Nights of songs and reunions

BEHIND THE SCENES
Alfred P. Dizon

Pardon, but we would like to deviate from our usual commentaries since the past nights, for Yours Truly and musician-friends who came from other parts of the world, was a deja vu of songs and reunions.

But first, we would like to thank all those who bought tickets particularly officials and employees of the Benguet Electric Coop in our latest “concert for a cause,” proceeds of which would be used to build a house for 10 kids in Barangay Gibraltar in Baguio.

Headed by general manager Gerardo Verzosa and board president Ferdie Bayasen, Beneco bought a lot of tickets particularly board of directors Rocky Aliping, Peter Busaing, Virgilio Orca, Edward Duguiis, Joey Marrero, George Montes, Benny Bomogao and Gaspar Leung. A resident of Gibraltar, it was understandable why Anterio Buswilan bought P5,000 worth. Employees and local folk got the rest.

Our appreciation also goes to musicians, as usual who participated in the event.

“Blugraz” composed of singing lawyers “Bubut” Olarte, Nestor Mondoc, Angie Cabrera, prosecutor Rolly Vergara and Sarah belted out oldies but goodies to the delight of the crowd. Bubut also teamed up with Liza and Sumitra in other songs.

Others were Bow, Pedals and Neck powerhouse Arsen Marzan and son Christopher, Jonathan Quivencio, Jun Chamos and Nestor who backed up Yours Truly in some songs. The Mixed Emotions and Mavericks bands also belted out upbeat party tunes which had concert goers dancing on the floor.

Of course special mention goes to Novie Balageo, proprietor of Amarillo Country Bar for allowing the event to be held at her place along Otek St.
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Last week, musicians, now US residents Conrad Marzan and Bryan Aliping came home for a visit. Tom Castro, a long-time resident of Aruba, came earlier. He brought home his wife Alice who was laid to rest in this part of the country she so loved. There was a lot of singing during Alice’s wake and Sammy Comiles had to be reminded to let go of the guitar as it was near daybreak.

Bryan hosted parties which our musician-friends since the early 70’s attended at his house, the largest dap-ay at Barangay QM. One party was held for Tom as despedida since he had to go back Friday to Aruba. It was a rare reunion since most were present. Bubut didn’t attend the despedida as he was down with the flu making Conrad quip, “Baka haan nga nagules (Maybe he didn’t use a blanket.”

It seemed only like yesterday that the aging musicians were singing along pubs in Session Road so it was a night of old tunes, guitars and a blues harp. It was evident time went by as some, like Dick Oakes and Tom, came with their daughters and grandchildren. March Fianza, who sang the rarest country blues and folk then could not be goaded to sing saying he did not have a voice as loud as that of Alma Angiwan.
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Friday was tree-planting with students and teachers of the Longlong Elementary School in La Trinidad, Benguet courtesy of Ramon Dacawi, press information chief of the city government who organized the event. A special pine tree was planted in memory of Alice.

La Trinidad mayor-elect Greg Abalos, gauded by the children chanting “mayor, mayor,” gamely sang and played the guitar during the program. The event wouldn’t have been complete without two black pigs bought by Douglas Rufino of the Bureau of Internal Revenue for ceremonies which were cooked pulpugan style.

Conrad earlier volunteered to buy the pigs but then Douglas insisted on footing the bill, so there, we will be having more good “spirited” times until Conrad and Bryan will leave for the US in a few more days.

So eat your hearts out – Richard Arandia, Allan Del Rosario, Estoy, Megs who migrated to California and of course Hector Cruz and Levy Pena, now in Canada and Danny Tangalin who is residing in Florida.
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I would like to share this article emailed to me by a friend:

Recently, I overheard a Father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'

The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'

They kissed and the daughter left. The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'.'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?' He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone...' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more.

'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

He then began to cry and walked away. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.

Only if you wish, send this to the people you will never forget and remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you. If you don't send it to anyone it may mean that you are in such a hurry that you have forgotten your friends. Take time to live.

To all my friends and loved ones, I wish you enough!