The PAGSINAGUBAY

It all started during the September 2007 Board of Directors’ Monthly Meeting of the Bugto Association Incorporated. The Bugto, whose dedication and service to the Calbayognons had been visible for almost two decades, had discussed innovations of its services to the public. There were proposals of adopting a barangay for livelihood program purposes, expansion of its scholarship program, continuation of its Christmas gift-giving to the monasteries, prisoners, the aged, the sick and to the street children, and other programs. As expected, the talk during the meeting converged into one issue – Do they have enough funds to support its public service innovations? The answer was in the negative. Thus, suggestions were solicited as to how they can do the funding. One of the suggestions was unanimously considered, subject however to the availability of talent, time and resources – that instead of its annual two-day Christmas carol, why doesn’t it have an evening show that will invite its Christmas carol benefactors? Considering however the time, it was suggested that the show will be as simple as it is, presenting the dances that were shown during its 18th

Anniversary, songs from the choir, guitar solo from Mr. Edgar Lopez, and few songs from the former Bugto Band trio – Jovito Lacaba, Nicolas Chan, and Antonio Senora. But it had to tap other known local talent in further enhancing its concept such as Boy Nicolasora, and if possible, the famous Chito Rono.

The said proposal was eventually presented to its members during its October 2007 General Assembly. An affirmation of it was seen during the assembly.

The young and energetic Basilio “Jun” Togonon, President of the Bugto, was the prime factor of the undertaking. With his zealousness to serve and untiring effort to impart a legacy during his tenure, he became the steersman of the endeavour. He thus, presented the concept to Boy Nicolasora. “Boy Nico” (as he was known) had committed himself to help. Knowing also that its purpose is worthy of emulation, he had shown his willingness, competence and magic in managing and directing the stage show.

“Pagsinagubay” is a Waray-Waray term that means an effort/activity to help other people. It describes the Bugto’s true dedication and service. It mirrors the organization’s selfless mission. Indeed, it was an affair that emboldened its name and proved its noble goals. Despite the preoccupation of its members, their diversity, and their shortcomings, everybody had given their share. They had proved their worth as members. The Pagsinagubay – a dinner show and album launching of the Bugto Association Incorporated – was a success.

THE ALBUMNever in the life of the Bugto that it dreamed of coming up with its original song

compositions. Though, it had already made its name in Samar as an organization with musically oriented and talented members. Yet, it never endeavoured to compose songs, not even their own Bugto Hymn. Perhaps, the Bugto Band was able to make its own legacy that somehow concertized the music-inclined impression by the Samarenos of the the Bugto members, but it just stayed there. There were no original compositions.

The year 2007, indeed, marked another breakthrough in the life of the organization. It had embarked for a new course. It delved into an occupation that enhanced their talents and eventually contributed to the literary richness of Calbayog City, Samar – the Bugto Album entitled “Ikaw an Bugto Ko”.

The production of the Album “Ikaw an Bugto Ko” was indeed not an easy task. It entailed great efforts, time, talents, and sacrifices from those involved. But foremost, the dedication and belief to the talents of the Bugto members by Boy Nico and Jun Togonon was beyond compare. It was Boy Nico’s concept to forego the proposal of singing songs not originally composed by the Bugto during the show. Believing of what the Bugto can, he facilitated the composition of the songs during the 3-night workshop conducted on October 1-3, 2007 at the residence of Jun Togonon.

The selected few of the Bugto had been highly animated. Despite of being “bitin” during the Birthday celebration of Tony Senora that coincided with the first night of the workshop, they were able to write the lyrics on that first session. They divided themselves into five groups, each had their own theme. They were then able to finish and finalize their lyrics.

The second night was devoted on putting music to the lyrics. Everybody seemed to wonder if they can do it. With the great help of the instrumentalists, they started to enjoy their own opus while wonder still lingered on their heads not believing in what they engendered.

The third and final night was intended for the recording. With the help of Ryan Babon, the recording was made possible. It was only for the purpose of not forgetting the music and for further enhancement and arrangement. Scheduling for its launching and preparation was also done during that night.

