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January 2012 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

Paradigm Shift

IThe other day, a feeling of uncertainty gnawed inside of me. With the Sendong flood relief concert coming right up, I still couldn 't find the strength in my hand to play guitar; and I wasn't sure of my post-stroke voice.

But I had promised the powers-that-be (in PAFC): give me a venue, and I'll give you a concert.

They got Catholic University of America.

The goal was to raise $8,000 for the flood victims in the Philippines.

With my physical limitations, I felt doomed.

That Saturday night's concert told the story.

It didn't lie.

At the end of the gig, people were coming up by the stage to thank me for it, ask for CDs or videos of the performance. I even got an email this morning from one who was so curious she googled me, got into my web site and ordered a CD of one of the songs. (And she's not even Filipina.)

According to early tabulations, the concert and a previous Happy Hour fundraiser may have more than met the financial goal.

Several things contributed to that night's musical success.

Several bands and musicians that I invited brought their A game: Ivy Rose, Tutubi, Trademark, Show Pow, Russ Arlotta. Local talent. But very good.

Although I'm just a singer-songwriter, I had my own band too. The players:

Nicole de las Alas. She's an amazing singer. In the quiet time backstage before we were to come on, she confided in me.

She said,"I'm trying to match your daughter's sweet style in the CD."

I told her, "You have your own style; and it's also very nice. We're just lucky we found you right before this concert."

A few people commented on her beautiful voice; but a few others (mostly men) told me last night "She's so easy on the eyes."

Odie Sotomayor and Russ Arlotta

They really came through as experts in the guitar work.

But it doesn't stop there.

After the concert, two other guitar players approached me. Each separately offered to join my band. One was Pong Velasquez, a local professional session player in different recording studios in the area. People (mostly American musicians and singers ) pay him to play guitar for them when they record.

Another was Nestor de las Alas, (Nicole's dad!) He's in his mid-60s but says he can still play very well. He was a session player in Manila for Vicar Records.

(I'm toying with the idea of having an ensemble of guitar players, even though I myself can't play anymore. Isn't that ironic?)

Rocky

Last night was our first concert together in two years. He's an extremely competent musician. Last night, my son did piano for the first measures of my song Nightingale, as I sang it. Then in the up-tempo portion when Nicole comes in, Rocky switched to sax without skipping a beat as the guitars and percussion set in. A very cool transition. On our ride home, Rocky noted with me how great it was to be performing together again.

Rick Brigham

A professor at George Mason University, but in a previous rumbunctious existence, a professional drummer in the south. He certainly has the chops. And he has a very soft heart for all things Filipino. He once told me," I love the warmth of the people, the taste of the food, and the skill of the musicians."

My Singing

I surprised even myself that night. Without worrying about doing guitar, I could focus on my singing alone.

And shockingly, my voice did not falter. People commented favorably about my tight harmonies with Nicole.

A New Way of Thinking

So now, the paradigm has shifted. I don't need to worry anymore about playing guitar in concerts. It seems the strokes had not affected my voice as badly as I thought. Though the doors had closed on my guitar playing (for now), doors have opened in other ways; and I will always be able to compose.

Hopefully, the $8,000 or so that the PAFC (Philippine American Foundation for Charities) raised in this project would help restore the damaged area and people of Mindanao.

Rod

December 2011 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

F-Words, my Keynote Speech,
and the Holiday Inn Dinner Function

It was a little rough going at the start. First, the announcer said some nice things about me (surprising how the public perceives). But then he asked me to come up and give the address. And that's when I looked the idiot I am.

Maybe out of instinct, I headed for the mic where the band was standing.

But as I waddled (residual from last year's stroke) that way, the announcer said,

"Rod, you're not doing a concert this time; you're giving a speech." (laughter from the audience) "Please use the podium on the left."

The podium was located stage left seemingly a mile away. I waddled that way, limp and all, seemingly taking an hour to get there.

I finally arrived and thanked everyone for inviting me to the fancy Christmas dinner. Audience was mixed. Mostly Filipinos; but a good smattering of political types from the mainstream in that area. As usual, lots of Filipinos were fashionably late.

As I made my trek to the podium, people would not have noticed any papers in my grasp; just my pathetic walk. I don't like using notes in speeches.

I started my talk this way:

"We can best describe tonight's event with F words. Four of them. Each word beginning with the letter F. I hope I don't offend anyone."

And I went on for about 12 minutes, ending with a quote of Tiny Tim's: "God Bless us, everyone."

The rest of the evening progressed with the usual music, dancing, felicitations. Someone introduced himself to me as a Facebook friend from California, even though I'm hardly on Facebook.

Another had our photos taken together, with herself leaning affectionately on me and saying,"I'll publish this photo." She laughed; I had a quizzical, awkward, dorky look.

Later when I was to leave the function, the president of a local chamber of commerce said he would accompany me to the car, and he did. Nice fellow. I gave him my CD.

I checked text from my daughter Jitter to see if I can still catch up with the family Christmas party in Virginia; but she said it's over; so I headed home.

By the way, the four F words are "friends, family, food, and fun".)


Rebuilding One's Life

Two strokes, a divorce, a would-be foreclosure, identity theft and tax problems made for a rough patch the past two years. But now, it's reconstruction.

I've begun to practice law full blast again. I'm working on an armed-robbery case, and one forgery case (both clients are innocent); two large corporate matters; and several estate planning cases.

Also, I'm writing one law text book.

Unfortunately, I've had no chance to do a new fiction book, as Krip Yuson urged me to do.

And worst, I have no health insurance. Pre-existing condition.

But the local Philippine Medical Association (PMA) has informally taken me under its wing. When president Dr. Abraham Baccara heard I had no health insurance and still on recovery mode post-stroke, he set up a monitoring schedule for me with other PMA doctors.

Dr. Irwin Bustos gave me a physical. He has a fancy ultra-modern clinic at Providence Hospital in Washington D.C..

He and a staff of four other doctors and a bunch of nurses worked me over thoroughly. Then they set up a series of other visits, with the good doctor telling me, "we don't want you to have another stroke; and we won't just release you from our care. This will be ongoing monitoring."

I was grateful, of course, especially since the whole thing is gratis, as if I have my own insurance. As Dr. Bustos was handing me some medicine, Dr. Bacarra stopped by and made sure all was well. Then he reminded me, "Don't forget your lecture next weekend." This was going to be at a facility for Alzheimer's patients. The lecture was on the legal concept of incapacity.


Speaking of Rebuilding Shattered Lives

Here's something really serious: There were several recent disasters in the Philippines; but the most publicized has been Sendong. More than a thousand dead in the Mindanao flooding.

A friend of mine urged me to get off my haunches and do a concert to raise funds for relief of Sendong victims and families.

In the past, musician friends of mine banded together to drum up relief for victims of Ondoy, the Mayon eruption, and for several other calamities. Talent like Charmaine Clamor, Niki Gonzales, Alfa, The Speaks, and others had joined me, sans compensation.

Now, here we are again, Sendong relief in our sights.

Target date would be sometime in February. I've gotten the okays from some local artists.

But I pitch this to you, the greater Fil-Am community. If you or anyone you know can help with the music or otherwise, please touch base with me.

This kind of thing fills the heart with real gold to start the New Year


Have a meaningful and prosperous 2012!

September 2011 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

Nature Boy

A few years ago, when my son Rocky was only 11 years old, someone named Nilda Godwin asked if he could perform at her retirement party. This was going to be a paid gig, as with all that came his way, even at that young age.

She gave me a list of songs that she wanted Rocky to play on his sax, such La Vie En Rose and Sway.

One of the songs she wanted Rocky to play but forgot to give me was a song called "Nature Boy"---the haunting 50s ballad popularized by Nat King Cole.

Some years later, Rocky, my teenage daughter Jitter and I were backstage about to perform in front of a large crowd of employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As we waited for the announcer to call us out on stage, Rocky suddenly remembered the request for that song. He asked how it goes. So Jitter hummed it; and soon Rocky was playing the melody, until they announced us.

Fast forward to the present.

I just got an email from Lijuan Shi, a beautiful young attorney in ShenZhen, China. She said she was listening to some music in her office as she was working late the other night. A song captured her. She kept listening to it over and over. She even included the lyrics in her email.

The song was "Nature Boy".

Its lyrics are actually a little strange--as it is about a man meeting an "enchanted" boy who instructs that the meaning of life is giving and receiving love.

Nothing strange about the message.

Just the medium, as it comes from a young boy.

Lijuan and I went back and forth on the possible meaning of the song: Two attorneys, each from opposite sides of the world, playing hookie from their profession, trying to extract meaning from song lyrics.

I was half-thinking to bring up the whole Spratly Islands issue. But I decided she might not even know about it, under her government's censorship.

What she did tell me was this: One who practices law in China will be bitterly disappointed if she uses her conscience. She was obviously unhappy with her law firm.

But she wanted to talk about the song. We decided the lyrics refer to a man's return to his pure youthful idealism about life and love, unstained and undiluted.

Whatever its true meaning, this song has managed to bridge expanses in my life: that of time, that of generations, and that of separate nationalities, worlds apart.

After Rocky's performance at the retirement party, Nilda Godwin asked me to take her to a guitar store. She wanted to pick an appropriate instrument she can learn with.

My friend Lijuan is now leaving her firm to teach in a law school.

And Rocky, with his classmates at Duke Ellington School for the Arts, is learning from live interaction with the likes of jazz great Herbie Hancock.

Enjoy the Fall season!

Rod Garcia

August 2011 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

A Choice for Rocky

The prestigious and exclusive Duke Ellington School of the Arts offered my son Rocky a spot as one of its students. Tuition is free. And of course professional music connections will be there for him the rest of his life.

Bishop MacNamara High School countered with a huge monetary offer that removed any tuition burden for the rest of his private high school--if Rocky stays in MacNamara.

Remember how loyal we were to our high schools? Ateneo, La Salle, Lourdes, San Beda, and so forth. In less mature days, loyalty to the point of the occasional rumble at a basketball game. But however expressed, fealty was deep-seated, feudal, imprinted in our teenage wiring and permanent.

