists and friends have gotten together and volunteered their talent, time and services for a fundraising concert titled Tenor ng Bayan, Ating Awitan: A Fund-Raising Concert For Nolyn Cabahug on Feb. 28, 8 p.m., at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave., Makati City.

The roster of artists is a rundown of top caliber multi-awarded performers and well-known personalities, including Robert Seña, Isay Alvarez, Bimbo Cerrudo, George Yang, Jennifer Uy, Juan Alberto Gaerlan, Sherwin Sozon, Pinky Marquez, Harana, JM Rodriguez, Lionel Guico, Joy Abalon, Alexis Edralin, Florence Aguilar, Clarissa Ocampo, Rachelle Gerodias, Andrew Fernando, Maritoni Rufino, Renato Lucas, Elaine Lee, Joana Go, Jenny Aldecoa-Delorino, Angelos, Karla Gutierrez, Lara Maigue, Marvin Gayramon, Bench Bautista, Jude Areopagita, Joel Villaflor, Jay Barrameda, Liesl Batucan, the UP Concert Chorus, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra and more.

Talk about classical and opera music in the Philippines and one name would always stand out — Nolyn Cabahug. Any aficionado of classical singing and high quality music in the Philippines would remember Nolyn as featured baritone/tenor soloist in several Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET) productions. It was through the sponsorship of the MET that he earned a scholarship in Voice under the late great soprano Maestra Isang Tapales. After earning an AB degree, he went to the University of the Philippines to take up Music and became a soloist of the UP Concert Chorus for its world tours from 1981 to 1985 during which time the group consistently received international accolades. Upon leaving UPCC, and after a brief stint with the TUX, he starred in numerous musical productions at the MET or CCP, including Kismet, Tosca, Mephistopheles, Dialogue of the Carmelites, and La Loba Negra. He also played Crisostomo Ibarra in Felipe Padilla de Leon’s Noli Me Tangere which had a successful US tour, and starred in Rolando Tinio’s Filipino adaptation of La Traviata. Sharing his music expertise, he served as choirmaster and vocal coach for various church and company choirs. When he did three octaves in a TV commercial of Glaxo’s Dequadine, Nolyn became a popular TV personality recognized by the masses, maybe the first-ever in the Philippine Operatic and Classical music history.

To Nolyn, his meteoric rise as a classical/opera singer was also a bolt from the blue. Born in Jaro, Iloilo City, his singing was originally merely confined to being part of the local church choir. Nolyn’s humility is apparent when he explained, “However surprising it may sound, initially, I never really came out as a singer — professionally, that is, until I came to Manila. I was very lucky to be featured in quite a number of performances and musicals. I can also say that I received good training during my tenure as a member of the UP Concert Chorus. My coming to Manila has definitely become a significant turning point in my life.”

Such modesty notwithstanding, Nolyn has over the years accumulated numerous awards and reaped recognition, including Aliw Awards as Best Classical Performer for 2003 and 2005; Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Awardee for the Arts (presented by the National Consumers Year-end Awards, 2002); Huwarang Pilipino Awardee for Arts and Culture/Entertainment (Special Who’s Who in the Philippines, 2001); and Opera Singer of the Year by the National Press Club, among so many acknowledgments of his talents. He was also awarded the Negros Occidental Medal of Honor and is the recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Ilog Town of Negros Occidental.

I will always picture Nolyn as the man with the big, big heart. For years and years, he would always say yes to concerts for various noble causes. He touched so many people by selflessly lending his voice and presence in fundraising shows, especially for the impoverished. Although Nolyn never asked for anything in return, this is our chance to return his kindness. (For those interested to watch, ticket prices for the fundraising show directed by acclaimed director Kokoy Jimenez are at P5,000 and P1,000. To friends who would like to make pledges, checks made to Nolyn Cabahug will also be accepted at the venue. Those who want to inquire on other details may call Philippine Opera Company at 892-8786).

And... dear God, please make Nolyn well and up and about at the earliest possible time. His wife and family need him. His bigger family in the music and theater world will be empty without him. The whole Philippine entertainment scene will just be absolutely different without the brilliant, resounding, effortless, and mellifluous voice of our beloved Tenor ng Bayan.

(E-mail me at [email protected] or text 09275000833)