The SONGS

GUGMA AYAW KAWARA(Lyrics: Nonoy Ortiz, Ryan Babon, & Peter Lingling)

(Music: Nonoy Ortiz)

Gugma kahilarom kon pag - inoinohonSugad san tawo, kakuri tugkaron

Matamis, pamation sinin mga pulongNga natikang sa im-im san imo higugmaon

Kon papilion usa nga surumatanonLangit ug tuna akon pagtatapuon

Hayag ngan sirom akon pag-uusahon

Basi inin gugma aton igpadayon

Koro:

Gugma... Gugma... Ayaw kawaraBisan sa huna-huna dire mapapara

Kay an tangkod nga gugma... inin akon gugmaBisan sa huna huna dire mapapara

Bridge:Kay an tawo waray kalipay kon nag-uusahan laKinahanglan an kasugbong agud gugma makita

PAGSASARO(Lyrics:Oscar Hugo, Pat Labonite Jr., & Fidel Amacna)

Music: Pat Labonite

Pagkamahinatagon aton rig-ononPagsasaro dayuday pahalawigon

Pagsasaro simbolo san gugmaUbod san pagkaurusa

Hubad san diosnon nga tutdoPagsantos san buhat san tawo

Kalipay ngada san mahinatagonSugo san Dios ira misyonSira an tawo nga baraan

Pagsasaro sa ira matatagamtaman

Tunan-on nga kinabuhi lumalabay laAyaw pagkawangi baraan nga upaPagkamahinatagon aton rig-ononPagsasaro dayuday pahalawigon

Sangkay kahakug aton pag utdonPagpalabilabi ayaw ipadayonHuna-huna-a an aton misyon

Maupay nga buhat sugo sa aton

PAGLIPAY(Lyrics: Lita Villanueva, Vitvit & Ligaya Lacaba)

(Music: Pat Labonite & Nonoy Ortiz)

Pagmata, pagkiwa, paglipay na kitaKalipay sa dughan, pinsara, bati-a

Gugma nga tim-os, ayaw pagtago-aPaglipay, pagrayhak, ngan pagtawatawa

Buhat na, Buhat na, kasubo pagwad-aPaglipay sin huk-os, waray pagruhaduha

An hiyom sa baba, sa dughan hogotaBAsi an lipay Makita sa mata

An kalibutan puno sin kalipayanMa on guinhimo san Diyos nga gamhananKon mayda man kakurian diri kabarak-anMaghimo sin maupay nga mga binuhatan

Nga an katuyuanan mao an kalipayan

Sanglit kasangkayan angay mag-uruandamMintras tanto aanhi pa sa kalibutan

Ngan makab-ot an maanyag nga kalipayanBasi kita matagan san waray katapusanNgan uray nga kalipayan sa kahimayaan

Kaupay pagkit-on ini nga katitirokPaglipay nga hul-os kasingkasing an surok

An tawo, an gi-os bisan kon masamokTungod san paglipay an tawo nadook

Premyo san kasingkasing an ngaran nga paglipayLimot an problema tanan gin salikway

Pagaka-orosa san gugma, waray an pagtamayPuros katatawa, puno sin kalipay

BUNGTO KO MINAYUYO(Lyrics: Alquin Jalalon, Boy Nijaga & Renie Bilog)

Naharok an adlawSa mga binungahaon mo

Nga mga bahandiOpod rayhak huni san tamsi

Tigaman san pagka-orosaBungto ko inungara.

Dughan ko puno san kalipayNatagamtaman bahandi mag-upay

Mutya ka piniliSa akon kinabuhi

Koro

Bungto ko, bungto ko minayuyoGinmat-an ko ikaw

Gin mangno-an katawhanMga bahandi sa kalibutanGin paambit mo kalipayanIni si ako... Ikaw minayuyo

Pinaura, pinalanggaGugma halad san tagsa

(Repeat Koro)

Bungto ko, bungto ko...Minayuyo ko...