Rocky had been tossing and turning about this choice between two high schools. One he loved. The other that would be good for his budding musical career.

He didn't want to abandon MacNamara--which has been his high school home and in which he built a loyal musical following. According to the band director, Mr. Conto, in the fifteen years of teaching music, his best student has been Rocky. The principal Mr. Clark was very anxious that Rocky stay, and personally made the huge scholarship offer.

We did not tell Rocky of the amount -- only that neither school will present a financial issue.

While saxophone is Rocky's first instrument; piano is the other. Rocky's private piano teacher is Gary Dinn, respected former president of the Maryland Piano Teachers Association. He told me that at some point down the road, Rocky will come face to face with an opportunity to go to a Juliard or some other conservatory.

But Mr. Dinn suggested not to let Rocky receive that kind of education. Rather, his education should be broad-based and rich in liberal arts. Mr. Dinn is certain this sixteen year old will become a professional musician. Because of that, his early foundation should not be narrow, but academically broad. Not narrow like Duke Ellington school.

Even so, and grudgingly, Mr. Dinn wrote a rather glowing letter to Duke Ellington about his prodigy.

Last night, Rocky and I had dinner in the house. I had not seen him in a week. We both listened to James Galway, the Irish flutist. Rocky thought Galway's progressions are "really cool"--especially considering the songs in this CD are Japanese melodies.

He wanted us to watch a show together on TV and order Chinese. The question of his schooling kept coming up now and again. He knew he should go to Duke Ellington; but he felt he was letting MacNamara down.

But as the evening wore on, he felt more comfortable with the idea of Ellington; and that he might just visit MacNamara and do guest gigs there. I told him Ellington presents a chance to start fresh and thrive in his element. His sister, Karla, who is rehearsing in Broadway for a new play, had emailed me those exact same sentiments. And his other sister Jitter had called me that afternoon saying the change will be the artistic jolt he needs.

Finally later that night, Rocky smiled. He said he's comfortable with the decision to go to Duke Ellington, and will have no more regrets.

We hugged and I drove him back to D.C. to his mom.


Rod Garcia

July 2011 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

Lady Behind the Counter

Tessie Alarcon sat behind the registration counter working on little ticket stubs for a function celebrating Philippine Independence.

Not too many of the guests knew the truth about this inconspicuous, tiny figure.

But Tessie and her friends are responsible for having fed over two thousand
five hundred malnourished children in the Philippines.

She's at an age for enjoying a cruise in the caribbean. But with other intrepid retirees, Tessie has taken a rinkydink bangka and crossed deep waters to distribute gifts, food, or medicine to children in some remote Philippine island. She's done this several times.

This sense of mission started over a decade ago. Tessie and her husband Pablito were enjoying a meal in a small restaurant in Laguna. A small grungy boy of nine (9) in a tattered t-shirt came up to their window and gawked open-mouthed at the food, obviously very hungry.

The couple waved the boy in and let him eat with them. They also had a clean t-shirt they were planning to give to some relative's son. But they decided to let this boy wear it. And he did, with a palpable pride on his face. Later, in a way to repay their kindness, the boy helped slow down oncoming traffic, waving and signalling like a cop, so the couple could drive their car out of the parking spot. The incident taught them that even children can learn to earn.

And so aside from all the charity work, Tessie and her posse have also sponsored nineteen (19) livelihood projects in the Philippines; built ninety-one (91) modern classrooms (with six more to come); distributed two hundred thousand (200,000) books to public schools and libraries; gave one hundred fifty (150) students educational scholarships to high schools and universities; and donated twenty (20) sets of computers and other IT equipment.

And they're still at it.

Tessie is the founder of Washington D.C.-based Feed The Hungry, Inc., which has now blossomed into chapters in Hawaii, Nevada, and Manila itself.

Her sense of mission is infectious. Many doers and shakers have joined the action as board members or operatives. Among them financial whiz Martin Gaw; FilAm activitist dynamo Gloria Caoile, and cerebral Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Del Rosario and his grand-hearted wife Gretchen, to name a few. (Even inconsequential folks like me found a place: Tessie asked help with the legal stuff; and adopted my composition "Ako" as Feed The Hungry's theme song.")

This little lady behind the counter received the Pilipino Presidential Award from President Noynoy Aquino last year(Lingkod Sa Kapwa), adding to other recognitions in previous years.

Where does one find proof that the Filipino is worth the miracle of EDSA? Neither in the halls of political power in Malacanang nor in the money of Makati.

But in humble servant hearts of everyday people like that lady behind the counter ----- who would have a sign above her that states: Now Serving --- The Poor.

Rod Garcia

* * * *

AKO
by Rod Garcia

Hindi mo ba alam
Na nandoon AKO noon
Nang ika'y naghanap, nagtatanong?
Hindi ka nagtaka
Kung kanino ang awit?
Nakatakap ka sa lupa,
Ang tingin mo'y sa langit.

Kaya't nang ika'y naglalakad
Sa lamig, nagiisa,
AKO'Y nagaalalay
Sa iyo.

Masakit sa kalooban;
Matamlay sa pagtingin;
Pagasa mo na lamang ay AKO.

Pagmasdan mo ang paligid mo;
Mapapansin mo rin.
May na ngangailangan sa iyo.

Siya'y iyong kusang bigyan ng tanging pagtingin
And tinutulungan mo'y
AKO.

May 2011 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

Filipino Teachers Show How It's Done

Boys and girls, our class today is on teachers. Filipino teachers. One of them used to carry a gun in his work. He now teaches the disabled.

The other one gives a course on Filipino studies in a major American college. The University of Maryland has recognized him as professor of the year.


Lethal Weapon

Before he started teaching American high school students, Felix Lazaro headed the staff of the Philippine government's Dangerous Drugs Board. That was in 2004. Before that, he was in charge of the counter-terrorism unit in the Philippines' Department of Justice.

A certified marksman and combat shooter, as well as an attorney, Felix now faces impatient young adults with learning disabilities. He loves it and excels. The Prince George's County, Maryland school system has consistently renewed his contract over the years; a happy fact, tempered by the sad prospects of fellow Filipino school teachers. These others may be headed home to the Philippines, their stint here cut short by alleged budget constraints.

Felix feels sad for these Filipino teachers, who had believed in the sweet promises of a good life and stability by the American school system that recruited them.

But he is happy with his unique situation. Not just anyone can fill his area of specialization, an expertise won by years of formal study and experience in the States. Each day at school, he faces some physically huge kids who are one step away from juvenile delinquency, but treated as mentally challenged. I asked him whether he has to use any law-enforcement skills honed from his days with anti-terrorism. Felix laughed, saying combat gunsmanship is best reserved for local target ranges. He controls the incorrigibles by patience, paired with a deep aura of authority that these kids can sense. This is someone they shouldn't mess with.



Professor of the Year

Gem Daus developed and teaches a course in the University of Maryland called Filipino Studies. His course covers both Philippine and Filipino-American history and politics. He stays away from art and literature because he says these are not his expertise. But he uses some material from his kababayan --- fellow native of Binalonan, Pangasinan --- Carlos Bulosan. This iconic writer's stories exposes Gem's students to the struggles of Filipinos while in America.

But Filipinos make up only about 10 percent of his classes. The rest of the students are Americans, as well as other ethnic groups such as Koreans and Chinese.

Gem has been doing it since 2008; and last year, the university dubbed him its best professor.

Gem is not new to awards. In 2006, the Center for the Study of Asian American Health
gave him the National Leadership Award for his nonprofit work on health care issues. In 2003, the Congressional Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian and Pacific American Caucuses knighted him a "healthcare hero" for his advocacy.

In his prime at age forty-five, Gem says his most surprising realization is how old he's become compared to his students. No one knew what he was talking about when he first spoke of the 1986 people power revolt in the Philippines.

There is much work ahead. Gem wants to give these students a context and perspective into the rich Filipino experience. And this professor of the year is equal to the task.

March 2011 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

Its Darkest Hour

We called him "sensei"-- my father's business partner from Japan back in the sixties.

One night, I witnessed something extraordinary between him and my father..

I was playing with my GI Joe action figures in the far end of our home library (I was only nine, okay.) The two men were by the large desk discussing their commercial venture. Maybe they saw me playing with the toy soldiers. Sensei and my dad started talking about the recent war---- only a couple of decades before.

My father was a decorated war hero, having disposed of many Japanese officers as a very young but notorious assassin. When then-President Marcos appointed him chairman of the Board of Liquidators, Marcos reportedly quipped, "tamang tama itong titulo, Rene." (the name of your post fits you just right, Rene."

Once, my dad held a reunion party in our house in Pasig. In it were his former guerrillas -- a rough bunch of hardened men, some without certain fingers, one without an eye, all of them with tales of gunning down the Japanese, every one telling me, "your father was very brave."

Between his assasination missions, he and his fellow guerrillas were in numerous skirmishes, some hand-to-hand, against the more equipped enemy. In one of those, a bayonet ripped through my father's front torso,as he managed to grab the Japanese soldier's pistol and use it against him.

All these battles were recorded not in a piece of paper or film, but in the ghastly scars all over my father's body. He even had a piece of bullet in his wrist that he never wanted to take out.

It was at the Battle of Ipo dam that my father got shot in the face, losing half of it forever. .
My dad was known in Pasig for his ghastly facial scar. In fact, later in the 80s, when Sen. Rene Saguisag was working in the law office in San Francisco, he asked me, "Ikaw ba ang anak ni taga'?" (Are you the son of scarface?"

The Japanese soldiers were of course known for their efficient brutality, their fanatic discipline and unswerving loyaty; mostly stemming from "bushido"----the ancient way of the warrior, when samurais would defend their feudal lord against ninjas.

I really didn't know much about the Japanese back when my father took the family on a trip to Japan after my graduation.

But I saw a clean, safe, super-organized society, reminding me of how army ants have a singleminded purposefulness------to serve the greater whole, at all costs.

Truly, they carried this singlemindedness into World War II.

And so when my dad and Sensei started talking about the war, even though I was a very young know-nothing bumblehead, I could sense that the air was thick with tension.

