SUCCESSFUL. Team effort really works. Under the very able guidance and direction of Bro. Nonito “Tatay Dodong” Limchua and his wife “Nanay” Diana, the 21st founding anniversary of the Oasis of Love was a tremendous success in terms of attendance and participation of all members not only from Cebu but from other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. The gathering was held last Aug. 7 at the Skyhall of SM Seaside City. Of course, some Manila-based performers were also there.
STARS. Comedienne-singer Giselle Sanchez, whose roots are from Cebu, was the first to speak on divine intervention. It was my first time to hear her talk about her being a member of the Oasis of Love in Manila and how this community has helped her hurdle life’s challenges as an entertainer. Actor-show host Edu Manzano also spoke of his great faith in the Lord. Edu said his deep faith in Him makes him a strong Roman Catholic. And there was character actor Rez Cortez who is known for his kontrabida roles in films and teleseryes. But in real life, he is a soft-spoken guy. During the gathering, he also shared with us about his strong faith in Jesus Christ as well as the trials and tribulations that he had to face. After his talk, I reminded him about our project in the late ‘90s when the now Marco Polo Hotel was then named Cebu Plaza where he appeared as Judas and this writer played one of the apostles in a stage play titled Kristo. Mat Ranillo III was in the lead role. Msgr. Achilles Dakay, Cebu Archdiocese spokesman at the time, produced the play.
SONGS. Also during the Oasis of Love anniversary, another Manila-based entertainer, Adrian Panganiban, did some solo numbers after his short talk on being a follower of the Catholic faith. But his duet number with a Cebu talent named Liezl stood out. And to think that they didn’t rehearse their version of The Prayer. That was a magnificent performance!
APPEAL. Through this column, the Cebu Arts Foundation Inc. is appealing to professional and amateur songwriters to participate in next year’s Cebu Popular Music Festival. The competition features three genres: ballad, love songs and songs for children. What’s interesting is that the third genre entries had to be performed by a child singer. Reminder: all entries must be unpublished original compositions, their lyrics must be Cebuano and each song should not exceed four minutes.
PRIZES. The grand champion in each genre will receive P100,000 while the non-winners will be awarded P20,000 each. The best interpreter will be P10,000 richer after the competition. Deadline for submission of entries is Aug. 31 and the grand finals will be on Jan. 13, 2017. For the entry forms, send an e-mail to gloria_soundtraxx@yahoo.com.ph or text cellphone number 0923-160-1900 or call Joy of the University of the Visayas Alumni Office at telephone number 416-8090.
TIDBITS. Filomena Lim, the grand old lady of Lite Shipping, marked her 93rd birth anniversary with a lavish celebration in Tagbilaran City, Bohol last Saturday ...The Saint Augustine Chapel Association in Inayawan, led by Dr. Librado Macaraya, will start the nine-night novena on Aug. 19 with free entertainment right after. This is in preparation for its upcoming fiesta on Aug. 28.