BUGTO(Lyrics: Jun Togonon, Ariadne Jalalon, Semmy Villanueva, Tony Senora,

Intoy Chan, & Maning Gomez)(Music: Edgar Lopez, Pat Labonite & Tony senora)

Bugto, ikaw an akon pinauraGinpapaangbit an gugma nga gin-ungara

Labaw pa san usa nga sangkayPinalabi ka gud kaupay

Magbibiling sin panahon para sa imoOras nga bulawan waray igtatago

Pagtapud ug pagsarig hikakaplagan moNgan sa panumdum pagtitipigan ko

Refrain:

Bisan diin, bisan san-oIkaw an pinalangga koBisan diin, bisan san-o

Ikaw an bugto ko.

Takna san pag-uba, kasina, pagtipaAko imo bugto tugub sin higugma

Sa pagkaurusa, pagrayhak, pagkatatawaAko an bugto mo, waray ruhaduha

Kun ikaw hingadto hirayo sa amonLa umi nga ikaw adi sa am dumdum

Abri an mga butkon naghuhulat gihaponHingyap san kasingkasing, makaupod sa gilayon.

The song “Bugto” was then considered to be the official hymn of the organization. The lyrics is the embodiment of the members’ experiences throughout the decades. Its meaning reflects how they had gone through the ordeals along the way, and how they held hands in all the triumphs, downfalls and glees. It is what the organization is in totality.

Just few days after the workshop, another song was added to the songs that were composed. Though, a song is really needed to add more songs to the contemplated album launching, but the composition of this song was prompted by a sad event that affected its members. When the lively and most caring person of the organization – Rosaflor Seddig became suddenly ill, it created an emotional impact to them. Renie Bilog composed this song as a tribute to her.

TANGKOD NGA SANGKAY(Lyrics and music: Renie Bilog)

Tikang san aton pagkirigtaTumurok sa dughan an gugma

Sugad san mga bugtoMagurang o manghod ko

Gugma ko san osa nga sangkayDire gad matanding bahandi mag-upay

Kundi siya nga sangkayNga naging angay-angay

Kitaon ta an ogay san sangkayDanay makasisina, nakakalipay

Ayaw gud la kasubo sangkayKay iton paagi pag ugay

Sangkay, tangkod ka gud nga sangkayBis diin kit hingadtoHirani man o hirayo

Basta ikaw manginginano

Sangkay makalilipay

Sangkay, Sangkay...Tangkod ka gud nga Sangkay...

The Bugto, paving their way for the launching of the album, still believed that their songs will not suffice the yearning for Waray-Waray songs by the local folks. Thus, with the benevolence of the family of the late Jose Gomez – a genius, legend and an icon of music in the Province of Samar, particulary in Calbayog- two unreleased original songs were shared to be included in the album.With the ingenuity of Maning Gomez, a member of the Board of Directors of the Bugto and son of the late Jose Gomez- the inclusion of the two songs were realized.

BUNGTO KO(Lyrics & music: Jose Gomez)

Bungto ko sa dughan minayoyoIkaw mutya, paura san sidlangan

Ini si ako, bis ‘wa ‘y sadangGugma an halad ko sa imo

Pagsirang san adlawSan adlaw sa sinirangan

Natikang man an kalipay nga waray sin sanglitNgatanan isip kabugtuan ug kasangkayan

Lonlon gud hiyom kon sa im’ nasangpit (Repeat)

Babation mo an ribhong sa mga payagSugad man sa bukid didto sa uma,

Sa ligid san baybayonAn katamsihan naduyog sin awit nga daw langitnon

An putli’ng harupoy naharuk ay pagkatimhong (Repeat)

Kundi kon naabot kakurulponAn dughan nabati sin kahidlaw

An rayhak ginlulumos kamingawDara san pagka tunod san adlaw

Sa kagab-ihon siplati an kabitun-anNag-aarig san bulahan lamrag san bulan

Duyog an taghum san hangin dapit amihanArangay bug-os kanaypan (Repeat)

Bungto ko minahal, mutya ka paura san siniranganAwit san higugma, gugma halad sa imo...

(Finale: Repeat verse I)

LANGITNON NGA GAHUM(Lyrics & music: Jose Gomez)

After the finalization of the 8 songs, the Bugto decided to tap the forte of Melvin Corpin

to arrange its music. However, only the songs “Paglipay”, “Pagsasaro”, “Tangkod nga Sangkay”, “Minayuyo ko nga Bungto”, and “Bugto” were submitted for arrangement while the song “Gugma, Ayaw Kawara” was arranged by Nonoy Ortiz and the songs “Bongto ko” and “Langitnon nga Gahum” were originally arranged by the late Jose Gomez.

