This is our first time to watch a play at the Pantages, together. Mom agreed I can take her. Of all days, it was yesterday, the height of Hurricane Hilary. She was brave, so was I. But I didn’t push my luck and I parked across the theater, few steps to our seats from my car. We enjoyed the play and its props’ changes was non-obtrusive.
Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, Michael Paulo and Enrique de la Cruz
“I hate a song that makes you think that you are not any good. I hate a song that makes you think that you are just born to lose. Bound to lose. No good to nobody. No good for nothing. Because you are too old or too young or too fat or too slim. Too ugly or too this or too that. Songs that run you down or poke fun at you on account of your bad luck or hard traveling. I am out to fight those songs to my very last breath of air and my last drop of blood. I am out to sing songs that will prove to you that this is your world and that if it has hit you pretty hard and knocked you for a dozen loops, no matter what color, what size you are, how you are built, I am out to sing the songs that make you take pride in yourself and in your work.” – Woody Guthrie, New Year’s 1942-1943. From a 72-page composition book with a letter to his love, Marjorie. “Bound for Glory”.
“One is born with talent, an accident of birth. One makes oneself an artist. I believe in art. I believe art has the power to heal the broken spirit. To sucker the frightened soul. To redeem not just the listener but the artist as well. To make sense of the chaos. To hold a mirror to the world when the world forgets what it looks like – to issue both a warning and an exaltation.“ Janis Ian, a Grammy award winning Songwriter of Songwriters, 2010.
The front row folks, mostly African Americans, were irrepressible and expressive about their appreciation on August 19, 2023. This was a very touching week for most, raw emotions from watching Lahaina communities wiped out by the wildfires, and compounded this weekend with boarded up storefronts, as we got warned about Typhoon Hilary.
Precious Moments of Incandescent Jazz Time
But, not this irrepressible audience. This audience got the artists’ back, to which Tia Carrere openly shared her appreciation for. They came to watch with every fiber of their being. Some of these fans went to school at Oakwood University in Alabama and are friends with Mark Kibble, a classmate of one of them, a founder of Take 6, the best acapella group that garnered 10+ Grammy awards.
When they closed the evening’s summit of jazz performances, they took us to the heights of their passion, singing without musical charts, and in synchrony with each other, taking turns to express their melodies, and ever respectfully taking turns to give space to the other.
Their repertoire was seamlessly sung, to give predominant messages: “Change the World”, “Got to Get You Into My Life”, “Back in Love”, “I’ve Got Life/Spread”, “Stand by Me” and “Roof Garden”. Amazing mastery of sounds, vocal chords, and musical lyrics that no one was prepared for. They were not just masters of their craft; they were also mentoring one of the youngest artists, Chris Chatman, who stood out for his fashionable style.
Michael Paulo with Chris Chatman, taken by Ruben V. Nepales
“Bumpin”, “One Passion”, and My Heart and Soul”, were the opening numbers of Michael Paulo. He dedicated the last piece to Rene Paulo, his dad, whom he credited with, teaching him everything about music and ultimately, leading him to his life’s passion: music.
I watched both father and son captivate Filipino Americans in Hawaii, decades ago, at a FANHS conference with “The Heart and Soul” piece. It was a special moment in time that got us all sobbing.
When he played ‘Heart and Soul,’ a tribute to his old man, his dear father, Rene Paulo, who recently passed away, his earnest sounds on the saxophone made us cry. He also cried as he played his saxophone, even as laments his passing, and with his best efforts and young boundless energies, he conveyed his love for him.
Michael was tonight’s music director and his wonderfully-in-synchrony-band mates: Tateng Katindig (lead for Melissa Morgan and Chris Chatman), Kimo Cornwell (lead for Peter White and Tia and Daniel), Dave Inamine, Fred Schreuders and Land Richards, who all mirrored his dynamism.
I marveled at the prowess and sustained agility of Michael Paulo onstage, holding his breath for minutes, playing his saxophone, gyrating movements, light on his feet and with flexibility would bend backwards his torso, simulating the curves of his saxophone, forming a curved circle.
Michael Paulo Photos courtesy of Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
It was quite beautiful to watch a man in control of his playing instrument, and the saxophone behaving in synchrony with this artist.
