Concerts to re-ignite fires

It’s just timely that a concert titled, Tagumpay ng Bayan, will be staged by Kilosbayan during these times when glimpses of real heroism are sorely needed. The fire of optimism (or what’s left of it) about the future has almost been extinguished by endless bickerings in the House and by the battle of placards in protest rallies by both sides.

When former Public Works Secretary Jose "Ping" de Jesus described the concert as "a light in the darkness", he ignited once more the embers of enthusiasm among us incurable optimists – and romantics. Ping is currently chair of the steering committee of the Kilosbayan concert. Of course, the moving spirit is still Jovy Salonga, Kilosbayan president.

Kilosbayan, the rough equivalent of "people action", is a non-profit, non-partisan, ethics-oriented people’s organization to enable persons from various religious backgrounds to "pursue and protect, with the democratic framework, their legitimate and collective interests and aspirations through peaceful and lawful means."

My friend Dante Velasco said that Filipino songs will be interpreted powerfully or poignantly by Dulce, Isay Alvarez, Robert Sena, Ramon Acoymo and the Madrigal Singers. And, if you fancy poetry reading, Joel Torre and Chin Chin Gutierrez will be there to transport you to the world of imagery and imagination.

Be there at the Meralco Theater on November 16, at 4:30 p.m. I hope to see you there so that the embers of our collective optimism for our country will be re-ignited.

About another concert, Salute! Part II will be a return performance for government officials who wowed their audience at the Manila Hotel last May. The tenors – or terrors, as Bulletin’s Deedee called them in jest – can easily change careers when they retire. These were DILG Secretary Joey Lina, MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando, and former Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes. On November 12, also at the Manila Hotel, they will be joined by Finance Secretary Lito Camacho.

We had a chance to listen to Angelo and Bayani at a preview arranged by Bulong-Pulungan sa Westin Philippine Plaza last week; absent were Joey who was in the hospital for some ailment, and Lito. But if what I heard was inspired and inspiring singing, I figured the Manila hotel crowd would be pleased too.

It was an opportunity for the performers to declare their political intentions for May 2004. Angelo (he likes to be called Angie), had no bones about his running for senator, and when I addressed Bayani as "Mr. Senator," he corrected me by saying, "Why senator? Vice-president." So be it.

Angie and Lito rendered duets which made the older newspaperwomen wax romantic. They sang Fly Me to the Moon‚ and What Kind of Fool I Am, and Angie sang What a Wonderful World. Bayani looked like a little boy as he sang When You Wish Upon a Star.

I heard Joey sing at the birthday bash of former Senator Heherson Alvarez, and I’m sure he will be just as engaging a singer on November 12. As to Lito, I still have to hear him whistle a tune, but I image he would not have the guts to go public if he was not convinced he could sing.

Four "Spice Boys" will be singing, too – Representatives Nonoy Andaya, Ricky Sandoval, Miguel Zubiri and Ace Barbers. At Bulong-Pulong, Nonoy and Ricky belted songs applauded by the younger newsmen.

Quite a delight was sultry Dulce, considered "Singing Queen of Asia," who transported us to high heavens with her numbers. Ivy Violan, a singer of note, was well-applauded. They were joined by a nice-looking young man,George Sison-Tagle, a painter with a business degree from a US university, and a singer at music bars in plush hotels. It will be worth our while watching the progress of George’s singing career.

George, by the way, is the son of Beth Sison-Tagle, who is becoming known as an impresario and a "hostess with the mostest".

Beth is the Salute producer. She also runs an art gallery along Katipunan Ave. in Quezon City.

The November 12 production has Angie Magbanua as stage director, and Gerry Matias, music director.

Part of the concert’s proceeds will go to Alay sa Kawal (ASK) Foundation, which has been looking after the interest of Filipino soldiers and their families. Kawal deserves a future column.

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