Spirit in a song

LIGHT AT THE END OF A TUNNEL

Roger Sinot Jr.

BAGUIO CITY -- “Light at the end of the tunnel” is a figurative speech, an idiomatic expression that pertains to hope.

Last Monday, 20th of May 2013, my wife Karen and I together with Marian and Josephine went to watch the reunion concert of not so old but goodies talented performers who had been entertaining Baguio folks since the 70s.

The live concert was held at the Cobalt Building of the Baguio General Hospital. The performers were Balikbayan Conrad Marzan, Mhia Tibunsay, Atty. Bubut Olarte, Bryan Aliping, Alma Angiwan, Liza Noble, news columnist March Fianza, newspaper publisher Alfred Dizon, Dick Oakes, the Foggy Mountain Band composed of Arsen Marzan, Dolfo Pedronio and Topher Marzan.

With the help of concert organizers Ramon “Mondacs” Dacawi, PIA Director Helen Tibaldo and Dr. Quirino, the recipients of the proceeds of the concert had, then and there received the amounts raised in the concert. There were four recipients of around P107,000 and a hundred US dollars.

           

I was touched by the unison singing of their final number “May You Stay Forever Young” part of which goes, “May God bless and keep you always, may your wishes all come true… may you stay forever young.”

All the singers went up stage singing this last song, believing that the night’s concert is payback to the needy with songs and blessings that God has bestowed on them. I recall that these singer-musicians belonged to the same group that formed the Cordillera Musicians for Peace way back in the 70s, then reunited in the 90s during the Wild West Salon and Music Box era, with brothers Pok and Jimmy Chan as managers. I joined the group as a supporter and back-up. That time, they started doing concerts around the Cordillera for indigent patients.

I remember “The tadpole and the carabao,” a parable often told by my late father-in-law Justin Daoas Sr. whenever he was called to give his message in the church.

The story centered on the character of the tadpole. It starts with the scene where the tadpole was in dire need of money. So he went to the carabao to borrow money. Without a question, the carabao lent the tadpole the money he needed.

After a month, the tadpole grew in to a frog and went to the carabao to give back the money he borrowed, plus the interest. The carabao was surprised. He asked the frog, “hey wait, I am sorry but I can’t remember any frog who borrowed money from me.” The frog had to explain.

“You see, Mr. Carabao, I was that tadpole who borrowed from you and now I am giving you back the money with interest.” How grateful the carabao was to have a borrower like the tadpole-frog. That, to me is how grateful God is to have people like the folksingers of Baguio. This group had the heart of that tadpole. They always try to give back to the patients the blessings God has bestowed on them through their songs.

           

To quote March Fianza, my cousin and neighbor in this opinion page, he once said, “give flowers now while they can still see them.” Two years ago, March and I printed tickets for a “swim for a cause” for Ms. Juliana Guzman, wife of Nangalisan barangay chair Pedro, who was undergoing hemodialysis treatment then.

She was also the secretary of the Tadiangan-Nangalisan Hydro Ancestral Land Association (TNHALA). Ms. Cara Cosalan, the wife of Congressman Ronald had a clear understanding of this case, so without questions asked, she bought most of the tickets.

The proceeds were then officially turned over to the patient by ABC president Peter Bengwasan and the mayor of Tuba. Unfortunately, Juliana passed on. Give flowers now while the beneficiaries can still see them. Hopefully, members of the TNHALA, most especially the senior citizen members, receive what is due them from the use of their lands by the hydro facilities, now that they are still alive and not when they have gone beyond.

In Benguet, a musicians’ group was organized for the benefit of indigent patients. It was called the Association of Cordillera Musicians or ACM. At the induction program of ACM, congressman Cosalan jokingly said that the acronym stood for “Association of Conrad Marzan.”

The group performed in many live concerts for a cause whenever they were needed. If ever a certificate of appreciation was to be given to the singers, I suggest it may be called “People Helping People” certificate. They are people who share their talents to produce money for patients in dire need of medical finances.

They are the true public servants. I remember an old country gospel sung by Glen Campbell called “Try a little kindness.” Part of it goes, “don’t walk around the ‘down n out,’ lend a helping hand instead of doubt… and the kindness that you show everyday will help someone along the way.” It encourages everyone to be good Samaritans. At the end of this tunnel of life is hope. Happy trails everyone. -RDS