Michael got us sobbing, and Alvin Reyes shared that he cried, when he saw Michael shed tears, who played one of his three gold plated saxophones, onstage, to be grabbed at any moment in time.
These three opening numbers grabbed the hearts of many, compelling the audience to rise up and to give Michael Paulo an early standing ovation. I too sobbed at that Heart and Soul piece.
Some of these fans fashionably came in their Sunday’s finest, ready to sway, and they did uncontrollably moved, even while seated. One even said, “I did not know Filipinos play jazz.” That must have been a compliment in disguise.
Self-Made Artists Belong To An Aristocracy of Merit
Janis Ian, the songwriter of songwriters, got the First Liberal Arts Tribute award from Berklee College of Music in 2010, wherein she asserted, “artists belong to an aristocracy of merit. One makes oneself an artist.” She spoke about how an artist’s heart makes the art that is then reflected back to the audience. Such is Ted as the other artists he asked to perform.
“Who is this Ted Benito,” the front row audience folks asked me? “Remember his name as he produces shows that respect the artists, the audience, and the venue, “ I emphasized, visualizing Ted’s passionate sharing of his production events.
In my prior interview, Ted shared: “I formulated how The Romance of Magno Rubio [a play he produced to honor the farmworkers] appears to be a fusion of my parents’ story: promoting the arts and artistry, rooting for Filipino talent, and giving back to the less fortunate.”
Ted is a well – respected impresario, an artist connoisseur of musical events who was nurtured by his mom, steeped in the arts, since he was 5yo. It was in 1987 when my husband and I were introduced to his cache of talents: scriptwriter, actor, and historian. He did all three substantial roles at UCLA’s Pilipino Cultural Night. To this day, three decades later, the scenes of tribute for the farmworkers are etched in my memory. Identity, history and representation are strong features of his productions.
Fast forward to Jazzmopolitan in 2010 at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater. He described it as American jazz meets Filipino flavor: “Jazzmopolitan: Filipino Gentlemen of Jazz”, an evening of finger-snapping, toe-tapping evening that showcases Ner de Leon, Raffy Lopez, Tateng Katindig, Mon David and headlined by Michael Paulo whose distinct “saxpertise” to a virtual who’s who of artists: Al Jarreau, James Ingram, Rick Braun, Peter White, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, David Benoit, Johnny Mathis and more.”
Tonight’s summit of jazz in 2023 happened when Ted Benito was offered by Disney Hall’s programming team a slot, 85% of whom were self made artists from Hawaii. Some are childhood friends, who went to school with Michael Paulo; some he met while on a shuttle airport stop, others while performing with Al Jarreau, like Take 6.
If Janis Ian would have seen Take 6, Michael Paulo, Peter White, Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho, she would easily say these artists’ unforgettable performances belong to that exclusive ‘aristocracy with merit’ that she described in her keynote speech. These are artists who stayed true to their craft and even gave birth to new projects during the pandemic. The pandemic did not freeze nor cage in their talents.
Michael Paulo and Tia Carrere Photos courtesy of Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
Michael Paulo did it again as he accompanied Melissa Morgan and their interaction consisted of a dialogue with Melissa singing a note, pausing, with Michael responding with the musical tunes. Was it F or was it G, I truly did not know – only that their interaction created a beautiful exchange of their humanity being together.
Melissa Morgan and Michael Paulo Photos courtesy of Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
When Peter White came onstage, one Japanese woman next to me described him as the wild partner of Michael Paulo. I was not prepared for Peter White ‘s own composition, ‘San Diego/Bueno Funk” with 007 James Bond theme song& Get Up Stand Up by Bob Marley) eliciting joy, as the crowd roared with catcalls and applause.
The photos I took seemed like dance numbers of both artists, Michael and Peter, several shots I shared here, as they played music on the guitar and the saxophone, but in a synchrony of body movements, almost like a dance scene.
Peter White and Michael Paulo Photos courtesy of Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
It was unforgettable to hear the harmonica and bird tweets, all done by Peter White. When I congratulated him for a memorable performance and told him that I bought his CD, he took out his highlighter and said, “Did you want me to sign your CD?” Oh my, how wonderful was that?
