By Alma L. Tingcang
‘‘We pray for blessings, we pray for peace, comfort for family, protection while we sleep. We pray for healing, prosperity. We pray for your mighty hand to ease our suffering… ’’
Serge Karezza ‘‘Ezza’’ Guevara Ramonal’s sweet, soft voice reverberated in the vast expanse of the St. Columban College Gym as she sang Laura Story’s Blessings in a recent Concert for a Cause for ‘‘Sendong’’ victims.
Ezza was one of the young music enthusiasts who call themselves Club Musikeros de Pagadian (CMP) who hit it off and shared their talents in promoting peace, friendship, unity and above all, love for God and for fellowmen.
The concert, dubbed ‘‘Pagadianons for Iligan and CDO’’ captured the limelight as the group performed gospel songs, love songs and popular hits as well as Pinoy alternative music.
CMP is composed of Pagadian Four (P4) with Christine ‘‘Sweet” Tingcang, Shyrl Romarate, Randy Balinton and Polly Floyd Bentual. P4 is a Christian singing group which gives inspiration to our young generation. Although they come from different churches/religions, they share the same vision, and that is to glorify God through their music and their talents. That is what they want to share to the people -- that God had blessed us with different talents which we should use for His glory alone.
Tongue Story, a Christian band who sang their original compositions telling of the love and saving grace of Jesus brings together Marione Paul Paner , Maynard Paner, Marlon Paner , Harvey Jay Pimentel and Gecelson Nicolas.
14th Square is a local band who has gained a name for themselves and sings regularly at Pinoy Grill along Rizal Avenue with Alan Marc Amantiad, Mark Bryan Mauran, Adonis Baron, Geoffrey Dinglasa and Alvin Caduyas, and the P4 students: Ezza Ramonal, Krystal Ramonal, Kevin Obida, Justine Joy Dolero and Rhea Marie Jongco.
Friends from Iligan City came and witnessed the concert made more meaningful by the testimony of Johnny Demecillo of Purok Mangga, Digkilaan, Iligan City who lost some members of his family during the flood.
He tearfully related how the typhoon destroyed everything they have worked for. ‘‘Apan sa among nakita nga pagtabang ug pagsuporta, dako kaayo ang among kalipay ug mapasalamaton kami sa inyong gihimo.’’(We are happy and grateful for all your support.)
Hon. Ace William E. Cerilles, mayor of Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur and League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) President was one of the concert’s major sponsors, sharing the vision of the young musicians.
Come February 26, at 6 o’clock in the evening, the group will be performing at Dumalinao Gymnasium, gaining the full support of the youthful Mayor Cerilles. This will be another opportunity to share their beautiful music to the good people of Dumalinao and to glorify God not just through their songs, but through their lives as well.
Whatever trials come our way, the expressive lyrics of the song by Laura Story teaches us many things ‘‘…the pain reminds our heart that this is not our home…/// and what if trials of this life… the rain, the storms, the hardest nights…are Your mercies in disguise…’’ (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)
