It was a wedding in Fernbrook few months ago and a privilege was given me by singing with a Juilliard Voice graduate as it came to my memory when I heard a Veteran Pilipino Soprano singing an old Tagalog classic, “Gaano Kita Kamahal,” the kundiman we sang during the wedding reception at The Victorian garden of Fernbrook. I was hesitant to do a duet with her but she insisted. I wrote the lyrics first to be sure I won’t forget because I haven’t sang the song for quite sometime. There were many guests during the reception and I surmised that most of them are music lovers, especially during the ceremony were solemn music were rendered and they were intent hearing with glances on our side. When the Lord’s Prayer was sung, there was momentary silence with only my voice heard. And when the Soprano’s turn came more silence with only her colloratura voice invaded the air. She did Ave Maria by Gounod with much expression being a trained singer and the ceremony really turned into an unusual one. Trained voices are rare these days and hearing such is balm to soul.
“Gaano Kita Kamahal” is a classic love song and always be there till the end of time. We Filipinos love music and appreciation is beyond compare setting us apart with regards performance because when we do, we do it with soul. Even Filipinos abroad know the song by heart and its popularity will endure. How I wish that Filipinos from other countries will treasure the music they had when they were in their native country.
The privilege was great that moment and it happened she just flew from the states to grace her nephew’s wedding and bliss was mine because she still treasures the beauty of our music.