So many unforgettable performances now from Peter White, Melissa Morgan and Michael Paulo! The crowd is focused and nobody was feeling restless but simply immersed in the beauty of these jazz sounds.
When Daniel Ho and Tia Carrere performed their Hawaiian favorite songs: “He Aloha Mele”, “Aloha Oe” and Tia’s original composition “I’m still here” her soothing voice had the audience‘s heartstrings pulled in many directions to connect to Lahaina, where wildfires wiped out communities and homes, just a week ago.
Daniel Ho and Tia Carrere Photos courtesy of Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
Tia’s heartfelt, unforgettable, and haunting performance moved folks, that after, they were queuing to get her to sign the cds. I told her that when I babysit my 8-month-old grandson, her CD elicits the serenity of the trade winds, the ocean waves, and the blue skies’ imaginary ambiance. Tia, we love you! Equally endearing is how she is so warm and accessible to her fans, and patiently takes selfies with them.
Did I share earlier that Janis Ian’s description of artists is that they belong to an aristocracy of merit and that their hearts are so absorbent of pain and triumphs that they are the first to respond with their gentle humanity? Aloha is more than a hello, it is an extension of love, kindness, and compassion.
Michael Paulo informed us that the yearly September Temecula show he organized has now become a full-blown fundraiser, raising $14,000 in ticket sales, with so many artists volunteering to perform.
Nothing prepared us for the 10+ Grammy award winners, ‘Take 6’, who were introduced as Michael’s friends, that he met 30 years ago while performing for Al Jarreau. He introduced them as the best acapella group.
Take 6 Photos courtesy of Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
Indeed, hands down, Take 6 is the best acapella group I have ever heard! But what was even more endearing is how humble ‘Take 6’ was: accessible, so down to earth and certainly “did not require us, the fans, to be on the list, “to take photos with them, as in that recent Broadway controversy. Thanks to the producer who encouraged us to meet with the artists to say hello.
I could go on and on but it is 1am, I am still on a high and tomorrow, I have a date with my granddaughter to take her to see a play.
Ted Benito and Rex Sampaga, you outdid yourselves with this magnificent lineup of artists, and may I dare describe them as self-made artists who belong to an aristocracy of merit?
I salute you both that despite Hurricane Hilary, the Writers Guild Strikes, this first Jazzmopolitan in Disney Hall was unforgettably outstanding! Disney Hall absolutely is one of the acoustically balanced-venues and the most desired amongst artists, like their heavenly summit of stages to perform at.
What beautiful gestures of folks making time after a full day’s work and before another zoom work meeting with folks overseas. Gosh, how folks maximize their day to work hard, and still find time to celebrate with me on a workday.
Last weekend was the big concert of Taylor Swift whose 6 days ERAS tour brought in $320 million to the economy and created traffic jams in Los Angeles. TS distributed bonuses of $100,000 to each of her production crew members, $55 million out of her $1 billion profit, The LA Times reported. Imagine she shared with her crew even before her concert ended. Her fan base attracted all genders, all ages and all ethnicities…incredible!
I mention that as my friends managed to celebrate my birthday and initiated get-togethers, including special birthday cakes. How sweet and thoughtful are their gestures, when you think folks are just too busy these days that it would be much easier to make an excuse. But, they did not.
They initiated the celebrations: meaningful gifts of time, attention, including a very special bouquet of a new variety of phalaenopsis orchid in a Chanel-inspired pink vase, given by Benel Se-Liban.
I am so grateful to accept all these gestures of love and affection from Christina Oriel and Cora Oriel and Benel. I feel your love.
Salamat Po, as the Southern French-born waiter, Chris who thanked us, after friends paid the dinner bill at Osteria Mamma.
Then, someone asked what Filipino surname does his wife have, after telling us he just married a Filipina in SF City Hall. He said Sison. “You mean Dr. Ramon Sison’s daughter?” Yes, he said.
Pleasantries were exchanged including stories of kindness extended to Dr. Charito Sison by Roger and Cora Oriel. Imagine that! How #loveandkindnessresonates and multiplies in good vibes and energies.
He said he does not usually say Salamat, just to his wife, and I added, say also Mahal Kita to your wife.
