Finally, the one and only SUPERSTAR is now a NATIONAL ARTIST. Eight new National Artists were declared by Malacañang Friday, June 10 – a list that finally included veteran actress Nora Aunor, who was snubbed in previous selections.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) announced that Malacañang, through Proclamation No. 1390, named Aunor as among the latest recipients of the country’s highest prize conferred upon Filipinos who have made distinct contributions to the development of the Philippine arts and culture.
Imagine the calls I received, the thousand texts that vibrated on my iphone, and the countless messages that stormed me through Messenger.
The jubilation flooded the entire Pinas as millions of Noranians screamed and cried with joy. The happy news came on the heels of my losing my dearest friend SUSAN Roces. A seesaw of emotions – imagine the emoticons running in my thoughts.
“Simple lang ang buhay ko ngayon Ate Babes. I cannot sing anymore – gusto ko sana magdirek but naghahanap pa ng project,” I remember her telling me at that dimly-lit tent while she was taping an episode for Charo’s MMK in 2016. “No regrets, buhay ko naman alam mo. I have nothing to hide, ang sa akin lang naman ay simpleng kaligayahan.”
Is life always simple for this SUPERSTAR?
I remember one late lunch session when she was living at the huge house on Valencia St which is now the property of Regal Films. Early 80s. Guy and I were supposed to meet with a record producer but was postponed. “Tamad na akong lumabas, wala yung cook eh, magluto na lang ako – gutom ka na?” she asked.
She opened her fridge, cut some veggies and announced, “Naku, good thing may ingredients ako, luto ako ng LAING! Oks lang sa iyo, there’s rice, initin na lang natin.”
It was then 2:45 pm and we were unusually alone – a well-known film producer was going to come with an offer in the early evening. I watched her. She munched her favorite Bicolano dish but was worried baka raw too spicy for me. “Gusto mo, order kita – pabili tayo ng food?” I said no. I enjoyed the privacy. The rare moment.
Did I expect her to be THE NATIONAL ARTIST?
And why not?
Fast forward to now. We’re chatting through messenger. She’s grateful she was picked. She thanked me for my support. Sana raw I can fly home to witness this grand event.
CONGRATULATIONS BULILIT (one of my pet names for Nora)! I am so proud of you!!! Ah, I wish I could be there. Di ko naman akong puwedeng mag-Darna. Ay, si ATE VI nga pala iyon.
MUSIC! Indeed, it is the soundtrack of our life. That definition came from the late Dick Clark, the forever teenager and host of the popular Bandstand. The songs I remember best from Nora are The True Picture, All I See is You, Handog (“tatanda at lilipas din ako, Ngunit mayro’ng awiting iiwanan sa inyong alaala, Dahil minsan, tayo’y nagkasama…”)
And while we are in tune with melodies, allow me to chat with Louie Reyes. Louie is more familiarly known as one of the New Minstrels who have had performed before ecstatic Filipino and foreign audiences. Louie has presented major solo concerts worldwide, performing with such renowned artists as David Benoit, Noel Pointer and Diana Reeves. In the US, she taught at the Arts Development School of Music in Bellflower, California, a reputable international school offering lessons in all music genres including voice.
So what’s up with Louie? Listen to our chat.
Q: What has been the best performance of your career so far?
A: My best performance of my career will have to be my nightly portrayal of the role of Lady Thiang in the year long Australian production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “ The King and I “ which brought me to 5 cities in Australia : Adelaide ( Adelaide Festival Center ), Brisbane ( Lyric Theater ), Perth ( His Majesty’s Theater ), Sydney ( Her Majesty’s Theater ), Melbourne ( Victorian Arts Center ) for which I was awarded “ BEST FEMALE ARTIST in a SUPPORTING ROLE “ in Australia’s Green Room Theatre Awards ( Australia’s version of America’s Tony Awards in 1992! …and, how can you beat singing with a full orchestra – 8 times/ wk : Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 8pm,
plus Wednesday and Saturdays at 2pm matinee and 8pm evening? A total musical high everyday!
Q: Describe your worst performance.
A: I was invited to sing for a religious rally at the then Ultra Stadium in Pasig. My back-up chorus was made up of at least 100 priests. The song was “Light of a Million Mornings “ ( originally by Sandi Patti ). The rehearsal went well. My actual performance could have been a good one except for the fact that I was just so overcome with emotion, I started crying midway through the song!Fortunately, Maxie Goloy ( a super reliable back-up vocalist and 25 yr. ABS-CBN vocal coach ) was also part of the choir! I grabbed her to sing when I totally lost it and just got back on track when I got hold of myself!
Q: What did you learn from this experience?
A: A very important truth – NO ONE can ever fully rely on herself! It is GOD who enables us to do anything! Praise be to GOD who provides for our every need !