Through the participation of the instrumentalists, Jun Togonon started selecting among its members the persons who will do the recording. Only few voices of its members will suffice the recording process. Indeed, Bugto members Renie Bilog, Ariadne Jalalon, Bernadette Yangzon, Lilibeth Espina, Jun Togonon, Peter Lingling, Nonoy Ortiz, Pat Labonite, and the incoming members Mercy Garcia, Jennifer Campillo, Jude and Judith Maga comprised the voices of the entire album. While waiting for the arrangement of Melvin Corpin, the group devoted the whole month of October 2007 practicing the melody tune of the songs.

As expected, Melvin Corpin had once again shown his brilliance and mastery in the field of music. He had added soul to the music. The group was astounded when Melvin Corpin acquainted them with the music. There was indeed magic in his work.

On November 3, 2007, the recording phase of the album started. It took 3 days for them to finish. Hidden talents were now in the limelight. If Boy Nico was instrumental in putting words to the music, it was Melvin Corpin who shaped up the right voice, the right tune, and the right music to the lyrics. Melvin Corpin eventually transformed the group into true artists.

The completion of the album did not end up after the recording process. For its release to become legal, it had to follow the requirements set by the law. It had to acquire permit from the Optical Media board. In spite of this, it had to be straightened out before the schedule for its launching on December 16, 2007. There was indeed a need for a rush. Fortunately, with the help of Chito Roño, the permission from the OMB was secured in the earliest time than expected.

Jun Togonon and Ryan Babon, managed to conceptualize the cover and the words inside the album. They then presented it before the BOD. With few suggestions and editing, the cover was finalized and the words on it. The final printing of it in Manila therefore was done and the reproductions of the CDs were also made.

THE DANCES AND THE PERFORMERSAs originally thought, the show will not just be purely singing. To add more life to the

launching of the album, dances will also be staged.

The presentation of the dances formed part and parcel of the success of the show. Bugto members with talent in dancing were indeed tapped and enhanced. As firstly thought, only three dances – La Jota Moncadena, Polka, and Waltz will be shown, but as practices went on, another two dances were added – Pop Tango and Los Bastoneros.

If Boy Nico and Melvin Corpin had been instrumental in the generation of the album, the dances were also choreographed by Imelda Bato and Eddie Delda. Their outstanding ability in dancing engendered much-like professional performers. Both the dancers and the trainers painstakingly managed to practice the dances. What hindered them most during their practices were their own preoccupations in their homes, works, business, family, and the weather conditions. Yet, the noble vision of coming up with a good show in order to be of help to the Calbayognos united them. The Mangrove Restaurant had been the silent witness of all the ordeals that the trainers and dancers undergone along the way. They had been patriots and saints in their own simple way.

The Dancers & Dances

La Jota Moncadena

Maning Gomez & Ronnie Gomez

Bong Cañezares & Perla fortaleza

Gary Teatro & Maritess Teatro

Simmy Villanueva & Dayday Baltazar

Eddie Garte & Esming Gabriel

Joshua Lim & Fe Ann Amacna

Pop Tango (Tango is a social dance and a musical genre that originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It spread initially to Uruguay and to the rest of the world soon after that. The musical styles that evolved together with the dance are also known as "tango". Early tango was known as tango criollo, or simply tango. )

Ligaya Lacaba & Eddie Delda

Alquin & Ariadne Jalalon

Gary Teatro & Maritess Teatro

Joshua Lim & Yodie So

Bong & Cheryl Cañezares

Los Bastoneros

Alquin Jalalon

Maning Gomez

Joe Belgica

Bong Cañezares

Gary Teatro

Paeng Mente

Eddie Garte

Joshua Lim

Polka (Polka is a fast, lively Central European dance, and also a genre of dance music. It originated in the middle of the 19th century in Bohemia, and is still a common genre of Czech and Slovakian folk music; it is common both in Europe and in the Americas. In classical music, many polkas were composed by both Johann Strauss I and his son Johann Strauss II; a couple of well-known ones were composed by Bedřich Smetana and Jaromír Vejvoda, the author of Škoda lásky

("Roll Out the Barrel"). The name comes from the Czech word Polka, literally meaning "Polish woman", also in Polish, the feminine form of polak. The word is also purported to be a variation on the Czech pulka, meaning "half."

