A HEARTWARMING song was written by a Conservatory of Music senior to extend his appreciation to healthcare frontliners amid the outbreak of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Music technology student Kenneth Reodica said he wanted to spread hope with his song “Malalagpasan,” which was performed by Jan Montenegro and Ryan Gabriel Ayangco from the Conservatory and released last April 11.
The music video, produced by the UST Communications Bureau and the Tiger Media Network (TMN), included video clips of Thomasians showing appreciation to the frontliners.
“Naisip ko gumawa ng song para ma-feel nila na they are appreciated and at the same time para din sa lahat ng tao na maging hopeful,” Reodica told the Varsitarian.
Reodica said he received messages from frontliners who were inspired by the song.
Reodica was part of the 2019 Philpop Bootcamp headed by Ryan Cayabyab and other artists. He co-wrote the 2019 UST Christmas Station ID with Jarl Francisco.
Choirantine
Two Thomasian musical groups who went on “choirantine” (from the words “choir” and “quarantine”) and their videos made the rounds on Facebook.
Members and alumni of the College of Science Glee Club posted a virtual acapella of Disney’s “Circle of Life” on Facebook last April 12.
They dedicated the performance to Thomasian scientists, medical workers, and the Filipino and global communities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Their musical rendition, which has exceeded 12,000 views and 208 shares on Facebook as of posting, was arranged by UST Singers conductor Fidel Calalang, Jr.
College of Science alumnus Earl Tongol said half of the alumni who sang in the video were doctors and scientists at the frontlines of the pandemic.
“During the planning stage of the production, [a] former glee club member [who was a doctor-resident] tested positive for Covid-19. We immediately formed a prayer brigade and got even more inspired to finish our recording not just for her but for the many Thomasian frontliners who were succumbing to the pandemic,” Tongol said.
“I think people at home and frontliners are reminded that whatever path the situation leads us, there is always hope. There are people who are passionate in singing for others, in sharing their talents to inspire and to give hope,” Tongol said. “It is our way of showing our love and care for others.”
Seventeen alumni of the UST Pharmacy Glee Club uploaded a video of their performance of “Paraiso,” composed by Ryan Cayabyab and arranged by Calalang. It was uploaded on the Facebook account of glee club member Gabriel Gerardo Cortez.
“We offer this simple song as a tribute to the frontliners and to the whole Filipino people to resonate to the world that hope is not lost and can be found in every corner. Philippines was, is and will still be a paradise,” Cortez said in an interview with the Varsitarian.
Cortez said the cover reunited the group virtually, after more than 10 years of not singing together.
The video has obtained about 11,000 views and 464 shares on Facebook since its posting on April 12.
“[M]ost of our chorale members are also composed of doctors, pharmacists and medical technologists from all over the world,” he said.
“If there is one thing worth mentioning, [it’s] that the making of this video solidified our unity as a family. Every time we sing this song, we are reminded of the little things we take for granted like our own freedom in this time of [enhanced community quarantine]. Despite everything, we are always filled with joy whenever we sing with this family,” he added.
