Lectures on heart care through song and dance

The Foundation for Lay Education on Heart Diseases (FLEHD) founded by eminent cardiologist Adolfo B. Bellosillo presented “How to Remain Young at Heart” at the RCBC auditorium. The musical was prefaced by welcome remarks and an extensive lecture on heart care by Dr. Bellosillo and still another by a colleague.

Followed a third lecture on heart diseases through songs and dances linked together by a narrative.

Mezzo soprano Jai Sabas Aracama, tenor Jeremiah Calisang, baritone Keith Segura and tenor Ervin Lumauag admirably rendered songs composed by Calisang with lyrics by Bellosillo. Listening to the tuneful, lilting melodies, one would have expected to hear “Moonlight and roses and you in my arms,” “You are always in my heart,” “The way you look tonight,” “The very thought of you”, and so on. Instead, one heard brief explanations of risk factors for heart disease: Smoking, drinking, hypertension, bad cholesterol, lack of exercise — all of which, combined or separately, could lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

It took time for the listener to get used to medical advice on how to prevent oncoming and fatal heart problems, delivered in song by the remarkable singers. The yeoman’s task fell on Jeremiah Calisang who performed non-stop as pianist and singer after having composed the stirring songs to which Bellosillo provided the clever lyrics with occasional touches of humor (e.g., “Haw Haw Hee”).

In producing and directing a most novel and original musical, Bellosillo drew from his rich imagination and inventiveness. The story revolves around an imaginary (?) patient J.J. Acura who, through consistent neglect and abuse, finally succumbs to heart failure. The play shows him at home, at the office, at a restaurant and again at the office. The restaurant scene gave occasion for doctors to act as waiters and night club habitués. Portraying the night club manager was Dr. Ryan Padua; the Maitre d’, Dr. Alberto Atilano. The attending cardiologist was Dr. Ophelia Manlapit; Acura’s confidant, Dr. Ken Villanueva.

Incidentally, the instant actors recruited by Bellosillo were all cardiologists, a fact which gave consistent logic to the play.

The medical advice “Exercise to Your Heart’s Content” was brilliantly translated into dance by marvelous members of the Philippine Ballet Theater, namely: Abigail Tan, Jared Tan, Joel Matias, Tracey Castillo, Maxine Sy and Marvin Arizo. The sparkling choreography was by Ronilo Jaynario, a former PBT danseur.

In-between the episodes, Aracama served as the forceful and eloquent narrator.

Having had to adjust to the lyrics, which I initially found strange and incongruous, I was driven by curiosity to ask certain members of the audience their reaction to the show. Conchita Bautista, wife of the former ambassador to Russia, thought many parts of the play highly amusing. Tony Pastor thought it interesting. So did many others.

Indeed, the program caught everyone’s attention because it was concerned with keeping the heart healthy. Of course, not everyone watching the show could exercise in the manner members of the PBT danced. In this instance, audience concentration was divided between the dancers and the singers, with the latter mouthing words which were being flashed on the screen. The dancers proved to be more riveting and, in any case, the message that exercise keeps the heart healthy had long been understood, while the dancers were giving entertainment and delight, besides.

For those who could not attend the play, here are the modifiable risk factors for cardiac arrest: High blood pressure, bad cholesterol, smoking, diabetes mellitus, lack of exercise, personality (be cheerful), obesity and high coagulability of blood.

A word of warm commendation for FLEHD’s principal sponsor Jose S. Concepcion, and for Dr. Bellosillo whose FLEHD promotes heart care through seminars, lectures, forums, conventions and, not the least, through productions like “How to Remain Young at Heart”. He gave credit to Nellie Bengzon for being “the wind beneath my sails.”