Dayday Baltazar

Ariadne Jalalon

Fe Ann Amacna

Maritess Teatro

Yodie So

Esming Gabriel

Perla Fortaleza

Ronnie Gomez

Ligaya Lacaba

Nora Yangzon

Waltz (Waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in 3/4 (help·info) time, performed primarily in closed position. It first became fashionable in Vienna around the 1780s, spreading to many other countries in the years to follow. The waltz, and especially its closed position, became the example for the creation of many other ballroom dances. Subsequently, new types of waltz have developed, including many folk and several ballroom dances.)

Alquin & Ariadne Jalalon

Oscar & Bebot Hugo

Semy & Lita Villanueva

Intoy Chan & Anna Asis

Jun & Jaide Dilao

Juling & Adela Muñoz

Jun & Aileen Togonon

Nanding & Susie Bohol

THE SPONSORSThe show entitled “Pagsinagubay” (as suggested by Ryan Babon) defines the group’s

untiring effort of helping the Calbayognons in its own simple way. It was a show for a cause. Its proceeds will be used for the organizations noble programs. Thus, before it was staged, the group had to ensure that it could generate funds. In other words, the proceeds must be more than the cost of the productions, otherwise, everything would be in vain. Letters for the sponsors were then circulated in the following manner, to wit:

Dear Sir/Madam:The BUGTO ASSOCIATION INC. Is a non-profit civic organization based in Calbayog City, Samar, Philippines, whose efforts for the past eighteen years (18) have focused on touching the lives of the people in the seemingly neglected sectors: scholarship grants for deserving but financially less-fortunate students in the city; economic augmentation/ upliftment of family income; socio-spiritual activities as its flagship programs.For sustainability and to financially support the aforementioned projects this year, on December 16, 2007 at the TTMIST Cultural Hall, the Association will present Dinner Show and at the same time launch its maiden issue of an album of songs – songs composed and contributed by newfound talents among the members of the association, mesmerizing but whole heartedly offered to the concerned sectors of the community for a noble cause.With this, we would like to invite you to be a part of this noble event by committing to us your sponsorship of the project. Please see the attaché sheet for the types of sponsorship with the corresponding incentives on your part for being a sponsor.We will continue to thank you again and again for your selfless and continuing support to all our present and future endeavours in the interest of community service. Looking forward to a brighter and prosperous business opportunities showering on you and your family this coming year 2008...

SGD. AMELITA M. ESCUTIN SGD.BASILIO R. TOGONON JR. Treasurer President

MAJOR SPONSOR -------------------------------------------------------------- PhP 15,000.001. My/our name/logo will appear at the back of the CDalbum2. My/our name/logo will be included in your Print Ads3. I/we will be in your Radio and TV Ads4. My/our sponsorship will be announced before, in the middle and after the show5. I/we will be given one(1) CD6. I/we will be entitled to two (2) tickets to the dinner show

MINOR SPONSOR -------------------------------------------------------------- PhP 10,000.001. My/our name/logo will be included in your Print Ads2. I/we will be in your Radio and TV Ads3. My/our sponsorship will be announced before, in the middle and after the show4. I/we will be given one(1) CD5. I/we will be entitled to two (2) tickets to the dinner show

SPONSOR -------------------------------------------------------------- PhP 5,000.001. My/our sponsorship will be announced before, in the middle and after the show2. I/we will be given one(1) CD3. I/we will be entitled to two (2) tickets to the dinner show

PATRON -------------------------------------------------------------- PhP 1,000.001. I/we will be given one(1) CD2. I/we will be entitled to two (2) tickets to the dinner show

To make certain for its success, Nicolas Chan, Jun Togonon, Mely Escutin, Haide Dilao, Edith Paculan and other members, took the lead in finding sponsors that would cover the production costs. Moreover, all members of the Bugto had been obligated to sell 10 tickets each at PhP 250.00 per ticket.

