LAMRAG, Ray of Light – WIN did it again!
By: Dulce Caludac
(After watching the videotape of the recently concluded concert, here is my post-show review that I would like to share)
LAMRAG, Ray of Light, Waraynon Initiative Network’s (WIN) 2nd benefit concert was conceived by WIN’s VP for Ensemble, Melvin Corpin. LAMRAG is inspired by the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan and the Papal Visit. Although, the effects of the destruction still linger, it is evident that the people of Leyte, Samar and Biliran hold on to their faith and carry on with re-building their lives. M. Corpin featured popular classic rock songs, both English and Tagalog to tell this story.
The emcees, cousins Dane Ortega and Eunice Caludac, did a great job at introducing the show and to the audience’s delight, said their pleasantries in Waray-waray, Tagalog and of course, English.
The show had 8 acts to represent the 8 rays of the Philippine flag. The 8 rays symbolize the 8 provinces with significant involvement in the 1896 Philippine Revolution against Spain.
The show opened with the reading of the lyrics of the song, LAMRAG, to deliver the invocation with Maxinne Vergara providing the background melody on flute. It opened with rock, pop and R & B songs to deliver the message that if you believe, then it will be done (mash-up of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing and R. Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly). Every achieved dream or aspiration has its beginning in fantasy (EWF’s Fantasy ). And in life, love is all we need. (James Taylor’s How Sweet It Is and the Beatles’ Love is all you Need). The chorale ‘s moves and melody was a welcome opening act providing back-up vocals to soloists, William Babiano, Gina Ibarrola and Rachel Cullari.
My Immortal (beautifully covered by Kiloni Rose Ramo), a song of pain and despair, reminds you of the loss of loved ones to Yolanda and how the catastrophe drove some people to the edge of insanity.
On a segment to depict the reality of the situation in Leyte, Samar and Biliran – struggle, despair and hopelessness, Filipino folk singer Freddie Aguilar’s Anak, a song about a wayward son, was sung by Carla Corpin with the WIN chorale as her back-up singers. Very emotional dance sequence rendered by Jowell Valdez for this song. Then followed Queen/Freddie Mercury’s classic rock Bohemian Rhapsody was belted out by soloist, Rachel Cullari, to evoke memories of the sad past, the denial and sadness behind the people’s smiles. The song has a ballad segment ending with a guitar solo (WIN guest lead guitarist, Pal Montallana), an operatic passage (chorale soprano section), and a hard rock section (orchestra and Carla Corpin). The interpretative dance by Sole Twisters’ Jowell and Jeneffer Labro with Gelline portrays the fight between good (dancer in white outfit) and evil (dancer in black outfit) over someone who is already depressed and confused. Of course, good triumphs in the end.
The pope’s visit has helped our people see that piece of sky, that glimpse of hope in the midst of loneliness and despair. The mash-up of Dust/Stairway was sung by the lovely sisters, Gina Galicia-Ibarrola ( a TV personality and recording artist in the Philippines in the 80’s) and Nancy Galicia-Sheehan (formerly of The New Minstrels band in the Philippines). This mash-up was loosely used to portray two mothers representing the faith and hope of the people and how they see the gleam from afar. The interpretative dance for this portion by Jowell and Gelline, portrays how two mothers embrace and love unconditionally a son and a daughter. It doesn’t matter what goes on in life; a mother‘s love is constant, a mother is always hopeful of a bright future for her child.
Evanescence’s Bring me to Life was a personal favorite rendered by the wonderfully talented Gelline Ibarrola, with Ian Vergara on electric guitar , singing back-up vocals. Loved the musical arrangement done by Melvin Corpin with an intro of an Arabianesque tone. Move over, Amy Lee!
Gelline not only sang at this show, but also provided jazz-ballet dance interpretations (together with guest dancers, Sole Twisters) for Bohemian Rhapsody, Dust/Stairway and the final song, Song of Life.
To showcase the Philippine culture and heritage, the show included fantastic dance performances of love and courtship by the US-based alumni of the world-renowned Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company (LKDC). A highlight of the show was an OPM medley, one of the most-applauded segments of the concert.
Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika WIN Chorale, WIN Orchestra /Vocals: Tetet Uy
(R. Cayabyab)
Hibang Sa Awit Vocals: William Babiano
(R. Cayabyab)
T.L. Ako Sa Iyo WIN Chorale alto and soprano ladies
(S. Rigor)
Binibini Vocals: WIN Chorale tenor and bass men
(V.S.T And Company)
Ewan Vocals: Peter Caludac
(L. Ocampo)
Kailan Vocals: Pie Delgado-Ortega
(R. Cayabyab)
Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas Vocals: Charmaine Delgado-Anido
(G. Canseco)
Saranggola Ni Pepe Vocals: Lidu Saldaña-Saño
(N. Gallardo)
Batang-Bata Ka Pa Vocals: Jess Reyes
(J. Paredes)
Ngayon Vocals: Tess Corpin-Agner
(G. Canseco)
Umagang Kay Ganda WIN Chorale, WIN Orchestra
(B. Monserrat)
The WIN orchestra was an amazing ensemble of talents providing live accompaniment during the entire show. Orchestra took center stage by rendering 3 overture pieces. Instruments include the strings (violins, viola, cello, double bass, guitars), the woodwinds (flutes, clarinets, oboe, saxophones), the brass (trumpet , euphonium), the percussion ( drums, cymbals) and the keyboards (piano, electric organ).
To change the pace and provide variety to the show, Tess Agner, William Babiano Butch Corpin, Carla Corpin, Gina Ibarrola, Jessie Reyes, Sherwin Magallanes (the show’s choreographer, yes, he is a singer too) , Nancy Sheehan and Tetet Uy gave us glimpses of past favorite R & B songs – M. Corpin’s own remarkable spin on EWF’s After the Love is Gone (Nancy-Butch duet) , Stevie Wonder’s You are the Sunshine of my Life, and Manhattan Transfer’s jazzy Birdland.
As a bonus feature, Melvin C. (piano), Khris Kempis (acoustic guitar), Vince Reyes (electric guitar), and Chris Spilsbury, a guest drummer, got together and gave an awesome rendition of Michael Jackson’s fast-paced Smooth Criminal.
His Holiness, Pope Francis’ message of love and compassion at the January 17, 2015 papal mass in Tacloban, Philippines was projected on the screen. This has inspired the people to pick up the pieces of their broken life and carry on. So life does go on. The chorale came out in white pants and colorful tops to celebrate life and love. (Let your love flow popularized by Bellamy Brothers/Neil Diamond)
The chorale with the whole cast joined the young duo of Mari Corpin and Gian Ibarrola (his debut performance with WIN) to render Libera’s Song of Life to end the show to a humbling, enthusiastic and prolonged standing ovation.
Great production, impressive technical direction, fantastic music, enjoyable choreography., transition between numbers was seamless. Even the incomparable Floor Director, Jiggs Ibarrola, entertained the audience with the synchronized clean-up he did on the stage floor with his crew. He made it his own dance routine with the mop as his prop. Truly a powerhouse group of artists rendering their services for a great cause!
The music of this concert was successful in relaying the message that in the darkest of days, there is a ray of light that will shine through.
“We also have many brothers who in this moment of catastrophe came to help you, and we too, because of this, we feel more brothers and sisters, because we helped each other.
…..with the power that comes from Jesus’ love on the cross, let us move forward, always forward, and walk together as brothers and sisters in the Lord. (His Holiness, Pope Francis)
Indeed a wonderful musical experience worth remembering! It’s probably time to take this show on the road.