But the tension came from a profound sadness. Sensei seemed sad about my father's face and asked my father to show the other wounds in his body.

My dad unbuttoned his shirt, slowly revealing the monstrous extent of the knife and bayonet wounds. One of the scars meandered like a grotesque stitched-up snake around his upper chest, down to his tummy then around to his back.

Sensei stood still as a statue for a few seconds, his mouth agape. Then his eyes began to well up. He bowed to my father, and slowly shook his head. But Sensei didn't lift his head back up; instead, he dropped flat to the floor, prostrate, in front of my father . We grabbed Sensei's arms to bring him up.

But the old engineer wouldn't budge, wouldn't move, as between sobs and tears, he kept whispering in his breath,

"Never again; never again; never again."

It took about half an hour to finally get him up. The men shook hands, then embraced, strong, firm, forgiving.

Things had changed tremendously after all these years, of course.

My dad had a huge falling out with Marcos.

Japan has achieved economic, instead of military, conquest.

Japanese engineering has become envied for efficiency and reliability, albeit some issues with their cars lately..

Here in our Washington D.C. area, a Japanese-American society has included in its mission the advocacy of benefits for the Filipino World War II soldier.

And Japanese-American congressmen Akaka and Inouye spearheaded passage of legislation for the pensions and benefits of Filipino soldiers.

Now with the recent devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor problems, the Japanese people will need to muster up their renowned efficiency and resourcefulness.

Filipinos must pray for this special people and this special nation in its darkest hour.

The discussion yesterday was interesting in how post -EDSA Philippines relates to whatever happened in EDSA.

At our dinner after, Ben Maynigo asked me for a copy of the script; and I intend to provide it to him (as well as to Chris Abale --who wishes a New York group stage it).

But I would like to --in a sense -- provide to you guys some relevant parts of the script that point to how the play Hacienda attached meaning to this EDSA "revolution".

The hope was that it was a revolution of moral values.

As the fugitive-activist Dr. Estrella declares to Captain Odel at the end,

"You can take me, Captain...but what about the millions of people out there who have come out of the corral? How are you going to herd them all back into the hacienda?"

And as he asks, he points to his head.

Hacienda is a state of mind and the values engendered by that state of mind.

And the hope was that the revolution was not just a takeover in partisan politics, but a Copernican shift in attititudes and values.

The owner of the restaurant Hacienda (an oligarch crony of Marcos) scolds Kristine,

"There is nothing honorable about being poor. Be proud that you're rich. Be proud that you're strong."

Then Father Eric retorts,

"Don Asyong, you belong to a dark age that I hope is slowly fading in the light,"

and sings Sinagtala--a very spiritual enjoinder to give up the material and work for self-redemption through love.,.. as the impoverished street urchin Teresa dances in front of him--a dance of a beggar...

In her soliloquy to Capt. Odel, Kristine pleads to him not to be blinded by his "duty to any one leader..now or hereafter..but to your country, to the people, to the children..sa mga bata..."

And eventually says to Odel,

"You can't hide behind that uniform Odel...whether you know it or not, you are free...we are free..to murder or to create...and by creating ourselves , we wrench away from this oppression and create a new nation!"

Kristine is appealing to a value change--a change in the heart.

It takes courage to go against endemic systems (symbolized by word "uniform").

Odel himself refers to this courage that effected action. He says at the end,

"A sorbetero put himself and his ice cream cart in front of me, in front of my tanks this afternoon. Others joined him. An old woman, A young lady, Even little children..."

It was Chito the cynical, expediency-driven sorbetero who earlier in the play had lectured Teresa on how to survive the streets of Manila by essentially going with the "routine"--the system.

And finally when Odel says he needs time, Kristine sings,

"..courage starts when you begin to care..."--

tying in the notion that the courage to change from within begins and ends with love.

I'm not so sure that the courage to change from within has been the case... since EDSA...certainly not in the political arena.

More promising is that there certainly has been nation building in the private arena, e.g Feed The Hungry, AngKop, Couples for Christ, Gawad Kalinga.


Rod

** * *

...It is a beautiful story and the songs are memorabl. Thanks again Rodney for sharing your work!

Maurese Owens

* * *

Thank you Rodney for writing this most beautiful musical. The message and moral has a timeless quality that has even more relevance given the current unrest in the world where oppressed people are overthrowing the yoke of dictators. Thanks also for the points of clarification of the script. The lovely songs may have overshadowed the poignant message of hope and yearning that is the central theme of the play.


Sonny Busa
Consul General (retired)

February 2011 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

The World is Hollow
And I've Touched The Sky

That's the title of an old Star Trek episode. The protagonist had been living in an oppressive society, unaware that she is inside a giant artificially constructed orb flying through space. When she discovers this truth later, she wants out and rebels against the authorities.

Recently, the younger generation in middle eastern countries have been defying autocratic powers. These children of the Twitter and Facebook generation activate their emails, engage their cell phones and IPads, harness various other gadgets. And by doing so, they achieve warp speed access not just to trivial things, but also to meaningful knowledge and communication.

The world has been revealing itself through new technologies, making denizens of oppressive states want to question demarcations and reset definitions.

In 1986, when people power inundated the streets of Manila, neither emails, cell phones, nor IPads existed. And the government was trying to shut down what was available then ---- TV and radio coverage of the extraordinary events in EDSA. But a stubborn resourceful radio station, called Veritas, continued to broadcast from an unknown location. It reported how a random collection of ordinary people formed a giant human barricade to protect a camp of soldiers who had decided they no longer wanted to support the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. A tenuous perilous standoff set in between two groups. One was the human barricade consisting of street vendors, teachers, students, musicians, priests --armed only with rosaries and guitars. The other--- forces of the brutal military dictatorship

The human barricade held strong even after the dictator called up elite tank forces from the Muslim war in the south. After three days, it was clear that Marcos had given up his stranglehold on power.

Thanks to Veritas and international news coverage, the world witnessed this heroism and courage. U.S.Secretary of State George Schultze stated publicly and officially,

"We honor the Filipino people.."

We have celebrated this triumph ever since. And it is right to keep this memory alive, so the Twitter and Facebook generation of young Filipinos have genuine access to what is truly meaningful--- their heritage, history and pride.

January 2011 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

Letting Go

As the new year arrives, we each take a look at what we've done and what we plan to do.

But sometimes we can only do so much with the cards we hold.

My hand in 2010 consisted of a divorce process this Winter, and a stroke earlier in the Spring.

This stroke was worse than an earlier one in 2009. This recent version prevented me from performing music.

A long time ago I performed in a pub for a couple of years to help support myself through law school. But last year's stroke affected my left arm and hand. I've not been able to play guitar for the whole year.

So I couldn't do any charity concert for organizations like Feed The Hungry, like I used to do in the past.

In my own selfish heart, I had ardently wished I could perform again with wonderful musicians like singer-songwriter Alfa, jazz great Charmaine Clamor, rockers Raf Toledo and the Speaks, and my own band, which includes my son Rocky and daughter Jitter, our drummer whiz Rick Brigham and violin virtuoso Russ Arlotta.

I had been wishing to return to music performance so much.

But in my office the other day, before New Year, in the last complete work day of the year, one did not hear the sound of music, but the sound of crying.

An elderly woman and her daughter were crying. The woman's husband was in a hospital near death; and their bank was threatening to freeze their assets. Some paperwork seemed to lock them into an unfortunate situation. I had to do some legal ad lib and improvisation. Fortunately, at the end of a long and tension-filled day, things worked out fine.

As we were saying goodbye to each other, the client and her daughter gave me a big, long hug. Usually lawyers don't get hugs. Many of us are regarded as bloodsucking guttersnipes (or worse).

While I was helping my clients, Jitter and Rocky called from Manila and left a loving message in my cell phone. Later that night, I had a tender moment on the phone with my oldest, Karla. West Side Story in Broadway was dark that night. And so instead of dancing, she was going to Times Square to watch the symbolic ball descend.

Now the ball has dropped and a brand new year faces us all.

For me, I've always felt that music performance would be core. But this coming year, maybe it's time to let go.

I'm already fortunate with the aces laid out on my table: my kids -- to whom I devote my personal attention; and my practice-- by which I might help others.

I hope 2011 is filled with blessings for everyone.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Rod

December 2010 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

The Gentleman Barber

As the year unwinds, I want to recognize some folks who have truly made a difference in our lives. But they did it with humble, even quiet, effectiveness.

One of them is Ador Carreon. He works at Friendly Barbershop in Oxon Hill. But
he's not just a barber.

Some years ago at his wedding in Batangas, he and his new bride Nanette donated most of the monetary wedding gifts to purchase medical equipment, typewriters and computers for a hospital in Lipa City. The balance of the money went to the local Department of Social Welfare and to the police precinct.

He's still at it, now chairing the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc.

Although gentle and always kind, Ador does not hesitate to put anyone in place if necessary. Once at the annual Paskohan concert at Catholic University, Ador changed a prepared speech by the coordinator. Ador took out overly self-important references. Instead, he redirected the speech to the event and the music, much to the ire of the coordinator. Recently the Philippine Embassy and some organizations joined him in putting up the 2010 version of Paskohan-- by all accounts a resounding resplendant success----full of beautiful Christmas music by local Filipino church choirs. Behind the scenes, Ador did all the coordination---from the exact hour the choirs had to check in to the exact time decorations and stage props h ad to come up.

This attention to detail and efficiency does not spring from his work as a barber. That's his weekend job. On weekdays, Ador is also financial officer for a major office in the United States Department of Treasury.

And he has enough awards to fill a large wall: Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Naval Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal..just to cite some.

I hope he'll stay active with this community for a while, this humble barber.


Faces I Remember

I want to salute a few in the community who touched our lives, but untimely passed away this year.

One is Frank Redondo, best known for his stint as a DC Comics illustrator, particularly for the popular action hero Sgt. Rock. Frank was very generous with his talent, involving himself in many artistic projects like Brown Strokes on White Canvass. He and his dynamic wife Aurora were also active in theatrical productions, one of which was the staging of Alfred Yuson's Luto Linis Laba, for which I did the music. Frank was always funny and self-effacing. Once, in a rare downtime during its production at the Bethesda Writer's Center, Frank handed me and my son Rocky an original Sgt. Rock comic, something we'll treasure forever.