Our worlds connected by uttering Salamat po, followed by recalling a surname, Sison, then love, kindness and grace-filled memories became our beautiful garlands for the evening.
No wonder Benel chose pink phaleonopsis orchids in a beautiful pink vase signifying Universal Love and Joy!! Salamat po, Holy Spirit – Your Grace overwhelms me!!
To top it all, a pink unicorn for the evening greets me in Larchmont. Genuine love gestures are spontaneous and never staged. Thank you so much!
I believe the Holy Spirit is curating my birthday celebrations to reinforce the themes I value most:
Family (Children +Partners +Grandchildren);
Faith, Spirituality, Generosity and Soul Enrichment and Development;
Music, Culture and Philanthropy;
Friendship, Nature and Grace;
Gratitude, Kindness and Language as a Bridge
Thank you po Holy Spirit- Your Grace overwhelms me!
First with family with very endearing and thoughtfully made chocolate cake and handmade birthday card from my 8yo #princess2015la. It is abbreviated as both my children are not into social media. That was family!
Second with two Holy priests and a former altar server, my hubby. Our discussions were soul-provoking but also perspectives broadening. What a beautiful gift of time, generosity, fullness of soulful spirits and a very beautiful book by Isabel Allende, The Wind knows my name from Fr. Rodel. That was Spirituality and Faith.
Third with heartwarming and endearing music from Odette Quesada who surprised me with her birthday greeting as if she knows my name already and great artist and songwriter of 100+ hits, and prolific author of artificial intelligence books and an expert on information technology and a faith-based philanthropist Dodjie Simon. That was Original Pilipino Music and Philanthropy.
Fourth is having brunch at @Yamashiro Los Angeles by their gardens, where we ate surrounded by Buddha, man made pool of water, surrounded by a pond with koi fishes, all elements of abundance from nature. Indeed, these friends of mine are profoundly abundant in generosity, in spirits, in attention and good intentions. I feel comfortable and emotionally safe to be myself with them to discuss philosophy, grace, miracles, health, future goals, community and more. That’s Friendship and Grace!
I believe the Holy Spirit is curating my birthday celebrations to reinforce the themes I value most: Family (Children +Partners +Grandchildren); Faith, Spirituality, Generosity and Soul Enrichment and Development; Music, Culture and Philanthropy; Friendship, Nature and Grace.
This lovely inabel scarf was given to me by Sharon Quinsaat who just vacationed in the Ilocos region.
“On the celebration of her 99th birthday, a special tribute is dedicated to master weaver and living treasure, Magdalena Gamayo.
The Pinili Weaving Center stands not just as a tribute, but as a promise – a promise to nurture, to honor, and to safeguard the Ilocano weaving tradition. It’s an ode to the past and a vision for the future, where threads of resilience, creativity, and love intersect.
It’s also a sanctuary for the art that Magdalena Gamayo has mastered over a lifetime. Within its walls, weavers gather not just to learn but to be transformed, to absorb the essence of their ancestors, and to carry forward the torch that Magdalena Gamayo has lit.
The Pinili Inabel Center was designed by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, funded by the Office of the Representative for the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte, implemented by the DPWH Ilocos Norte 2nd Engineering District, and with the support of the Municipal Government of Pinili.”
Oh my gosh, my Biyaya sister aka as Grace sister Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough gave me the most beautifully wrapped present with fresh herbs and flowers made into a bouquet ribbon. Inside this box of DIOR are little recipes to Heal the World with a Kind Heart, sprinkling seasonings and spices for tasty tips for justice, and revolution of braised short ribs.
It meant so much to me for at the end of my life, I just want folks to say, in my life celebration, ‘she chose love’ and her life’s theme is ‘choose love.’ Ever since that became my chosen mantra, ‘grace upon grace walks in my life.
Tonight is another one of those nights, a concert called:”Stories behind Songs” by Dodjie Simon and Odette Quesada, benefiting The Filipino Caucus Foundation who are building communal toilets used by poor families in Nueva Ecija. Imagine the dignity these families feel in having their biological basic needs met! Guess what – organizers revealed last night that they exceeded their goal and in fact, doubled it.
