Admittedly, the former was earlier formally organized, bigger membership, more regimented in practice, wider repertoire of musical arrangements, and wider exposure. It became the favorite of then Eminent Julio Cardinal Rosales to grace significant religious functions in such venues as the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the then San Agustin Church of Senior Santo Niño, and the Carmelite Sisters.
But with time and dwindling numbers of the "Singing Sons" due to the demise of some, and/or movements of others in life's varying pursuits, the "Singing Mandauehanons" later picked up the slack in the early 70's. Mandaue's pro core group of Dado Seno/Dado Flores/Angel Cabilao fleshed out the female-male minstrels.
Since its nascent existence, these choristers have served the community, such as, in church choir, in barrio chapel-fiesta's 9-day novenas, even in stage dramas, and in less formal functions. But their most defining moments shine during faithful service in "novenas" at death wakes with their Bisayan soulful songs during evening prayer rituals. Those who have stayed steadfast to this traditional value know at heart that the novena minstrels are not less talented, or less committed, than the all-male choristers, as they touch the living while mourning their loved ones in dying.
A random litany of its original songbirds prove this observation, such as, Vita Judilla, Meling Cabahug, Lourdes Suico, Orel Mayol. Perla Rodriguez, Agnes Dueñas, Amparing Heyrosa, Cirila Cinco, Salome Rojas, Kayong Flores, Leandro Seno, Angel Cabilao, Felino Flores, Noli Jayme, Yul Baclay, Sergio Joren, Jaming Heyrosa, and German Flores.
With Dr. Leandro Seno and the late Macario "Kayong" Flores leading the loose group with their string instruments, came later members, most of them still active songsters: Luz Gonzaga, Perla Dueñas, Fely Limatog, Nelda Perez, Bebe Mendoza, Leonisa Siroy, Araceli Sanchez, Emilia Flores, Dikoy Flores, Fred Quiño, Jun Estan Sanchez, Dadong Limatog, Rudy Fernandez, Jesus Lumapaz, William Ponce, Odik Diola, and the late Jesus Cinco.
"Kayong" Flores who died on February 17 last, has to be singled out for his painstaking commitment in herding the dwindling choir during death wakes with his guitar expertise. In fact, one's gentle ribbing was on their "nagkahilis nga pundok", but with unspoken sadness in case the inevitable call should come, as it has now come.
One knew "Kayong" from way, way back in childhood when his late father, Ingko Pio, used to have his "sorbetehan" at mid-corner of Zamora Street, just a nose tweak yonder the old town's "presidencia". After graduating as top of his class in Trade School, he later served long with the then Standard-Mobil with honor; and, lived a simple family life who preferred silent humility, except when he strummed with eloquence on his guitar.
Just as one paid recognition to his father in one's "Footnotes in Time", let this also be a sincere tribute to a very simple and humble Mandauehanon who, without any flair or fanfare, has done a lot to carry on Mandaue's cultural legacy.
And so, when the "Singing Sons" three nights back, dedicated their soulful and nostalgic interpretation of Mandaue's very own "Handurawan" - so smooth to the ears, so touching to the heart - it was as much not only a fitting tribute to humble Kayong, but also, to his singing friends and all the humble achievers. As a song goes, even "little things mean a lot".