Another loss this year is Letty Lechoco, who together with her husband Nap, put up the Mrs. Philippines Home For Senior Citizens. I recall how kind she was to my own mother who stayed in the Home for a while. When it was obvious my mom's Alzheimer's made it dangerous and awkward on many occasions, Letty always found a way to deal with the situation with a gentleness and caring for which I will always be grateful.

Rocky and Manny Pacquiao

A few days ago, I was talking to my fifteen year old son Rocky about how to carry himself in his high school. My words came off my mouth, unrehearsed, spontaneous. I said, "Be humble like Pacquiao." My son readily accepted it, like it was normal to use this boxer as an exemplar of behaviour.

But humility has not been normally linked with the sport of boxing. Bragadocio has been accepted behaviour --even dating back to Muhammad Ali.

In some eastern martial arts like judo,karate, kung fu, humility seems to go hand in hand. Those fighting forms use the image of water, of softness, pliability, one in which the practitioner uses the opponent's strength and aggression against him.

Boxing is somewhat different. It is based on blunt force aggression, and its proponents tend to have the same personality. Most obvious would be Mike Tyson. Or even take Floyd Mayweather, whose abrasive, uncouth manner wears on everyone, even though his own personal boxing style seems to be based on slick avoidance, and not necessarily on direct confrontation.

On the other hand, Manny Pacquiao's fighting style is in no uncertain terms based on well timed attack and confontation.

And yet, there is that endearing sincere humility about him, now legendary worldwide, even as he is spoken of as arguably the best pound for pound fighter who ever lived.

My son's own arena is music. He has been recipient of many accolades on this score. Some of his teachers have told me, "Mr. Garcia, he's scary." Not because he's able to beat up people the way a good boxer can, but because Rocky's music skills are "off the charts." I don't think any of it has sunk in with him. In fact, a few weeks ago he wondered why the school band director asked him to do four solo improvisational sax pieces with the school jazz ensemble. I smiled and simply told him, "they like to hear you play. But always be humble. Like Pacquiao."

Recently, I happened to use Rocky's computer;and I smiled as I noticed his screen saver. It's a photo, now iconic, of Manny Pacquiao, kneeling in the corner of the ring, praying, as he does right before every single fight he's done.

Happy New Year and Best Wishes for Fresh Starts and Second Chances!

September 2010 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

Walk For Kris

After the finale of a music concert by Filipino artists one Fall evening of 2008, Delegate Kris Valderrama stepped onto the stage at Harmony Hall. She thanked everyone for holding the Ondoy flood benefit in her district in Maryland. In a previous year at the Knights of Columbus Hall, she patronized a concert to help Feed The Hungry rehabilitate devastated areas of the Bicol region.

This young Fil Am assemblywoman has shown untiring support for all Filipino causes, especially if these causes involve her constituents in the 26th election district. That would be Oxon Hill, Fort Washington, Forest Heights, Temple Hills and some other southern areas of Prince George's County, Maryland. Kris has championed educational, artistic and law enforcement issues. She cosponsored eighteen bills and was the primary driving force in a couple, namely one for funding Harmony Hall itself and another for helping ease criminal liability for anyone who helps others in medical emergencies.

Daughter of long time Fil Am politician David Valderrama, this mother of two and wife to husband Abe is loved by FilAms not just in her district, but all over the metro Area.

Last weekend, local Fil Ams proved this love. They gathered in Oxon Hill's Philippine Center, then methodically spread out into targeted areas of Kris' district for a door-to-door election campaign. Organizer Jon Melegrito aptly called it true "empowerment." We can call it political bayanihan.

At stake was the primary election in early days of September when Democrats select who will run for their party in November.

Dave Valerrama clarified this for me. I bumped into him a few weeks ago at the Philippine Center. Dave got me to drop my independent affiliation status and return to the Democratic Party so I can support Kris--whom I had mistakenly thought was running on an independent ticket herself.

It's funny how things come full circle. Back in the 80s, I served as Dave's campaign manager in his successful bid to become first FilAm probate judge in the eastern US. Eventually, as I had moved away to practice law in San Francisco, Dave continued his meteoric political rise in Maryland. Assisted by political advisers far wiser than me, Dave acquired the state-wide assemblyman seat---- the position that his daughter has now held for three years and hopefully for a long time to come.

Perfecting a Lasting Philippine Community

The spirit of bayanihan is powerful enough to carry a house or carry a candidate. Getting in the way of bayanihan are certain flaws in the Filipino character: Flaws that we can overcome.

One flaw, termed "hinanakit" is the tendency to hold bitter grudges and use these to fuel irrational personal attacks on good Fil Am projects. I am told of an unfortunate situation down in Virginia Beach. Some FilAms engaged in negative politicking against a FilAm politician, urging others not to vote for him.

I'm made to understand the motivation was revenge for a slight. Fortunately, he won anyway.

Such attacks are really no different than a recent anonymous public letter to the editor of this paper. The letter criticized the Philippine Village displayed at the recent Asian Fest in Reston, Virginia. Motivation is suspect from the timing of the criticism. It comes too late for any use, if at all.

Apparently,this individual saw it fit to wait smugly coiled by the grassy sidelines, not raising any effort to help

Then the Asian Fest ended, the Philippine Village dismantled. That's when this person let fly the many criticisms in an anonymous but public letter to the editor.

But he (or she) only achieved the irrelevance of a Monday morning quarterback with the impunity of a sniper in the bush.

Fortunately, volunteers might now still consider constructive suggestions for next year.

The Asian Fest organizers (from Thailand) have asked the Fil Am community to make the impressive Philippine Village a perennial fixture at the festival.

This certainly gives the anonymous critic time to roll up sleeves and help for next year.

Somewhat curious is Manila Mail's treatment of the anonymous comment. Usually, and correctly so, this paper does not give space to anonymous editorial comments. However, in this particular instance, the paper let the comments print, stating that the they are "valid." But the comments stand on many factual assertions that no one from the paper itself has authenticated. It is coming to light that many of factual claims are actually inaccurate, even though adopted like reportage by this newspaper.

May 2010 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

Through a Glass Darkly

Life seems to have played a cruel joke by giving someone the gift of visual artistry and also the burden of a visual disability.

But Julian Oteyza has beaten the odds. Lauded for his brilliant artwork by mainstream media, including by the Washington Post, Julian has had to deal with "dyslexia" all his life.

He can't see words and symbols correctly, which are often spaced incoherently as if through a bothersome prism. But this condition does not bar his artistry. Instead, it informs, even defines his work.

Julian has created what's become known in the art world as "Dyslexart," taking the viewer into the dyslexic's vantage point with stunning and unique results.

Julian's art and that of "normal" artists will display at an exhibit called Brown Strokes on White Canvass at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on June 3. Son of the iconic Filipino artist Victor Oteyza, Julian has made it his mission over the years to help other artists, especially Filipino artists. Brown Strokes has been this vehicle for quite a while now -- dating back to 2002. This current edition of Brown Strokes will showcase creations by local artists from the Washington D.C. area and by established artists from the Philippines.

Also a musician himself, Julian has even done visual renderings on the Beatles. Once when my son Rocky was with me in a gig at the Philippine Embassy, he noticed such art displayed on the wall. Since Rocky has a deep fascination for the Beatles and his 15th birthday approaches, I am acquiring this Oteyza for him. I know it will dominate Rocky's wall in his room, pushing aside his posters of everything else.

Physician Heal Thyself

She's not an artist, but a clinical psychologist, whose mission is to save others from the mental brink.

But in one of life's ironies, she was the one on the brink.

Dr. Laura Noblejas was beset with severe depression and anorexia-- a condition in which the mind cannot let the body accept any food. Many have succumbed to a horrible death from the resulting starvation and other complications.

Dr. Noblejas ---- beautiful, young, professional, Filipina--- was about to become another victim. But as she stared out into the deadly abyss, strangely drawn by its dark allure, she decided to turn back, consciously, systematically inching off the ledge. It took a lot of forgiveness and love, and a clinically sound system. She used her training as a doctor to develop a unique method that worked so well, she's written a book proposal about it:

"Don't Stop Eating, Stop What's Eating You: Spiritual and Practical Answers from a Successful Psychologist Who Finally Found Peace."

In what is to be similar to a practical step-by-step manual of mental and emotional exercises, Laura shows how to strengthen the love and forgiveness muscles. The end result is a much fortified spiritual being, so much in shape that spiritually- based diseases like anorexia can't take hold.

There are practical, clinically proven ways of exercising love and forgiveness muscles. And Dr. Noblejas will show you how. It worked for her and it can work for everyone else who qualifies as human.

The book proposal is going through a process of approval involving public voting. She needs your vote to get this book project to proceed further with the publisher. The book proposal is in the worldwide Next Top Spiritual Author Competition. There were over 3000 writers from all over the world competing through four Rounds. Laura and about 250 other authors advanced on to Round 2. Only 25 authors will advance to Round 3. The grand prize winner from Round 4 gets a publishing contract with Hampton Roads. Voters can go to www.nexttopauthor.com to register as a voter.

Filipinos in Outer Space

Kevin Owens is not Filipino; nor is he in outer space. But he's married to pocket rocket Maurese Owens, an indefatigable Filipina.

And he has spun a tale involving Filipinos in other planets: "*Martian Panahon Virus*"--- a story that follows Apollo Panahon, a young Filipino hired as part of a Martian prospecting crew. The hero contacts a disease after eating fish he found in a Martian puddle, and the story unfolds from there.

As a young man, Kevin Owens had always been drawn to the stars and science fiction. Now, he has cooked up a delightful imaginary world of his own, flavored with realistic characters --- "hard workers like Filipinos."

Kevin also says: "I didn't find science fiction by Filipinos in book stores in the Philippines, so when I wrote this book I chose to include many Filipino characters..."

Kevin's science fiction book is available at Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble.com. You can also touch base with Maurese, his defacto agent, for ordering signed copies. Mo can be emailed at mpaoose@aol.com.