It was a very endearing concert to walk with these two songwriters with such prolific bodies of works in music that they have composed since their teenage years to today. Odette will have a 40th anniversary concert as a songwriter in Manila on Sept 1, 2023.
Two numbers stood out for me, a medley of theme songs for films and teleseryes played and sang by Dodjie Simon, Trina Marana and Mikaela Bautista.
Another heartwarming song was a music video released by Odette Quesada, Habang Panahon Tanging Ikaw ang Mamahalin, an ode to her late husband, who composed it for her.
It was so touching to hear the lyrics sung with sincere feelings of depth and tender connections. Thanks Annie Nepomuceno and Ed Nepomuceno for our group photos, photo #13 and #14.
I felt love reverberating in this concert, about 800 plus that attended.
Thanks again Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas for last night’s Peruvian dinner and a beautiful book by a Peruvian author.
I am so grateful for these love-curated evenings of birthday celebrations – they are sincere true expressions from loving hearts of holy men and women!
Two nights now of being driven around and accompanied by hubby – so grateful!
My birthday celebration orchestrated by God’s selfless servants – “The wind knows your name,” signed Fr. Rodel.
It started with Mon David and Nicole David Yalong singing a duet to me over the phone, while in the park with Nicole’s genius twin boys and their huge dog, River.
I was just quietly monitoring the manufacturing of granola in my kitchen, having conversations with my other mom, Maura Brito with her incisive wisdom and delight at her daughter’s wedding in Mexico, which hubby and I attended.
Then, the doorbell, hubby bought me a new cellphone. He saw me struggling in Mexico, running out of space, taking photos while using my phone. He resolved my issue, quietly and a surprise – how is that to feel like someone has your back!
Then a phone call came in, it was Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas and by stroke of luck and God’s grace, he invited me to celebrate my birthday with him and Msgr. Lorenzo. I asked if I could bring Enrique. Yes, he answered.
We ate so well at a Peruvian restaurant where I enjoyed all the flavors, good and foreign, and enticing up to the last morsel. I felt so favored by God, surrounded by 3 good men, two priests, and a former altar boy, my hubby Enrique de la Cruz!
We talked about faith, spirituality, travels, satiated meals from different cultures, immersion in cultures, mediocrity in leadership as a world issue and radical listening, welcoming folks of all genders into Christ’s church, that Christ wants His church to include everyone, and Pope Francis’s The Letter, Laudato Si, his encyclical on the environment, including social media disconnecting us.
We even had time to share the analysis of The Sounds of Freedom and its important message that ‘God’s children must not be sold’ though a lament of how this movie’s proponents have politicized their content to attach themselves to Trump and corrupt leaders in Latin America. We even discussed some lucky folks’ bid and won a dinner auction as part of a church’s fundraiser. Including carbon fiber bikes and the benefits of cycling for sustained good health.
How appropriate is that The Letter on YouTube was mentioned to me by my son, when Lahaina was wiped out because of wildfires, gusty winds, and more.
Grateful to be favored with great service in this Peruvian restaurant! Thank you so much to these two selfless servants of God, who are so down to earth and grounded.
I loved the prayers before the meals, imploring God’s guidance for a pilgrim and all others’ journeys.
The birthday cake was delicious, so was the orange ice cream with a chocolate aftertaste that was quite pleasant.
“Open your gift”, Fr. Rodel said, the book was written by a Peruvian writer, and we are in a Peruvian restaurant in Pasadena. How convergent is that and the book is a coming together of characters as well.
Truly, God’s favor was with me tonight and daily, ‘the wind knows your name.” As we ended, Fr. Rodel asked for prayers for his upcoming ministry. I believe he is on the right track as he felt excited and he has had some wonderful past results. Even the wind has his name, too! This, I hardly expected to be favored by God’s servants and my hubby with me.
Even the cacti planted by my son and thoughtfully curated in a clay pot bore flowers today. I kid you not, and those three butterflies visited me: white, apple green, and brown, with black spires shaped in their wings, while the leaves of the palm trees were dancing in the winds. ‘The winds has your name’, Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas wrote on his birthday card to me. Can you feel God’s love through his holy men, and hubby and my son?
