Reunion concert set for ailing newsman, gigs for-a-cause artist

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Over 20 folk, country and jazz musicians who dominated Baguio City’s music scene in the 70s and 80s will band together for a rare reunion gig to help an ailing veteran newsman who authored numerous benefit concerts for countless patients.

The concert dubbed “Homecoming Pagsasabatan Jam for-a-Cause” will happen on July, 6 p.m. at Francis Resto Bar KC 108 Francis C. Manno Bldg, Cruz, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Proceeds will help sustain the four-times-a-week dialysis treatment of Ramon Dacawi or “Mondax,” the self-effacing former City Public Information Office chief who practically pioneered the concept of civic or community journalism in the City by writing on the plight of indigent patients, other people in need and other noble causes that inspired people to respond.

Joining Mondax in the beneficiary column will be fellow kidney patient Libna Oakes, daughter of musician and benefit concert volunteer Dick Oakes who himself will perform in the show.

Oakes years ago performed in similar benefit gigs for his wife and other daughter who were then both battling cancer before succumbing to the disease one after the other.

The musical treat for-a-cause will be led by Conrad Marzan, lead singer of the Foggy Mountain Band and folk and country guru, lawyer Jose “Bubut” Olarte.

Marzan had been mounting reunion benefit gigs every time he comes home from northern California where he has been based for years.

Joining the powerhouse cast are Allan Del Rosario, Arsen Marzan, newsmen March Fianza and Alfred Dizon, Sammy Comiles, Ira Altamirano, Bobby Carantes, Roel Carantes and Raine, Boby Go, Alma Angiwan, Liza Noble, Atty. Rolly Vergara, Johnny and Rey Pomar, Bryan and Rocky Aliping, Mercy Bastian, Boy Cacho. Art Tampoa, Serafin Marzan, Jimmy Ganaban, Dianne and others.

Tickets priced at P100 a piece are available at Luisa’s Café along Session Road, the Philippine Information Agency Cordillera at Insular Life Bldg. and at the Public Information Office at City Hall.