With all the zeal, patience, and pride, the organization was able to yield the following sponsors:

MAJOR SPONSORS: Hon. Representative Reynaldo Uy, M.D. Hon. City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento Calbayog Memorial Park I’s Plant Hotel & Restaurant Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary thru Jun & Naty Mauricio Giambalvo Triton Paints C&P Prime Properties Lola Agueda Café AnaMINOR SPONSORS• ACG Builders’ Center• Mr. & Mrs. Thompson Wee• Friends of Bugto Association• Café Regency Wine & Liquor

SPONSORS

• Camille Enterprises• Chord Chemicals, Inc.• Pepsi Cola• Cinemar Traders• Rural Bank of Calbayog• Rawis Fair Mart• Mr. & Mrs. James Fortaleza• Mr. Domingo Siopongco • Mr. & Mrs. Jessie Prudenciado • Reubal Enterprises• Calbayog Assn. of America-San Francisco, USA

PATRONS

• Ms. Perla Chan• Riverview Marketing• Justmar Marketing• Samar Coco• MetroBank • Phil. National Bank• United Coconut Planters Bank• Rizal Commercial Banking

Corporation• EC Marketing• Dr. & Mrs. Antonio Lao • Silver Image thru Mr. Ruben Mawo • Mr. & Mrs. Alan Cajusay

• Hon. Board Member Nancy Rosales• Tan Teng Bing College, San Isidro,

N.S.• Mr. & Mrs. Rosien Ancheta • Dr. Mary Fulgencio • Mr. Nestor Quilaton • Santiago Lim Enterprises• Golden Island• Fortune thru Mr. & Mrs. Sebastian

Co• Hon. Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino• Kgd. Julius Mancol • Kgd. Ver Porlares

• Kgd. Benjie Dean• Kgd. Regina Rabuya • Kgd. Danny Bernate • Kgd. Sonny Salurio • Mr. & Mrs. Greg Jusayan • Mr. & Mrs. Salvador Cruz• Luena Family• JB Printing• Mrs. Dolor Panergo • Mr. Alex Alegria • Anguing Commercial• Mrs. Nellie Rosales• Bernie & Beth de Jesus• Mrs. Morena Advincula • Mrs.Loreta Ygrubay • Mr. & Mrs. Jay Vincent Yulo • Gemma’s Footwear & RTW• 3 GEMS Pension House• Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Nuñez • Mr. & Mrs. Fernando Lacaba • Five Star Commercial thru Mr.

Dave Murjani • WST Construction thru Engr.

Voltaire Sison • Mr. & Mrs. Felipe Doinog • Mr. & Mrs. Basilio Negrido • Mrs. Norma Gabriel

• Mr. & Mrs. Glen Ramas • Atty. Alex Gelera • Hon. Rep. Andres Salvacion • Hon. Rep. Ben Noel• Hon. Rep. Emil Ong • Hon. Rep. Paul Daza • Hon. Rep. Roger Mercado• Hon. Rep. Trinidad Apostol • Mr. Anson Ngo• Mr. Antonio Yu• Mr. Alex Gan • Mr. Joey Ang • Mr. & Mrs. Leonardo Ajero • Ms. Raquel de la Peña • Rustica Arcano & Family• Chua Huay Soon• Mr. & Mrs. Rey Dumalaon • Rev. Daniel Kim• Mr. & Mrs. Domingo Peñaflor • Ms. Emiliana Oben • Ms. Celia Naringahon • Mr. Felipe To Chip• Henrich Sales Center• D’ Lucky Motors• Uni-Building Solutions

THE DINNER SHOW AND ALBUM LAUNCHINGDecember 16, 2007 became an

unforgettable date in the life of the Bugto Association Inc. It was the day Pagsinagubay was staged.

The two-month preparation was indeed so short for it. But, with the cooperation and participation of its members, everything became possible. Success was, indeed, at hand.

