Concert at PAIDE's 10th Anniversary

By Joy L. Cristal

 

The Philippine Association of Interpreters' for Deaf Empowerment (PAIDE) marked its 10 th founding anniversary with a concert in sign language held last January 27, 2007 at 7 PM, at the Philam Life Theater in UN Avenue , Manila . The concert was well-attended by more than 400 people composed of the friends and sponsors of PAIDE and representatives from the different organizations and institutions involved in the education and service of the Deaf. Popular artist and environmentalist, Ms. Chin-Chin Gutierrez , graced the night with her heart-warming presence and songs.

With a powerful cast of 24 performers, the concert exploded with more than 23 songs and dance numbers. PAIDE's sign language interpreters brought the audience into a seeming merry-go-round ride with their mostly bouncy and startling song interpretations mixed with lovely passionate and even soulful ones. The more applauded number proved to be the interpretation in dance and signs of the late Yoyoy Villame's “Butsekik” by Marlon Palma. Simply executed but with a charming sense of humor was the sign interpretation of a popular OPM entitled “Boy (I love you)” performed by Emelie Gentalian. The transcending power of sign language over a strange spoken language was revealed through the lovely interpretation of the Spanish song “No Me Ames ” by Michael Potian and Judith Delgado. All at their best during the concert night were performers Vanessa Israel, Ton-Ton Padilla, Son Lodado, Ron Santos, Peter Yambao, Nemz Abiday, Mike Potian, Mian Francisco, Mavic Gerona, Lon Palma, Ludy Manalastas, Letty Uy, Jun Celada, Dette Delgado, Je-Ann Villanueva, Irene Mailem, Ina Francisco, Melie Gentalian, Cris Sabayan, Cathy Tuazon, Bubby Reyes, Bing Hipolito, Bang Geonzon and Lee Britanico. These performers gave life to the following song numbers: CUP OF LIFE, LET'S GET LOUD, BOY (I LOVE YOU), BABAE PO AKO, MODELONG CHARING, BUTSEKIK, THE PRAYER, OOOPS… I DID IT AGAIN, CRAZY IN LOVE,NO ME AMES,WE WANT YOU (Remix),IT'S RAINING MEN,WE ARE THE REASON, IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND, TELL HIM, IN OUR HANDS, GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN, I HAVE A DREAM, ‘SION…'TION, BROWN EYES, OPM MEDLEY (Magkasuyo Buong Gabi; Kung Mawawala Ka; Hanggang Ngayon), and WE GO TOGETHER (FINALE). The youthful energy and talent of Ana Michaela de la Cruz with her rendition of “I Can”, the Angeli Dei Schools Sign Choir and the Dynamic Dancers added cheers and wonders to the event.

Indeed, the concert night was more than entertaining. It was a great night of joyful encounter with the language of signs as well as a touching moment of reflection on the life of the Deaf, the Hearing who committedly work for and with them and a reminder on the unity that thrives in the beautiful gift of diversity through the God- given uniqueness in the individual soul. The person of Ms. Chin-Chin Gutierrez and her messages in her songs “Ugoy ng Duyan” and “The Psalms” wrapped up the night with spiritual bond that consequently turned the concert as an offering and a tribute to the Supreme Source of life and of everything good and beautiful.

The proceeds of the concert was intended for the acquisition of Sign Language Training Equipments and training materials at the PAIDE and also for funds to support the scholars of the Foundation for Disadvantaged Children (FDC). While the PAIDE Concert served its end, its fruits in the heart of everyone in the audience are, indeed, beyond numbers and cost.

To inform the public and also to advocate for the appreciation of sign language and recognition of its role in the life of the Deaf, the PAIDE Concert was advertised at the following venues: Radio Veritas, ABS-CBN Channel 2, GMA Channel 7's SIS & Eat Bulaga, TV Interview at DAMAYAN TV Program, Channel 4, TV Interview/Guest Performance at RJ TV, Channel 29, Press Releases: TEMPO; BULLETTIN TODAY and PHILIPPINE STAR.

After all that was made and done, PAIDE, indeed deserves praise and commendation for its humble and yet sincere contribution and service for the improvement of the welfare of our Filipino Deaf brothers and sisters. Congratulations to the people behind the concert, the PAIDE trainees, trainers and interpreters! May your flock increase!

 

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