Happy reading!

Manila Mail DC
April Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

When To Have A Stroke

Never. Certainly not just after you just had a bad haircut. A few weeks ago, I received a terrible haircut in a McLean, Virginia salon. I decided to have it repaired by my old reliable friend Ray Cabacar of Friendly Barbershop in Oxon Hill, Maryland. I'd take this tough World War II vet any time over any fancy hair stylist fop. But the problem was me --- in what can be termed the "marunong pa sa barbero" syndrome --- (thinking-you-know-better-than-your- barber syndrome.) I asked Ray to fix only the offending part of my hair and to leave everything else alone. The result was not quite as appealing as it could have been had I let Ray freely exercise his art. In fact, I found out later how grotesque it turned out. Unfortunately, it was about that same time that I was having my second stroke (since last year's) and had to end up in Fort Washington Hospital. In the Emergency Room, I was sitting on my cot when one of the nurses came by and, smiling, quipped sarcastically "groovy haircut." I guess I didn't want to die looking like a person who only paid his barber half the cost of a full hair cut. So I was determined to survive. And of course, I did. In the ensuing days, I sought Ray out again, and gave his mighty scissors free reign over my humbled head.

Love Song

When I was headed for the States the very first time, my high school classmates met me at the airport and handed me a 45 single record. It contained a love song I cherished and believed.

I kept the record with me through the years, but eventually lost it probably sometime during my married life, due to all our re-locations.

Though I'll be losing my marriage soon, I have reunited with the love song in a most unusual way.

In 2008, when my wife announced to the kids the plan to go our separate ways, there was crying among the girls (who were getting to be young adults) and stone silence from my then pre-teen son.

One of the girls asked, with tears on her cheeks "How should I be in my own relationships? What can I believe in now?" I could not answer that question. And that bothered me a lot for a long time.

How does a parent who failed in his own marriage let the child know that love has its worth? That it is not to be regarded with cynicism and profound doubt? That it's not like the Easter bunny or the tooth fair? That it can be something real.

A few months ago, I was experiencing a severe attack of insomnia and was surfing the television channels. I came upon an infomercial on 60s music. Among the hundred of songs featured was the one my classmates had given me.

Vulnerable in a state of insomniac stupor, I ordered the whole collection.

Within a month, the CDs came. Soon I was once again listening to the love song, but this time not so sure its innocence still resonated within me.

When my daughter Jitter was home last Spring break, I had her listen to it. She was in the middle of her laundry, but said, "That's nice, Daddy," then went back down to the basement with her clothes in a basket. When she came back up, I told her that my high school classmates gave me a 45 single of that song (I explained what a 45 single was), and that to this day I believe in what it says, even though deep inside I was secretly struggling to believe.

Months had passed when Jitter invited me and others to the popular Philippine Cultural Night given by Filipino college kids in University of Maryland. One of the featured performances was Jitter singing some solos.

As she was to begin her third piece, Jitter said, to my pleasant surprise, "Now I want to do something my Dad wrote." She proceeded with "The Right Time" ---- which we usually do in duet.

As the song was about to end, something completely unexpected happened.

Jitter smoothly transitioned into the tender, gentle refrain of that song ---the one my classmates gave me at the airport so long ago.

The words flowed out naturally and with meaning,

"Love can make you happy
if you find someone who cares
to give a life time to you..."

and in the applause, she looked out smiling into the audience in the direction of the darkness where I sat. And I knew she believed, as I then realized I still did too.

Rod Garcia

A Dinner Out
(from the March 30 edition of the column Playing It By Ear by Rod Garcia, Manila Mail)

Last week, two friends asked me out to dinner. Since I was feeling in need of good karma, I thought I'd get some off these guys ---who are two major survivors.

One of them is Bob Caparas. A guitar virtuoso even as a teen back in the 70s, Bob won first place in a central Luzon guitar competition. In the 90s and already in the States, he was struck with cancer and things didn't look too good. Still, he helped stage my musical play Hacienda. During the theatrical run, the cast and crew found inspiration in Bob's life- affirming energy and dedication.

A few years later, at my mother's funeral mass, Bob played gentle solo guitar on a song I wrote called "Where are You" -- a piece from Hacienda. After the mass, complete strangers came up to him asking for a CD of the song, a couple of them in tears.

Bob's tenacious love of life and music and his fierce loyalty creates a deep well of inspiration from which I draw in tough times.

In the past, I've lost friends to cancer and other diseases. But it won't happen this time. In 2010, Bob is in complete remission.

My other friend, JB Bernabe, is a quiet, unassuming engineer for a government contracting firm. He'd rather tinker with gadgets and computers than manage people. So a couple of years ago, when they offered him the top managerial position, JB dreaded having to deal with personnel. But he didn't have to worry: His kindness and technical know-how have endeared him to his American staff.

Back when I was in law school and he was an engineering student at George Washington University (GW), JB was my sound man on the gigs I did at the local pubs.

Eventually, after graduating from GW, JB found a job as engineer at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Unfortunately, his student visa had already expired and he was working illegally for a while. After a few years, Goddard authorities discovered his illegal status. They were going to terminate him and then have him deported. Things were looking bleak.

But then came an epiphany to Goddard authorities: It became clear to them and their lawyers that this former Ateneo whiz kid had unusual skills and possessed unique inside knowledge of the Goddard's technological protocols.

It was going to be risky and inefficient to hire and train someone new.

So Goddard Space Flight Center sponsored JB for a work visa and eventualy something even more permanent.

In our dinner the other week, both Bob and JB wanted to make sure I was okay in the wake of my many current challenges. If you recall from the early March edition of the Mail, I recounted the troubling issues facing me. Some folks thought I was simply providing a narration for a next book of fiction. But it was all true: named as an illegal alien-felon in national criminal records, including the Homeland Security Watch List; job in jeopardy due to post-stroke condition; house financially "under water" due to foreclosures nearby, and a few other unfortunate personal exigencies.

So there we were--- one lost soul dining with two success stories--- in a restaurant on a late winter night---going over some funny incidents of the past, jabbing and parrying at each other, laughing it out with a gusto that only true friends can understand, or maybe more accurately, that only true survivors can comprehend. I think they wanted me to be one of them.

Rod

(The following is a copy of a Feb. 26, 2010 column in Manila Mail)

Playing It By Ear

I am an illegal alien-felon, perhaps soon to be without a job and without a home. This is true. It's a heck of way to start the new year. Here's what happened.

Back in January, in a routine traffic stop at the National Harbor, the park police looked at the registration to my car and found that the record states I'm an "illegal-alien felon" which of course isn't so. They suggested I stop by the police department to clear things up. Back in October, I had received a bill from Sprint charging me a large amount for calling Mexico many times. Since I never was a Sprint customer, I had to straighten things out with Sprint, with the FTC, with Experien and several credit bureaus. It's the nightmarish world of identify theft!

After a few months, and thinking that it's all squared away, I went along my merry way into 2010. But to my dismay, I have discovered that the effects of identity theft have apparently leaked into the national homeland security record. I visited the local police department, telling the bemused cops at the precinct that the registry indicates I'm an illegal alien felon, which can't be true. I'm an attorney and may have run into some of them in court at some time in the past. The officers logged in my complaint of identity theft, but said they can't do anything about my status on the criminal record and suggested I "go national' ---- like the INS or even the courts. Of course, in this country, you don't need to go around proving your innocence. It works the other way.

Other lawyers I've spoken to were not sure exactly what to do. I finally got a telephone number that connected me to Homeland Security, specifically, TSA --the Transportation Security Administration. The agency sent me a form in which I ask relief from inclusion in the terrorist "watch list"--so I don't get detained in an airport. I recently inquired whether TSA had received my filled-out form; but it has not responded.

There's more! Because of the bad economy, a couple of houses near my neighborhood in the area of National Harbor foreclosed, thereby driving down the values of all the other houses, including mine. It's a fair sized house with a full patio with poured cement, a large recreation room on top of a two car garage, a finished basement and many rooms and baths. A couple of years ago, the assessed value was in the vicinity of $750,000. Now, the value has plummeted down to $300,000. As a result, the house is "under water"---with its value lower than the existing mortgage! My realtor suggested I consider a "short sale"--- basically a distressed sale that will allow forgiveness of all loans at least theoretically). In very real financial terms, I am without a viable abode.

As if these were not enough, my employment with the American law firm may be ending soon. As many of you are aware, I had a stroke last year, and am going through a long process of recovery. A couple of clients last month expressed their concerns with the boss lawyer that because of my post-stroke condition, I may not be able to adequately service their cases. So the law firm asked me to take some time off for further medical evaluation-- including having my brain checked and validated by a neurologist--to make sure I'm cogent. I made a recent visit to the law firm in McLean and discovered my office cleaned and personal effects boxed. The firm has not been giving me any new cases.

Can 2010 be any more dire? Actually, yes; but let all these suffice for now.

While I was moping last week, pathetically feeling sorry for myself, a letter came in the mail. It was from a 12 year old child who was born with cleft lips. She no longer has that problem. She sent her photos, showing herself all brand new, after surgery that made her look normal. Operation Smile took care of it, defraying costs by means of contributions from me and many others. It lifted my spirits and made me realize my many blessings. One of our Washington DC area community leaders, Joe Subido, runs a charity that provides a similar service for Philippine kids. A former university professor in the Philippines, Joe has been running his version of Operation Smile for many years, mainly from money he raises teaching tennis. We should all be thankful for people like Joe, a true hero.

Rod Garcia

Concert for Flood Relief

With the devastating flood that has hit Manila recently, the “Alay” concert set for Oct. 25 in Harmony Hall has taken on special meaning and purpose, now specifically focused on funding flood relief efforts. Gawad Kalinga and Feed The Hungry, with the help of The Philippine Foundation for Charities, will benefit from the concert.

I’m proud of the people in these organizations. They are effective, humble, and above all, sincere.

But I have to make mention too of my musician friends who are volunteering their time and talent for this concert. Many of them are giving up paying gigs that weekend just to join in this show.

