Monday, July 28, 2008 Costanilla: Love for family By Sam Costanilla Spotlight
IT was a wonderful singing competition in Compostela town where I served as chairman of the five-man panel of judges. The task wasn’t easy because all the 10 finalists (five each in both little and big divisions) were fantastic singers. The event, titled as “Search for Singing Stars,” was hosted and directed by veteran radioman Louie Reyes with Kakai Pumar assisting him.
Mayor Ritchie Wagas and his lovely wife Debbie watched the entire show. The singing mayor frustrated the audience who expected him to render a song after his short speech. He begged off, saying his throat was tired.
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AFTER all the finalists performed, we judges rendered our verdict. Marielle Montellano, Joane Marie Albino and Harold Son were proclaimed as first, second and third prize winners, respectively, in the little division. In the big division, Gleena Taripe, Beverly Jean Rosales and Jane Cabatingan were chosen as the firs, second and third placers, respectively. Gleena performed well to become the grand champion despite the fact that her son was nursing a fever that night, something that she didn’t allow to distract her.
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ANYWAY, those who haven’t seen and heard Marielle and Gleena, grand winners in both little and big divisions, respectively, will have a chance to appreciate their cool singing talent because I have invited them to appear as guest singers on my weekly television show “Sam Enchanted Evening” over CCTN 47 or Skycable 56 on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 10-11 p.m. They have already confirmed to sing for my televiewers.
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LOVE for family is one of the Filipino values that the film A Very Special Love emphasizes. I got this impression from actress-singer Sarah Geronimo when she and actor John Lloyd Cruz fielded questions from the local tri-media in a press conference at Parklane Hotel. I was the moderator. I seldom endorse movies but this particular film is an exception — if only for its value and moral lesson. My good friend Josie Pereyra of JSP Ads and Promotions is also inviting the general public to watch A Very Special Love when it starts its regular run in theaters on Wednesday.
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TWO beautiful concerts happened last week: Rey Roa’s and June Philippe Ong’s “Music for the Soul” at the Pedro Calungsod Shrine last July 22 and at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral last July 25 as well as violist Gerry Varona’s homecoming show at the Fernan Press Center last July 24. Rey and June, pianist and soprano/violinist, respectively, were so glad that no less than Ricardo Cardinal Vidal watched their July 22 performance. The archbishop congratulated them for a very nice show. To me, Rey and June should bring “Music for the Soul” to other countries. Anyway, they will be performing in two Camotes towns, at the San Francisco church tonight and at the Poro main church tomorrow night.
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GERRY showed his mastery with the viola and he deserves more global concert tours to enable him to spread the message of universal love and understanding through his music. We should thank the Arts Council of Cebu Inc., headed by Petite Garcia, for mounting Gerry’s homecoming presentation. It was such a wonderful musical treat for all of us.
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Is it true that this former parish pastoral officer was berated by a well-known Church official for dragging the name of a parish priest into an issue? Just asking. (E-mail: samcost@yahoo.com or text 09268443888).
