For some it was an outpouring of grief. For others it was lending a voice to silent.
For others still it was an expression of rage. In its entirety it was a call for action.
Come rain or muddy water, local artists, cultural workers, musicians – folk and punk alike, students and journalists converged at the Kalinangan Telabastagan along MacArthur Highway in the City of San Fernando on a raging Friday night last July 17.
Unmindful of the cold and rainy weather, the audience sang along to age-old favorite environmental songs and popular and novelty hits, while others rocked to the beat of punk and ska tunes. Notwithstanding different musical genres, the message was all loud and clear – help save our trees.
Collectively our artists are a powerful force.
The evening started with a bang, courtesy of Atsing Ces Yumul’s very impassioned speech on our joint advocacy to save our trees.
Alaya Chamber of the Arts’ human figures reminds us that to kill trees is to claim life, as if man is playing god. Hermi Pineda says that the white tree hugging figures represent the innocence and purity of trees. Subliminally these images remind us that our early ancestors were animists, and worshipped nature spirits, with profound respect for life.
Don De Dios’ Talibatab Chronicles has denounced what he termed as the MacArthur Highway massacre, using strong images to express strong sentiments in visual arts.
The heavens must have heard the chants of Jigs Cayanan and Long Melo on Friday night, as heavy downpour blessed the artists’ gathering. Sound art from Mel Araneta, poignant guitar renditions of Joey Ayala songs by Garu Salas, upbeat Kapampangan environmental compositions from Bin Bondoc and novelty music meant to be sung under acacia trees from Kapampangan icon Ara Muna all added color and zest to a very fruitful night.
Participating bands included Five Against the Wall, Grassroots with kuya Dino Doliente, Notes and Rhythms, and Friday Prayers. Kalinangan Telabastagan members Deng Lingat and Don De Dios, as well as Sindalan Visual Artists like Poy Acervo jammed with the musicians. Pampanga Arts Guild stalwarts such as Edille Paras also graced the event with their artful presence. OK Musica’s Benny Guintu, Dennis Lalata, Oji Salamat and other composers, as well as of our poets like Tatang Frank Guintu lent their voices.
Homeowners Association administrator Lito Ocampo gave a message of solidarity to support the cause of the local art community. Hopefully 10,000 signatures will be delivered from our homeowners in support of keeping our trees.
On behalf of the rain trees let me say a heartfelt thanks to all those who have been supportive of the local art community and this advocacy to preserve our trees for the future generations to enjoy: Tatang Oca, tito Jimmy, Kong Reden, tito Bernie, kuya Jon, tito Pruds, sir Nards and Ma’am Mavie of Mekeni Foods Corporation, tito Boy Pacla and family, tita Jeng Bonifacio, tito Tom Pangilinan of Zesto Cola, tita Conching David of Kuliat Delicacies and tita Myrna Manabat.
It doesn’t stop here. There will be tree painting activities by our visual artists. We still need paint and paintbrushes if you have any to spare.
A signature campaign is still on going to petition our national government agencies to spare the lives of our trees. For more details please email Ching Pangilinan at mlcjdp@yahoo.com.