One of them is Charmaine Clamor---L.A.- based FilAm jazz singer and popularize-r of “Jazzipino” — a music movement that beautifully and skillfully blends ostensibly incompatible genres: traditional Filipino songs and old school jazz. A recent recipient of Filipinas Magazine’s artist of the year award, and top 5 in American jazz billboard, Charmaine found the time to email me a few weeks ago asking about my medical condition and wondering if th e Oct. 25 concert is still on. As I told her it is, she immediately offered to help. So on Oct. 25, Charmaine is flying all the way from LA and will do a set in the concert --- for free! Her jazz renditions are a must-hear.

It’s a similar story with the other artists. For example, the Nicki Gonzales Band –which plays in local hotels --- has the distinction of being voted the Best Pop Group of 2001 by the Washington Area Music Association, which also gave Nicki the award for Jazz Vocalist of 2002 and “Latin Vocalist of 1999" --- albeit she’s Pinay and not Hispanic.

When I asked Nicki what she wanted in return for doing me this favor, her emailed response was simply and jokingly “Can you have a piece of lumpia in the back stage?”

My close friend Alfa is a singer-songwriter from New York---very popular among the Greenwich Village/NYU crowd. She’s doing a concert of her own at the University of Illinois, after which the college will fly her to Maryland for the Harmony Hall gig. I’ve conscripted my daughter to pick her up at BWI. As a musician, Alfa can do it all--- she composes catchy tunes, plays bluesy guitar, coaxes sweetness from her violin, and accompanies herself in piano, while singing in a beautifully lilting alto. You should watch her to believe it. Quite amazing.

If you play or like guitar, you will really appreciate Lucky 28---two sizzling hot FilAm guitarists who also sing and write their own songs. Pong Velasquez and Odie Sotomayor are local boys --- a couple of tough guys with hearts of gold -- who play the music bars, and have come up with a new CD---of original adult alternative pop.

Finally, my friend, Russ Arlotta, and I met almost two decades ago when we were both at the Prince George’s County Attorneys office. Neither of us knew we were more than boring trial and tax lawyers but actually true blue musicians. One night, a few years ago, we found each other playing at Takoma Park’s Savory Café and the rest is history---- culminating with Russ lugging his Martin acoustic guitar with me and the rest of my band on a concert tour of Hawaii, Manila and Bohol. He had a blast (despite a death defying ride in a motor tricycle through rapidly moving traffic while ignoring lanes and stop-lights in the Ermita area). He is a singer-songwriter of beautiful poem-songs. Strange that soulfulness should come from a lawyer. But life is full of miracles.

If you care for exciting jazz and acoustic sounds, you will enjoy the Sunday evening at Harmony Hall, while knowing you helped relieve the misery and suffering that Ondoy and Pepeng have caused.

Rod Garcia

My Oct. 25 concert for Philippine charities is still on.

Click for PDF of flyer to download

Sunday at 6 p.m. Harmony Hall off Livingston Rd. Fort Washington (near National Harbor). Doors open at 5 p.m.

The line up to join me includes: Alfa (singer-songwriter from New York); Nicki and Ira Gonzales (who play Brazilian jazz at the Shoreham); Lucky 28 (sizzling alternative pop guitarists Odie Sotomayor and Pong Velasquez); and award winning jazz singer Charmaine Clamor. Note write-up below.

Thanks,

Rod

FILIPINA JAZZ & WORLD VOCALIST
EARNS FILIPINAS HONOR

September 12, 2009. San Francisco -- Charmaine Clamor, the trailblazing Filipino-American vocalist and creator of jazzipino, has won the 12th Annual Filipinas Magazine Achievement Award in Entertainment.

credit: Hydee Ursolino

The Panel of Jurors voted unanimously to confer the honor upon Clamor for her "remarkable strides in promoting Filipino jazz." Ms. Clamor is the first and only Filipina to place two consecutive albums in JazzWeek's World Music top-10 -- both of them containing Filipino-language songs. Her landmark recording Flippin' Out also made top-5 on the Traditional Jazz radio chart.

Reached in the Philippines, where she is currently touring to supporting her debut release on Manila's Viva Records (appropriately entitled "Jazzipino"), Ms. Clamor said, "I have been a reader and admirer of Filipinas Magazine for what seem like forever. Because I've dedicated my musical career to bringing pride and dignity to the Filipino Community, I'm especially touched to be honored by a publication that clearly shares my goals. It's amazing!"

The CEO of Viva Entertainment, Vic "Boss Vic" DelRosario, said, "It was a joy to discover somebody like Charmaine Clamor who is giving Filipino music a new life with the Jazzipino sound. And I am very honored to welcome her to the Viva roster of talents. Thank you, Charmaine. You do your country proud."

The 12th Filipinas Magazine Achievement Awards will be held on October 1, in South San Francisco.
For more information and a selection of downloadable high-resolution photos: http://www.CharmaineClamor.com

For Interviews, Photos and Promos Contact:
Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services T: 845-986-1677
E-Mail: jazzpromo@earthlink.net
Jazz Promo East: Lorraine Tucci Sound
newsoundideas@earthlink.net

Dear Family and Friends,

We want to take this time to thank ALL OF YOU for supporting Karla in this interesting ride on So You Think You Can Dance on national TV. For Karla, it began in March at the Denver auditions, continuing in April in Las Vegas, up until May 21 in Los Angeles where she was included in the Top 20. Now four weeks into the show, her elimination last night does not stop us from believing that she is 1) an excellent dancer, 2) that she is strong, and 3) that she has the loving support of her family, friends, and community.

We all got an insight into what "reality television" really is. Everyone will always have an opinion, and it will be different and varied. I want to share with you the best and true comments that were given last night about Karla. These did not come from the judges, or the blogs. They were expressed to me by the people who Karla interacted with everyday, and all day: the talent and schedule coordinator who plotted the dancers' day, the security person who protected them from the fans, the production coordinator, and the stage manager. While we waited outside for Karla to finish her televised exit interview, they sought us out and invited us to wait inside.

"She is the sweetest and most thoughtful girl, always asking if I was fine. She never gave us any trouble, always followed the rules and actually understood them. Smart, funny and always concerned about others. A pleasure to work with - and I mean it! Very professional - she knows her cues, her timetable and studies her movements. Has the kindest heart. You brought her up well."

Of course, we would have wanted her to win it all. But these are the comments that matter to us.

Again, thank you, and please forward this to everyone in your network that we have urged every week to vote!! We can now have back our Wednesdays, and especially our Thursdays. WE ARE ALL WINNERS!!!!

With great respect and gratitude,

Rod and Ella Garcia
July 3, 2009

Congratulations SOL Rod and Ella, on behalf of the Community of Sons Of Lourdes - for the outstanding achievement of your daughter Karla. It does show the immense talent of the Filipina on the international stage. Though she may have already been eliminated, for her to be included among the top finalists of "So You Think You Can Dance" is already monumental - it's much like the "American Idol of dance" - so we know how tough the competition.

This also demonstrates what great, supportive parents you both are!

Warm regards,

Oliver

Thanks, Oliver.

Relating Karla's weekly travails and artistic adventures to compassionate, sympathetic ears helped quite a lot.

pax et bonum

Rod

Karla's Fan page in So You Think You Can Dance.

We can't stop saying thank you to everyone who voted for Karla this week and who continue to believe in her abilities. We are especially grateful to all those who stayed up and voted numerous times despite the challenging reviews on the hip-hop routine. Karla lives another week on the show.

It is Karla's birthday on Tuesday, June 30 - the day of the performance show taping. Enough votes to keep her in would be a great birthday present! We hope we can count on your support again next week.

Please forward this to your networks so that they know that we are truly grateful for their support.

We will inform you soon of the partner changes, and the new routines.

Rod and Ella Garcia
June 26, 2009

Dear Famly and Friends:

I just got off the phone with Karla. The show has just finished taping. As she expected, she and Jonathan got the worst comments of the night. Nigel even predicted that they will be in the bottom 3 on Thursday. She said that she did what she could with the Hip-Hop choreography, but they were given things that her partner could not do. One of the most stinging comments was that they expected more from her, since she was a member of a crew - she could have been funkier.

Karla said it makes for great tv drama - the judges said that they came off from a brilliant routine last week to a downer tonight. She is already preparing a good solo for Thursday.

They will dance first in the program, so the number to call is 1-888-836-7601. Her fate is now in the voters' hands. We cannot abandon her now since we know she can really dance. So, let's mobilize everyone and show them that she has a lot of support! Also, if she gets through this, everyone changes partners next week!

thanks,

Rod and Ella Garcia
June 24, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

We just want to convey our appreciation to all of you who are following Karla's journey in So You Think You Can Dance. Karla is very much aware of the blessing showered on her. Though she and her partner were named to the Bottom 3, they were determined to fight and stay alive. So she danced her way into another week, and we will see Karla and Jonathan next Wednesday in another choreographed number.

We hope you continue to support her by calling (not texting) your votes after the June 17 show. Alas, the show is a popularity contest first, and a dance contest second - "America's Favorite Dancer". So we need to keep those votes in if we want to see more of Karla's dancing. Remember - VOTING IS FREE. YOU CAN VOTE AS MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE FROM THE SAME PHONE NUMBER. YOU CAN VOTE DURING AND FOR THE ENTIRE TWO HOURS AFTER THE SHOW.

With gratitude,
Rod and Ella Garcia
June 15, 2009

Hi friends,

My daughter Karla phoned me from LA Sunday morning to greet me Happy Father's day. I told her, "Thanks, Karla, but I think Father's day is next weekend." And we laughed together. She told me she's excited about the dance number she was assigned to do this week at Fox Channel's So You Think You Can Dance. I asked her to keep centered and calm and that it seems a whole lot of folks are cheering her on and hopefully voting.

A long time ago, when she was four, I used to practice law in California. One night we were coming out of a Thai restaurant off Mission St. in San Francisco. And I had her by the hand as we walked in the parking lot. She pulled at my hand and motioned, saying, as she stared up at the clear night,"Daddy, carry me up so I can touch the stars." And I lifted her as high as I can.

In a sense, our children are still trying to touch the stars. We cheer them on, attempting what we ourselves couldn't--- to touch success far beyond our wildest expectations.