Q: Name 3 of your favorite songs and why :
A: “Body and Soul “ – the very title says it all ! ( the gift of oneself to another is the ultimate); “ A Million Voices in Me “ – It is a Ryan Cayabyab composition for me and about me, as Joey Javier Reyes’ lyrics attest. How can I not like this song? ( composed in 1988 ). Just how many singers will have an ORIGINAL song written by acclaimed director/ lyricist/ professor/ scriptwriter JOEY REYES to the ORIGINAL music of our now National Artist for Music, RYAN CAYABYAB ?
I definitely did NO/do NOT have the means to have a commissioned work done for me ! It was just meant for my solo show at Manila Hotel’s “ Maynila “ ), and “Get My Drift “ – composed by Filipino guitarist/ vocalist Mon Espia and arranged by Berkeley School of Music graduate Filipino saxophonist Tots Tolentino which won for me the “ Best Vocal Jazz Recording Award “ ( Awit Awards 1991)
Q: What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
A: I am not quite comfortable calling myself a great musician. As I always tell my voice students – NEVER think you are the best because someday, sometime there will always be someone BETTER than you! My persistence to do what I feel like doing creatively ( even if, and especially when it goes against accepted norms ) I think, fulfill me as a musician and continue to inspire me to do the best I can. If that leads to “ greatness “ well and good but that is not for me to say…
Q: What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
A: Do not fear to tread the unknown ! (haha kaya nga naging JAZZ singer din)
Q: What would you do if your audience looked tired or bored during your performance? I will ask them IF they are truly tired and bored…But I usually do prepare for what might be… so I will always have a “screamy” song to wake up the tired and bored ! Haha
A: Name some singers you look up to…. What qualities do they have that you admire?
Q: Bobby McFerrin – He can sing classical infused jazz. He gives his audience impromptu music classes; and Ryan Cayabyab – How can anyone compose, arrange and sing 16 voices? as in his “ONE” recording ? He sang ALL the male and female voices! But more than his musical achievements, his greatness is in his humility!
Louie is scheduled to do an upcoming concert (probably starting in the west coast then here in Toronto if plans jell. She is interested to collaborate with Hajji Alejandro, Tillie Moreno, Pat Castillo, and Basil Valdez of the Circus Band and possibly reuniting with Ding Mercado, Ray An Fuentes and Chad Borja, her co-Minstrels.
It is now June 14 as I beat my deadline. Celebrations of our 124th Independence Day is over – the parties may have ended but not our soaring spirits. I take my hats off to our Consulate led by the hard working Consul General Ron Castro who has confessed “I’ve raised the flag 20 times this year after 2 years of silence due to the viruses.” We braved the pelting rain as it almost soaked our flag that waved high at the Nathan square.
It was our first time to meet Toronto Mayor John Tory – placed ourselves at vantage point so we could do an ambush interview. We were seated behind him – almost breathing down on his neck and as showers came, I sprang open my folding umbrella to cover him too and also Ms Agnes Pasaporte Miranda, PIDC Prexy.
So I asked the Mayor about the positivity of the Filipinos.
“The Filipinos are tight, they are deeply comitted to helping each other, standing together, making sure that those who are struggling in some way or the other are looked after. There is no community that is a better example than Filipinos when it comes to supporting their kids and other people’s kids – so caring! So I have this greatest respect and affection for this community that is giving so much in different ways. Look at our very own Medical Officer, Dr Eileen de Villa, a fine Filipino Canadian who has helped us battle the pandemic in a way that benefitted all the people that live here…And that’s just one of the best exemplary deeds. Dr de Villa does a great job in building our city!”
(We did an exclusive on Dr De Villa, had a great interview with her – she’s our special feature in our next ish).
Now that summer is here, a lot of celebs are expected to arrive soon. According to Von Canton and Philip Beloso, Rachel Alejandro is will headline the June 26th show at Scarborough Town Centre, Yam Concepcion on July 3rd at Vaughan during the iWantTFC hour at the FIESTA EXTRAVAGANZA 2022.
On July 23 and 24th, you do not want to miss the action at Bathurst and Wilson. Fun Philippines will treat you to the OPM music of the 70s – your favorite bands will be there in person. EAT, dance and relish every second of fun. As Ms Rosary Escano says, we are in for the best surprises (she’s always behind the success of TFC’s shows) and we can’t wait. Remember VST & Company, Boyfriends, Wadab, Labuyo and Manila Sound’s pioneer band – Hotdog? PARTY NA TAYO! This fiesta will have a line-up of your topnotch Pinoy dishes. See you sa kalsada, katropa! It will be FUN!
With regards to PIDC, the song writing contest has started. According to Jean Pardo, The Mrs/Ms Philippines PIDC pageant is also coming your way with its mission to raise funds for the homeless. Throughout the years PIDC has helped build 33 houses in various regions in the Philippines through GK. The last PIDC fundraising effort was in November 2014 when Typhoon Yolanda hit the Leyte region. “This year’s project is to help and support GK’s “Community Building Program” which empowers the GK communities to be self-reliant and sustainable by building up its people towards unity and self-governance,” she said.
See you after two weeks!