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Friday, February 24, 2006
Serna: Help for Leyte
By Roger Serna
Sounds and images
The country was dealt another big blow with the recent Southern Leyte tragedy. We, who are far from the area of the calamity, can raise our eyes to heaven and say our thanks for having been spared from the natural disaster.
At the same time, we can also pray for the souls of those who perished and for the strengthening of the will to survive of those who personally experienced and survived the disaster.
We can also go beyond that, by donating whatever we have on hand, be it cash, used clothing or anything that we think can help alleviate the conditions of our brothers and sisters in Southern Leyte.
Once again, our generosity and compassion are put to the test. How we put to practice the line that goes, ‘It’s more blessed to give than to receive’ or something to that effect, is again being tested.
The images we see on television and on the papers are enough to give us the idea of how the survivors feel and what they went through. We don’t need to be physically present in the area nor, God forbid, experience the ordeal ourselves.
Let’s not hesitate to give even if there’s no more to give, as the song goes.
Charity, as a priest friend once delivered in a homily, begins when it hurts. So…
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Award-winning director and TV host Joey Javier Reyes could not have articulated it better than when he commented in last week’s edition of Entertainment Konek (ETK) on the controversy involving fellow TV host-comedian (in the rival network) and namesake Joey de Leon who allegedly made fun of the tragedy that befell the early afternoon show Wowowee, complete with hand gestures.
Director Reyes matter-of-factly said that the recent developments should serve as a wake up call for both networks and the people working therein that the so-called network war should be played down or, better still, stopped, as many people are already getting hurt in the process.
Well said. Is everybody listening? Or are they intentionally training their eyes and ears to Southern Leyte as a good excuse for not heading the call? Duh!
***
Do I hear the song Magkaisa popularized (that was 20 years ago, huh!) by Verna Liza (where is she now?) and that song of the Apo Hiking Society whose title escapes my memory as of the moment?
Do they sound still the same? Or do they still strike delicate chords in our hearts when the lines are sung? Twenty years ago, these songs evoked indescribable feelings and emotions once they were played on air.
Has the passing of the years diminished their effect? Okay, let’s change them with Pinoy Big Brother Season One’s theme Pinoy Ako by Orange & Lemons which had Filipinos cheering for their compatriots in last year’s Southeast Asian Games, teary-eyed.
What’s the relevance? We’ll be celebrating the anniversary of the first Edsa Revolution or have you forgotten? My, how time flies! Right?
Have we moved forward since that historical day? How I wish.
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Next week, American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias will be back in Cebu for a big concert. She just did sort of a preview when she breezed to town during the Sinulog festivities.
This time, she’ll be having a full-length show with the South Border. For those who were not able to catch a glimpse of the Fil-Am singer during the Sinulog for one reason or another, this could be your chance.
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Big named musical acts are said to be coming our way during the year. Santana is supposed to come in July. Earth, Wind & Fire is set to bowl over music lovers in a concert tour sometime in October (why not September?). These are still months away. We still have time to save for front seat tickets (or somewhere not quite far from the stage).
In the meantime, let’s spare even just a few pesos for the Southern Leyte mudflow victims. Redundant? Whatever!
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 24, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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