Sa Reposo

May 31, 2008 - Landing in Manila, the first item on my list was to go to the street fair in Reposo. It was theright decision, since it proved to have all the things i missed about home: art, culture, sisig, gigs(noel!), nice looking people, and well the language that was just comforting. The event was called "Piging Sining sa Reposo". It had been going on for a few days and that night the performers were the Makiling Ensemble, followed by Noel Cabangon as the last performer for the night. Simultaneously there were other stuff happening like mural paintings, body painting (for free), a balagtasan session and a ballet. Artsy stuff which is so lacking in Saigon and which I love!

I met an old friend too - Ella's dad, S, who has now totally claimed his artistic side was involved the event's production. He has had a few exhibitions around town, and my hope is that he will keep at it and be successful.



The night was a treat, and i would have been perfectly content just with Noel's gig but the Makiling Ensemble part was also enjoyable. I would bet on Filipino talent any day. We're not just a country of cheesy show bands and karaoke you know (though i find both entertaining, in limited doses)!




Now, a little bit of history: Reposo Street in Bel Air Makati is actually now called Nicanor Garcia Street, but most people have stuck to calling it Reposo. It means "Repose" (to rest) in English and the street is located just beside a cemetery which accounts for its original name. They have beautified the street and have made it into a street of culture and art where among its more popular inhabitants are Budji Layag (the designer), the Alliance Francaise, and LRI Design Plaza (where one could see all original filipino furniture designs mixing the old with the new).




Noel's last song was "Ako' y Isang Mabuting Pilipino", and he made us stand and raise our right hands, which of course made us think Panatang Makabayan!



It was something like that, and it is best to hear the lyrics of the song to fully understand it. What I have always loved about Noel's music is that it tells a story, often poignant, funny but always true. Just think "Tatsulok" and the bittersweet "Kanlungan". It's music that makes you feel and think and want to do better. At the very least, be a better citizen.