Anyway, the next show is Wednesday at Fox Channel, beginning 8 p.m. Now there are only 18 (9 guys, 9 girls) dancers left (two were cut last week).

Let's hope for the best. Thanks to all.

Rod
June 15, 2009

Dear friends,

My daughter Karla will finally be able to show what she can do - right in front of the camera. She takes the stage with her partner today, Wednesday, June 10, on the premiere of So You Think You Can Dance, where the Top 20 contestants will be showcased. The show runs from 8 to 10 PM after which the phone lines will be opened. She and her partner's unique telephone number will be announced after they dance.

Karla has worked very hard to get to this point. We think that you will not be disappointed in her performance and that she will make all of us proud!

Rod,
June 10, 2009

Hi friends,

I just got back from Manila (to take care of certain legal issues). In that short time, in between official meetings, I had a wonderful opportunity to meet up (after three decades of not seeing him), a former teacher of mine, Mr. Baylon. He was my English and math tutor when I was 11 years old! He had asked his son to contact me and so we got together for a merienda at the Dusit Hotel in Makati. Dennis, his son, came from work near Makati and Mr. Baylon --who is now in his late 70s --took the train from distant Antipolo.

It was a one of those meetings that will be etched in my memory for a very long time. He's still quite acute, genuinely warm and affable. (I gave him a copy of my book The Right Place and Other Stories and a copy of the food anthology Taste of Home in which my essay, Chicken Asses on a Stick, appears.)

Also, a few days earlier, I found myself in another "meeting" -- the Manila critic Krip Yuson treated me and Ed Maranan (multi- Palanca award winner) to dinner at a restaurant called the Hacienda (same name as my musical play) and Krip noted the purposefulness of the venue selection.

Anyway, he urged me to do another book and not focus on music all the time. Ironically, after being gently chastised by Krip for scattering my energies, Ed Maranan offered to work on a possible music concert by me in London where he has quite a network, having worked there as a writer and diplomat for many years. (I don't know if I jinxed this project by mentioning it here.) Anyway, Krip also mentioned that every semester he requires his Advanced Creative Writing students at the Ateneo University to do a term paper on at least one or two stories in my book.

So after a few days I'm back in Oxon Hill still doing battle with severe jet lag. I am now sleepily eyeing my guitar which sits quietly like a temptress in one corner of the room, and the word processor which is perched on my desk in the other corner.

After some consideration, I opt for a third and laziest of my alternatives: the comfort of my pillows on a soft bed. For now, I'll believe that I'm most creative when I snore.

Be well,

Rod
April 9, 2009 -

Rod's Upcoming Gigs, Spring 2009:

March 21, Wednesday 5 P.M. at the Fort Myer Recreation Center in
Arlington, Virginia

Rod and his Band, specially featuring Rocky as the Guest Performers Young Artists Showcase, will be performing at the Kabataang Bituin:

Press release, July 28, 2007
Rod Garcia Band
August 18, 2007 at American Legion 8:30 p.m.
Inspiring original music...

Back from a successful concert tour of Honolulu, Manila and Bohol...

August 18 at the American Legion Hall
3445 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Rod and his band played last June 15 to a large appreciative crowd at the Magnet Bar along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City here in the Philippines.

The show opened with the song “Nightingale” and this was followed by several Tagalog duets with daughter, Jitter. As the band warmed up to several acoustic pieces with 11-year old son, Rocky, at the sax, we warmed up to cold bottles of San Mig Lite and Coke Lite. Other talented members are Matt Magnaye on alto sax, Eric Champaloux on electric guitar, Russ Arlotta on violin/acoustic guitar, Martin Magnaye on bass, and Vince Magno on drums.

Before moving on to Rod’s English compositions, the band performed the lively “Luto Linis Laba.” This song as well as several other pieces sounded like “Gary Granada” compositions with nice melody, catchy and meaningful lyrics interspersed with jazzy sax bits. Other songs in the all-original repertoire include: Sorbetero, Nasaan, Sana, Sinagtala, Panaginip Ko, Fly Dragonfly, Long Day Short Night, Summer Girl, and I’m LikeYou . All in all, the band played sixteen songs, ending with the beginning – Nightingale.

As Rod sang, you had to say the guy is a pro. Boy, can he carry a tune, with the Manila crowd impressed by the performance.

by Tito Caoile

Manila, June 15, 2007

MagNet press release, May 23, 2007

MagNet to Feature Rod Garcia Band June 15 with T.V. Coverage

FilAm author, composer/singer-songwriter/lawyer Rod Garcia and his traveling U.S.- based band will be performing at the MagNet Katipunan on Friday, June 15 at 7 p.m. as part of a concert tour that includes venues in Honolulu, Manila, and Bohol. The Rod Garcia Band recently finished a CD of Rod's songs called "The Right Time" -- unique and original music that's been hailed in the Washington D.C. area. Among those who have praised Rod's music is former Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Alberto del Rosario, who said in his official farewell address in Washington, "I aspire to the musical genius of Rod Garcia." Even the popular rock band, The Speaks, declared to Rod and his band, "Love your music!"

The Rod Garcia Band has an 11-year old sax player; an 18 year-old high school musician-of-the- year; a beautiful young singer who has starred in the Kennedy Center; a couple of veteran musicians –including Rod Garcia himself on vocals and guitar. After the band's recent performance at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organizer Nilda Godwin said the employees called the performance "spectacular and magnificent..." Other gigs have resulted in similar reviews, such as that by Asian Fortune, "A group of incredibly talented musicians... " and by Manila Mail , "Rod's thoughtful lyrics and melodic harmonies combined to create an evening of warmth, good spirits and great music."

Washington D.C. musical impresario Robert Dizon (On-Stage Productions which co-produced a successful US concert by APO Hiking Society), stated after Rod's gig at a local supper club, "I'm impressed! "

Appearing with Rod Garcia are: Russ Arlotta (violin, guitar); Jitter Garcia (vocals), Matt Magnaye (alto/soprano sax), Eric Champaloux (guitar), Martin Magnaye (bass), Vince Magno (drums), and Rocky Garcia (alto sax).

The new CDs will be on sale at the MagNet, and television personality Chiqui Roa will cover the concert for her show. A few years ago, Rod Garcia gave a reading at The MagNet of his book, "The Right Place and Other Stories," and last January 2006, Rod and his two children made a last minute appearance for a short but well-attended gig.

Other venues in the tour include Bikini Cantina (Aloha Towers Marketplace Dr. ) in Honolulu, Pearl Manila Hotel (Ermita) and Amarito Resort in Bohol.

Rod's Spring Gig

April 14 at 8 p.m.
RENE’S SUPPER CLUB
3251 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Va.

General admission: $15 (includes one drink)

"Love your music!"
--- The Speaks

"Rod’s thoughtful lyrics and melodic harmonies …
create an evening of warmth, good spirits and great music…”
--- Rose Lally (Manila Mail)

I aspire to the musical genius of Rod Garcia."
--- Ambassador Alberto Del Rosario,Jr.
Farewell Address July 7, 2006
J.W. Marriott, Washington D.C.

“…a group of incredibly talented …musicians…
--- Asian Fortune

Many have commented on a sketch of Rod by Mya Talavera. Here are just a few of them:

Rod, good luck on this and your other 2007 ventures. Perhaps we’ll make one of your performances. I like the sketch very much. It does you justice. --- Joe Lustig

Again, thanks my friend. Btw, who did your sketch? The likeness was really uncanny.
--- Elise Eclar

By the way, the graphic art you used in your announcement captures both your spirit as artist and musician. --- Jon Melegrito

"...provocative" --- Eric Townsend

Write-up on Rodney by Judith Ladringan, January 1, 2007

“The Right Time”
a winter concert

The Rod Garcia Band

high-energy and inspiring original music
with
Jitter Garcia, Matt Magnaye, Eric Champaloux, Russ Arlotta,
Belle De Leon, Martin Magnaye and Tito De Leon

January 13 at 8 p.m.

John Addison Concert Hall
HARMONY HALL REGIONAL CENTER
10701 Livingston Road
Fort Washington, Maryland

"Love your music!" ---- The Speaks

"Beautiful music!"
--- Giorgia Cavallaro, Professor of Guitar, Catholic University of America

"I aspire to the musical genius of Rod Garcia."
--- Ambassador Alberto Del Rosario,Jr.
Farewell Address July 7, 2006
J.W. Marriott, Washington D.C.

"... an engaging voice." --- Beth Stewart
Director, Sleepy Hollow House Concerts

PAFC FUNDRAISER NETS 20K FOR LEYTE

The Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC) turned over $20,000 in funds raised to Gawad Kalinga last Saturday, November 11, 2006 at Manila Café in Springfield, VA. The funds are earmarked for the building of homes in Leyte for those who were displaced and rendered homeless by the mudslide that occurred early this year. CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY.

October 31, 2006

Hi everyone,

The other night's set at the Marriott went well--better than expected, actually. The new sound system worked like a dream --easily filling the large ball room of about 500 folks with our music. I miked Rocky's sax and plugged in my Morris acoustic guitar for the three original songs. People were coming up to us afterwards paying really nice compliments; and one of the people in my table (she had seen us before) told the others - "if you think this was good, you should hear the entire band together."

The new PI Ambassador to the US Willie Gaa was in attendance and he told me he's a musician too. I asked him (half-kidding of course) if he played percussion [since I didn' have Belle that night]. And he replied that he likes to sing. Anyway, Rocky [as usual] upstaged me and got lots of applause each time he finished a phrase or rift.

October 21, 2006
8 p.m.
JW Marriott Washington DC
On the occasion of -- Feed The Hungry's "Handog"

September 24, 2006 (Sunday)
Doors open 5 p.m. (matinee)
Rod begins at 6:45 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Concert Hall
Columcille Council Hall
1633 Tucker Rd.
Fort Washington, Md. 20744

Council: www.rc.net/washington/kc5317

Parish: www.rc.net/washington/stcolumba

August 19, 2006
9-10:30 p.m.
Manila Cafe
Springfield, Virginia

March 26, 2006

Sharing on Concert: Savory Cafe, Takoma Park March 25, 2006

Hi everyone:

This is a weird time. I had a gig at the Savory Cafe, Jitter was at rehearsals for her musical at the Kennedy Center and Karla was at the National Theater for her Broadway-bound musical 'Hot Feet." Rocky was at my Uncle Jun's place -basically grounded (translation: no gigging/sax playing) for telling a fib at school.

