Monday, May 05, 2008 Costanilla: Usa Ka Tingog, first rehearsal By Sam Costanilla Spotlight
THIS writer had the privilege of emceeing the Transco fellowship dinner at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel last week and I found out that the company has a lot of talented officials and employees. For instance, Christian Empasis and Michelle Montealto of Transco-Bohol and Transco-Iligan, respectively, did a lovely duet. Even company co-adviser Guido Delgado rendered a soulful version of the immortal Cebuano love song Matod Nila with some of his subordinates as backup singers.
* * *
DURING the event, I also met and briefly chatted with multi-awarded songwriter Trina Belamide who made it a point to fly in from Manila just to hear her composition, Panahon Na, being performed by Transco people. To recall, the petite composer’s ditty, Today, was Raki Vega’s grand-prize winning song in the Ultimate Born Diva singing competition. Belamide is such an unassuming lady.
* * *
THE local tourism project, named Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, continues to excite the general public and if we must give credit where credit is due, Gov. Gwen Garcia should be the first individual to be duly recognized for making this venture a tremendous success. Because of Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, our component cities and municipalities — including those in the islands of Bantayan and Camotes — are being given the opportunity to show off their world-class tourist attractions, historical sights, colorful festivals, tasty native delicacies and cuisine and, most importantly, offer their residents’ genuine and warm hospitality to domestic and foreign tourists.
* * *
YOU should join the next Suroy-Suroy Sugbo slated on May 25 and 26 featuring the four towns of Camotes, namely, Poro, Tudela, San Francisco and Pilar. Aptly titled Discover Enchanting Camotes, the two-day activity will definitely be another tourism blockbuster for the four municipalities as they have a lot to offer the tourists. As to registration and fees, all you have to do is call 2531970 or 2536070 and look for Tita Zosa during office hours. You may also visit your favorite travel agencies or the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo booth at SM City Cebu.
* * *
LET me remind all local artists that composer Paul Melendez, singer Jeanne Torrefranca and yours truly have already initially asked to “lend” their voices to the recording of Usa Ka Tingog: please, attend the first rehearsal on May 17 at Baseline starting 1 p.m. We have scheduled three rehearsals before actual recording on Aug. 8. As I’ve been emphasizing, Usa Ka Tingog will be produced in the tradition of We Are The World. Yes, it’s going to be a historic undertaking in the local music scene.
* * *
THIS local radio commentator can no longer be heard on the airlanes for his being an “undesirable broadcaster.” He is also being banned from broadcasting in any of the networks here. The guy used to be a barker for a local legislator who is no longer interested to get his services. (E-mail: samcost@yahoo.com or text 09268443888)
