Guess who came to the 1622: Unang Usbor concert

What do Romblon Congressman Eleandro Jesus “Budoy” F. Madrona, Governor Natalio “Jojo” Beltran III, Sibale Mayor Lemuel “Boyet” Cipriano, Simara Mayor Eddie Mazo, Cajidiocan Mayor Nicasio “Borong’ Ramos, Sibale SB Member Disodado “Diosing” Atillano, and Banton SB member Loi Fegalan have in common?

Apart from being true-blue politicians, they were for a night lovers of Asi music. They attended the concert of the 1622: Unang Usbor in Lipa City last February 15, and what can one say? I thank the heavens for their presence. At least, they took the time out—and spent gasoline money—to watch a unique cultural event.

I will make this piece one for the books. I will compose an honor roll of Romblomanons who were very supportive of the concert—because they came.

Of course, on top of the roll is the 1622: Unang Usbor. What a band! What a performance. Their music that night made me truly proud as an Asi. I will not mention here the titles of their repertoire, but I’d like to tell you, their songs sent the eclectic crowd of over 600 rolling and gyrating in fun and enjoyment.

I have to thank Ludgie Faigao, the lead guitarist/vocalist; Tupi Fedelin, the keyboardist/vocalist; Butz Faz, who played rhythms; Ronron Favillar, the bass guitarist; Archie Faigao, the band's prolific drummer; and Nica Grandia, the lone lady vocalist, for pouring their hearts out to entertain the Asi crowd. They are superb.

As the night wore on, I noticed that many in the audience stayed glued to their seats. I sincerely believe they loved the band.

Boy Fabregas, the amiable president of the Sibale Academy Alumni Association, a major supporter of the concert, told me smilingly that the crowd was beyond his expectations. He was agog.

Later that night, Tess Felisilda, SAAA vice president for alumni affairs, commented the concert was good. It was, of course, and understatement, knowing Tess to be so tasteful and sincere with her praise.

Olga F. Fornal, Rose Fornal, and Amelyn Miranda said that, too. So did Algerico Abainza, Harold Feudo, Rogel Fornal, Samuel Famarin, Nona Fabreag, and wife-and-husband team Angel and Annie Lambio and their classmates, Nomie Fallarme, Boy Fabroa, Daisy Ferrancullo, and Marichou Senorin, whose sister Jinky’s daughters sang intermission numbers a capella.

My classmates came in full force to the concert. Led by Adrian Feudo, sisters Vilma and Nemia Famarin—all cousins of mine. Yolly Fabregas, Ato Morris, Moret Fornal, Divine Famarin, Carol Ferrancullo, Ric de Mesa and his wife Ailyn, and Asincrito Fababair and his wife. I did not see Mike Ferrera, but I think he was in the crowd. Thank you, classmates!

I salute Ish Fabicon, the RDL-CLEAR chair emeritus, who came all the way from Chicago to help Kusog Sibalenhon organize the concert. And of course, Not F. Magno, who tirelessly documented the band while on rehearsal and during its performance. These two workhorses I would not have succeeded without.

As I ran to and fro on the floor making sure there was no hitches in the event, I met a lot of people whose names I forgot now, nodding and smiling while listening to 1622: Unang Usbor belt out one hit tune after another.

My brothers, Richard and Manny and a sister, Donna, plus my relatives—uncles, aunts, cousins, and nieces trooped to the concert—to validate my boast that the band was cool. It was, they said later. Yamusang nak salamat, mga hali ko.

The largest crowd that watched the band was not the Banto-anons, but the Sibalenhons, mostly the members of the alumni classes of the Sibale Academy. Thank you, fellow alumnus!

Demonstrating his strongest support yet, Joseph Fadri and his wife were at the concert. So was his son Lyndon, one of Banton’s articulate cultural warriors, and her amiable better-half. Lyndon helped with his notebook computer and projector—flashing all through the night some of the music videos of the band which he produced. Thanks, Lyndon.

My thanks also go to the ASCCA officers who came: Vice President Abe Fabicon, Auntie Ping and her husband Antolin, and ASCCA’s auditor whose name escapes me at the moment.

Then there was Uncle Teks Famatigan, the KABALI adviser who stayed throughout the concert. Yamusang nak salamat, Uncle Teks, for herding the Kabali members to the CAP auditorium.

Another kasimanwa I need to mention is Larry Pagkarangalan, station manager of GB-FM in Lipa City. Larry helped promote the concert and towed representatives from the city mayor’s office.

My kumadre, Che Fabregas, was outstanding in her hosting job. She helped me steer the program smoothly. Thanks, kumadre.

I need to mention in the honor roll my staff, Ace, Bel, Mailyn and Eden. They were tired, but were very helpful in manning the gates of the auditorium.

What would have happened if my fellow Kusog officers and members were not around?

My gratitude goes to our president, Chito Fabellon, who tirelessly helped me organize the event, even up to the wee hours of the morning. Many did not know that Chito was feverish the day before the concert, but he soldiered on, mindful that Kusog’s image and reputation was at stake. Thank you, Panguyo.

My fellow officers, Nilo Fojas, Cocoy Fadera, husband-and-wife Mariz and Onyoy, stayed with me through thick and thin. So did Jamos Fadera, my side-kick; Balat, Tawel, James, Jeff, and Tiyo Ludy and his wife Tiya Inday.

Some of the sponsors who helped need to be thanked. Tow of them are George Famadico and Gen. Orville Gabuna. The latter was even calling during the concert asking if its going on smoothly.

And what do I say about those who promised to come but did not? I will not mention them by name. They might get famous, but to you guys, here I say: “Thanks, anyway. Hope you can sleep tight.”

1622: Unang Subor went home to Banton the day after the concert. I felt a tinge of sadness, but happy at the thought that the memories of their invasion of Lipa will forever make a mark in the Asi’s cultural calendar.

Go on singing, 1622: Unang Usbor, even if others will not.