When they called me on, people started gathering around the performance area and the second level. The only one with me tonight was Russ (violin/guitar). It was the most packed I've seen at the Savory. Mixed crowd - age-group and racial demographics. Blacks, whites, one Filipino, some Asian-Americans, people in their twenties/thirties and older. The bluegrass/folk musicians who performed before I came on stayed to listen.

The lesson learned by me tonight is "know thy audience." I was thinking of doing a light acoustic jazz set and started with "Sweet Summertime" (without my band's sax players, percussionists) BAD IDEA -- as I was finishing the song I noticed that two people on the second level began to take their coats and walk out. NO!! I exclaimed in silence -come back! I won't sing that song again. Anyway, they obviously couldn't hear my pained but mute cries of anguish over their lost patronage. So I had to think fast before I start losing more. What could have been the problem? Then it struck me like a frying pan upside my head: This is a folk crowd tonight! I decided my next series of songs should be folk acoustic compositions (except "Lately"). Fortunately, by the third song, even more people from the cafe part of the place were coming down to the performance area and by the end of the evening, I made many new friends.

One of the new friends happens to be a percussionist and songwriter too. He's performed at La Mayorga (a "rival" venue of Savory). Since I need a percussionist for the Catholic University gig a few days hence, I decided to ask him if he could come to the house and jam tomorrow. Hopefully, he'll be good for the songs. Playing this upcoming gig before college kids bothers me, since I can't quite read them as well. I just figure that it's better to have percussive sounds than folk songs this coming Wednesday. But - just as I was wrong at the Savory- -I may be wrong about Catholic U- and may end up pulling out my folk song repertoire yet again. We shall see.

Anyway, I picked up Rocky from my uncle's place (and Rocky reportedly displayed good behavior); Jitter and Karla came home from their respective performances tired but beaming with the promise of a breakfast full of stories about tonight's performances, and all's right with the world.

Coming up -- Opening of The Carlos Bulosan archives at the Library of Congress. Organizers asked me to compose two songs for the event (dinner/symposium/ribon-cutting launch). Interesting challenge. Someone suggested I do something "of the earth" -almost country style. I don't know. I think acoustic style works just as well, but I'm playing with the idea of composing the pieces in piano this time. Bahala na.

Take care,
Rod

Feb. 26, 2006

Poem composed and recited by Linda Pirrone at the Feb. 18, 2006 concert.

"Over the years, Rodney Garcia has entertained us with stories, taught us our rights under the law, written songs and sung to us, educated us on living wills, wrote bylaws and helped support the arts and the humanities and tonight, Julian and I would like to give him an introduction, Tutubi style:

Please allow us to introduce Rodney
Versatile and musical words are the key
He teaches in words written and spoken
He sings of life and pledges once broken
He celebrates the land where he was born
His creative mind is active till morn
He was wise enough to choose a smart wife
Who with his children complete his rich life
His legal talents are legend to all
Who seek to honor and comprehend law
He writes our charters, bylaws and much more
His kababayans honor his folk lore
Shared in musicals, plays, and in words
Stories of his homeland are always heard
In melodic tones and poignant verse
He reaches the edge of the universe
And touches our hearts with his spirit, true
To provide a lens to see it anew
He offers a forum for expression
In doing so, he offers the lesson
To help each other celebrate our young
By giving a platform for their own song
And offering you a night to treasure
He brings his music here for your pleasure
And gives his talent and those of his friends
When this magical evening starts to end
You’ll leave this café with a new outlook
Run to his website and buy his new book
Invite his band for your next occasion
Ask him to be your legal liaison
When you want someone to be on your side
When a task is hard to take it in stride
Call Rodney Garcia is what we would do
Now here he is, without further ado.

By Linda Pirrone, 2/18/06 Manila Café Tutubi Cultural Center

Just a brief note that we just finished a pretty satisfying concert at the Manila Cafe. We were billed for 9:30 p.m., but at 6:30 I got a call from my friend Nory who asked why I wasn't there yet. Apparently, her group and some others were already "camped" at the cafe and said they'd leave if I didn't show up by the time they finished their dinner. So I took Rocky with me and instructed Jitter and Ella to handle the rest of the band -who, I imagined, were scouring the music stores for a new bass guitar -because Martin's bass conked out earlier that afternoon at practice. In the meantime, a portion of my right thumb's fingernail had peeled off! On concert day! So I would have to play with a guitar pick that night -something I'm no longer used to doing. Off Rocky and I went, when we got to the cafe, the tables were full already and I wondered how it would be for those who would be coming later at the true concert time. I started mixing with the folks at the cafe -some gently asking if I can just go ahead and start. Instead, I asked the owner if we can play Jitter's CD on the system, to tide them through while we waited for the rest of the band. Within the hour, more people had filtered in and the Cafe attendants were bringing out more chairs from the back room.

Soon the place was packed. Finally, the rest of the band walked in, lugging the instruments (keyboard, drumset, and yes -a leased bass guitar) and other peripherals. How'd the concert go? Jitter had her charisma; but those sax guys (including Rocky) blew the place away -I am so proud of them. Just a week before, Matt Magnaye [Rocky's 16 year old sax tutor) starred in solo piece after solo piece with an elite jazz orchestra concert. And at the Cafe, he had the audience up and applauding. The other sax guy is Martin (also plays smoking bass guitar) - who was recruited by Chris Vedalla of Chuck Mangione fame to play in a jazz ensemble with the University of Maryland. It also helped that I had a true pro on keyboards and/or drums -Romeo Casanova is quite an addition to us -whose virtuosity has seen airplay in a jazz radio station WKYS. He even put "strings" (violin, cello) sound on a couple of my change-of-pace folk ballads.

I don't know, seems that sometimes Providence really does gift us with the missing pieces.

NEXT GIGS:

March 19 Friday. Bishop O'Oconnel 5 p.m.-7 Leyte Mudslide Benefit (including Agos, The Speaks, First Rays, Angie Pepa)

March 29. Catholic University Of America (8 p.m.) - short gig sponsored by the Fil-Am students association.

Feb. 24, 2006

Hi all,

Well, as you know, tonight the Philippine Embassy celebrated the anniversary of EDSA I with a grand reception at the Romulo Hall. Dignitaries, state department, etc. And most of the Fil-Am leaders were there. A defiant but calm Ambassador del Rosario told the crowd that the coup attempt in Manila today did not succeed and that the Filipinos should remain united. Interestingly enough, a few days prior to the reception, the cultural attache had contacted me and requested me to play at the reception, specifically my composition "Nasaan" --a song about unity.

So after all the speeches -including a rather long evangelical-type prayer (I mean--really interminably long -- and I felt guilty that my mind was wandering to the food and that I started people-watching). Anyway, then it was time for dinner, and yes, I was one of the first in line (but then I ended up giving my plate to Ella). After the repast, our trio (Jitter, Matt and myself)got up on the stage; one of the staff arranged the mics together for us (but these were non-music mics, but I guess we were okay with them, and there was no time for sound check) Jitter was with me to do the bulk of the singing because I'm coming out of some form of sore throat this week, and Matt brandished his soprano sax (I had given him some counterpoints and note runs just two nights ago -and I told him not to do any jazz licks on this one; the guy had the whole kaboodle pat down in a couple of days.) Then when we finished and the crowd yelled for more, we sang our staple "Sana."

Then they called for more, but we finally demurred. The head of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities came up and announced the upcoming Leyte Mudslide Benefit Concert that I'm organizing. We promised fantastic artists at the concert. Feedback from our little schtick up there was actually very nice. Even the young intern working at the embassy introduced himself to me and talked enthusiastically about the songs (even though I bet he hardly understood the first one we did).

I'm looking forward to that Mudslide Benefit Concert because I'll be seeing my music friends again --most of whom were the same rough riders from Bagyo Aid last year.

Rod

Feb. 12, 2006
Rodney Garcia will be doing a full concert of his original compositions February 18 at the Manila Cafe in Springfield, Virginia. Last February, Rod put together a group of local musical artists (including the Speaks, Agos and Average Joe) for the Bagyo Aid concert to benefit Feed The Hungry's projects in typhoon-devasted Quezon and Aurora in the Philippines. Last May, Rod also performed in Manila Cafe to benefit Gawad Kalinga.

Joining him in this year's performance will be Martin Magnaye (tenor sax, bass). Martin is considered one of the best tenor saxophone player among the Catholic high school bands in the archdiocese. Also in Rod's band are Glenn Davis (guitar), Matt Magnaye( alto sax, guitar, percussion), Romeo Casanova (keyboards, drums), Rocky Garcia (alto sax), Jitter Garcia (vocals) and Eric Champaloux (guitar) and Russ Arlotta.

Aug. 25, 2005
The younger members of my band have created a site in myspace.com/rodgarciaband. Please check it out for pictures and recordings we're working on.

Aug. 27, (tentative date) House Concert in Woodbridge ( hosted by Leonor Noblejas)

Here's my June-July Schedule:

June 21.......... 7 p.m. Lecture on Living Wills at the Mrs. Philippines Home for Senior Citizens, Bock Rd. Oxon Hil, Maryland

June 25...........9-10 p.m. . mini-concert Savory Cafe, 7071 Carrol Ave, Takoma Park, Maryland

July 9 ............8 p.m., guest appearance, launch of Angie Pepa's CD Karaoke Idol, 7151 Lee Highway

Back from LA

Also present was the Rene, President (and his wife) of the Don Bosco Alumni Association of the US -Rene Ramos. He was very encouraging in his support. Here's a portion of a letter to my friend Raoul -which was copied to me:

.... Tell Rodney that we enjoyed it very much - it was our first time to attend such. I am almost through reading the book - baka biglang mag test si Rodney. Also, I will remind him to send me a sampler CD ...!

Rene