Costanilla: ‘Gugmang Gi-music’

HUMULITY. If there’s one particular person that best personifies humility, that individual is former Ambassador Frank Benedicto—and I am saying this without any fear of contradiction. After retiring as a very successful diplomat a few years back, Benedicto has opted to continue serving the Cebuano community as a private individual.

Now, there is a musical tableau that will be presented as a fitting tribute to this very humble Cebuano who, incidentally, will celebrate his birthday tomorrow, Tuesday.

By the way, Benedicto was accorded the Garbo sa Sugbo award by the Cebu provincial government last year for his exemplary service in the field of international relations.

Students. The musical tableau will be staged on Friday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m., at the Benedicto College in Mandaue City as part of the four-day Founder’s Day celebration that starts on Wednesday, Feb. 13. I gathered that the students of the school will performer in the production, which is titled The Journey: A Paean for an Aquarian.

Concept is by professor Nick Ampatin while fellow columnist Mila Espina is directing it. While she says the presentation will just be a simple, short and sweet offering for the former envoy, I know that it will be an exciting one. With Espina as director, trust that the musical tableau will be truly delightful.

Artists. As an advocate of local music, this writer commends the management, staff and personnel of MCiti Suites on Don Julio Llorente St. this city for coming up with a Valentine music series aptly titled “Gugmang Gi-music” that runs from Feb. 14-16.

Stella Palomo Monteño says they are presenting the 3-day series as the hotel’s way of giving our homegrown artists and bands the opportunity to showcase their talent as entertainers. On Thursday evening, the cast of “You’ve Been Facebooked: The Musical,” Martina Sandiego and Refrain will be featured. On Friday, the artists will be Eve’s Garden, Theisaiah and Missing Filemon and on Saturday, Ella Melendez and Womb will be performing. Show starts at 8 p.m. and all ladies will be given free chocolates. Of course, there’s a sumptuous Valentine dinner at P500 per couple.

Show. Talking of shows, yours truly will launch his own entertainment treat for all televiewers on Thursday, Feb. 14, over My Tv (Destiny Cable 28 or Skycable 30) from 10-11 p.m. The show is titled Sincerely and the guest during its maiden airing is singing realtor Herbert Buot, the Perry Como of Cebu. The weekly show will be replayed every Saturday (2-3 p.m.) and every Sunday (10-11 p.m.). Those who’d like to sing on the program may call or text yours truly for the rehearsal schedule.

Concert. This writer lauds Mariz Lumayno of Cupid Productions for conceptualizing a concert featuring some persons with disabilities (PWDs) as the performers themselves.

Yes, they will be spotlighted on in the show titled “Just Simply Perfect: Limitless” slated on April 20, 7:30 p.m., at Teatro Casino of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel in Lahug. The performers include Alex Gumera, Ang Himig Natin national champion, Shoji Hayakawa, grand prize winner in the Huniño songwriting competition and Armand Dino, winner in another singing contest. The show will be directed by Roger Suycano. Those willing to sponsor the event are urged to call tel. no. 512 6070 or cell phone no.09285213307. Let us all help this concert succeed because it has a very noble cause.