Vice
Chairman, Committee on Harana Atbp. 2006
November
4, 2006, Harana Atbp. 3rd Week
Honorable
Mayor Armando V. Abad, Honorable Vice Mayor
Norman V. Mendoza, Honorable Members of the
Sanggunian, Chairman and Members of the Board of
Judges, Officers and Members of HARANA Atbp.
2006, ladies and gentlemen.
I am
pleased to stand here and share some thoughts on
the appreciation of music and the performing
arts. I think all of us here tonight can relate
to music and the performing arts in their
various forms. HARANA Atbp. 2006 promotes this
natural and real expression of oneself, and the
talent conveyed through singing, dancing,
acting, atbp. Those who have talents bring it
out and share for others to enjoy. Don’t be shy,
lest you lost it. Even monotones and off-key
singers like me take pleasure in listening to
music. Those who have the opportunity to
recognize this gift in others especially in the
young should encourage and help develop those
endowed with the gift of music and the
performing arts.
Music and
the performing arts is expressed obviously in
singing and playing musical instruments, dancing
wherein music and rhythm is involved.
Let me
reprise some of the famous quotes on music.
“Music is a universal language,” “music is the
language of the soul.” Right here in our midst,
this is illustrated. In the western countries
like America and Europe, there are all kinds of
music which sooner or later filters into our
shores. In Africa they have their own unique
music and rhythm. And of course, we have our own
kundiman and Philippine version of every
pop music such as rock, hip-hop, reggae, etc.
and our folk dances which seems on the verge of
extinctions. Whatever country, music and the
performing arts has the same effect on its
people. It delights, enlightens, and enhances
life and promotes goodwill among nations. We see
on television and read in the newspapers our
famous singers, performers and choral groups
going to America, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong,
and Middle East to perform and do concerts. They
are applauded very well. Likewise singers and
performers from these countries come to our
country to do the same and perform in SRO
audiences.
So all of
you out there involved in this wonderful job
without remuneration or pay, each year that
HARANA is commissioned, should take pride and
satisfaction in what you do. Continue the good
work. Those who can sing, dance, do hip-hop or
rap or any talent, join HARANA Atbp. 2006. Don’t
hesitate. Practice, practice and practice and
pass audition.
Joining
HARANA Atbp. 2006 is the best example of showing
interest and appreciation in music and the
performing arts whether as an active participant
in the competition, as part of an appreciative
audience or as an officer or member of HARANA
Atbp. 2006. For me, I was reluctant to be
associated again with HARANA this year. But our
able and dedicated chairman, SBM Dr. Florence V.
Ramirez would not take no from me. So here I am
sharing humbly, gladly and thankfully in
whatever capacity. I can’t sing and I can’t
dance but whenever I hear music or see a
beautiful dance, a smile happens and my heart
gladdens.
In
closing, I paid tribute to the founder of HARANA
DIAY PLAZA, the late Dr. Galahad “Ben”
Barcelona. Such great mind, talent and good
heart left an indelible legacy for this
generation and future generations to enjoy and
emulate.
Thank you
all for listening and enjoy the night.
*********
Harana
Atbp. 2006 started last October 28, 2006. This
year it has 8 weeks including November 1 as the
special Harana Halloween Feature and the Grand
Finals will be on December 27, 2006.
I wasn’t
able to continue writing since August, the month
of my birthday, due to tiring activities since
the General Steering Committee convened last
June. The month of September was crucial when
Dr. Ben started to be under par. He was my
editor of this column. His untimely death made
me grieve so much until now and deprived me to
internalize a beautiful piece of writing.
I am still
mourning and I hope for your profound
considerations. Kuya Ben was a very good father
to me. I cry every time I think of him. Our town
laments for losing such a great and
distinguished son of San Esteban.
My deepest
sympathy to the Family of the late Dr. Galahad
“Ben” Vergara Barcelona.