At about 7 o’clock in the evening, the TTMIST Cultural Hall was jam-packed by the sponsors and benefactors of the Bugto, not to mention the families of the Bugto performers who were also there to support them. At the doors were Mely Escutin, Pilar Lentejas, Emilie Gordove, Lydia Belgica, Nida Senora, Edith Paculan, and Nina Eloja who collected the tickets of the viewers.

While waiting for the opening of the show, dinner was served. The catering services of Mangrove Restaurant and Café Anna delightedly served the guests with their own appetizing and delectable food. At the same time, Philip Maglana, Intoy Chan, Esteve Conchas, Teody Bergado, and some of the Bugto scholars busied themselves in ushering the guests to their own assigned tables. Tony Eloja and Lito Yangzon, on the other hand, supervised the sound and technical productions of the show.

When the lights were turned off and simultaneously the voice of Eleen Lim broke the silence, it marked the opening of the show.

What firstly captured the attention of the viewers was the stage decoration – a giant painting that translates the word “Pagsinagubay”. The mural painting was made by Noel Sagayap and Mercy Garcia.

The voice of Eleen Lim dominated the sequencing of the show, as she was the one tasked to do the script and the voice-over of the production. Indeed, the show was started with the rendition of the opening prayer by the Bugto Choir with the interpretative dance by the Bugto Scholars, and followed by the video presentation and community singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

The videos during the entire show added life and colour to the presentations. Ryan Babon with the assistance of Fidel Amacna and Paeng Mente managed to provide personal interviews with the Bishop of Calbayog, the City Mayor, the Administrator of the Home for the Aged, and others regarding their impressions of the Association; facts about the Bugto; and the

lyrics of the songs to be launched. The interviews were shown after the presentation of each dance number.

The sacrifices of the dance performers during their practices were all compensated when the viewers greatly appreciated them. Every dance performance was greatly applauded. Their outfits beautified and smarten them. They were, indeed, turned into true performers and professionals during the night.The much awaited album

launching came in the middle of the show. Dressed in a dignified manner, the choir had shown their radiance and intensity. Their angelic and magnified voices ruled the night. They were greatly liked by the crowd. There were mixed emotions of happiness, fascination, and jubilation seen on the crowd. Perhaps, another person singing upstage caught also the eyes of the viewers, it was no other than the City Mayor himself – Mel Senen Sarmiento as part of the bass. Everybody liked him to be part of the show. Nevertheless, the other choral performers were the following:

Soprano Renee Bilog Ligaya Lacaba Mercy Garcia Ariadne Jalalon Jennifer Campillo

Alto Renee Bilog Ligaya Lacaba Mercy Garcia Ariadne Jalalon Jennifer Campillo

Tenor Nonoy Ortiz Pat Labonite Tony Señora Boy Nijaga Maning Gomez

Bass Intoy Chan Jude Maga Oscar Hugo Peter lingling Jun Togonon

Another song that added up to the viewers’ mesmerized feelings was the rendition by Renee Bilog of the song “Bongto Ko Minayuyo” and with the awesome guitar accompaniment from Edgar Lopez.

The excitement was shortly interrupted when Nicolas Chan delivered his message about the show and the Bugto Association. Eventually, the giving of plaques of appreciation by Jun Togonon and Perla Fortaleza followed. The honourees were Congressman Reynaldo Uy and Madam Josephine Pasco, for their continuous support in the scholarship program of the Bugto, and to the family of the late Jose Gomez for the two songs included in the album.

The rendition of the song “BUGTO” marked the finale of the show. On stage were not only the choir but also the dance performers. The song summed up the preparations, the performance and the noble vision of the Association.

The show was magnificently loved. Enormous applause vibrated the cultural hall. The audience seemed to long for more. They didn’t want it to last…

The division of labor really worked at that time. It was Boy Nico who was the over-all stage director, while Eric Salurio and Lito Asis were the choreographers. The participation, too, of the following scholars contributed much to the success of the show: Juana Christine Marcelino, Maria Rasol Cequiña, Gerald Atchaso, Celeste Alba, Erwin Porcia, Benedict Benecario Maricel Pitao, Mary Angeline Gara, and Rosemarie Damgo.

With the remarkable performance of the entire show, all the sacrifices were compensated. Pagsinagubay was indeed a breakthrough in the life of the Bugto.