Here's Dr. Santos' speech introducing the orchestra:
"Our energetic Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, CKC President Fr. Prisco Cajes, Fr. Antonio Rosales, Bro. Dennis Tayo, our very supportive City Schools Division Superintendent Mrs. Edita Paculan, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters, Ladies and Gentlemen.
For so many years now, the move to revive orchestra music and to re-open special courses in instrumental music here in Calbayog has been set back by many factors, the most basic of which are the lack of musical instruments and the person who will lead, direct and teach how to play or use the instruments. This type of music form which is orchestra music seems to have died with the death of Calbayog's foremost maestro, Mr. Jose C. Gomez.
Attempts to re-establish this lost music form, which in the past placed Calbayog in the forefront of the music world were made, but unfortunately it has always hit a snag or could not push through for lack of the basic ingredients namely: instruments and a band or orchestra leader.
The plan to reorganize the orchestra here in Calbayog was given a strong shot in the arm when a group of Calbayognons who are residing in the United States donated some instruments. However, despite the availability of musical instruments - still no orchestra was formed because there was no one knowledgeable enough not just to organize (the orchestra) but above all to teach the aspirants how to use and play the instruments.
The assignment to Christ the King College of Fr. Marlowe Rosales was indeed heaven-sent. He was the answer to the problem regarding the formation of the orchestra. Fr. Marlowe has very impressive credentials when it comes to music:
He is a graduate in AB Philosophy from Our Lady of the Angels Seminary (Quezon City 1990-1994)
He finished his Bachelor of Music - Music Education at the U.S.T. Conservatory of Music (1998-2001). He also got his Bachelor's Degree in Music, specializing in Conducting from the same Conservatory.
Aside from his degrees in Music, he has also attended several Music Seminars one of which is Sacred Music Composition.
He earned his Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Our Lady of the Angels Seminary in 2003.
Fr. Marlowe did not end by simply forming an orchestra. He also opened special classes for piano and violin for high school students with potential talents in music. Last March 7, 2008, a group of high school students had their recital for beginners in piano and violin.
With your help and support, a music renaissance is well on its way in Calbayog. There is no turning back.
With this note, may I on behalf of the entire CKC community welcome you to an afternoon of fine music".
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And here is Fr. Tony's speech before he performed "Sunrise, Sunset" with the orchestra:
Rev. Fr. Prisco Cajes, ofm, and the members of the Francsican Community, Sis. Valeriana and (the FMSH) community, Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Mr. Manuel Gomez and the heirs to the musical estate of the great Samar Composer, Maestro Jose Gomez, distinguished guests and patrons, Good Afternoon and Blessed Easter to all.
Before we end this afternoon's delightful and entertaining concert, I have been tasked to say a few words.
This year has been a very special, grace-filled year for CKC. The first graduates of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery did very well in the national exams. There are clear signs that Calbayog may well become the music capital of Region VIII, as for the first time, the CKC Jose Gomez Orchestra and Chorus dared to present itself and its young talents in public with full-blown concert at the Poor Clare Monastery last March 8. Many Calbayognons felt a great and understandable sense of pride at the achievement. Earlier in the month, the young music students also gave a recital, to the great delight of their proud families. All of these through the efforts and talents of an almost son of Calbayog, being a Rosales, but coming from Ozamiz City, the new "crush ng bayan", second to Fr. Prisco and Dr. Dennis, of course.
This afternoon, with the CKC Resource and Development Office as sponsors, the CKC Jose Gomez Orchestra and chorus has presented itself again with the young musicians now possessed with greater self-confidence and incipient professionalism. There is no doubt you have enjoyed their display of these qualities this afternoon.
The success of these concerts should not have been a surprise, knowing how musically talented Calbayognons are, but, to our chagrin, we were surprised.
However, our President, Fr. Cajes has responded adequately by announcing the institution of an honest-to-goodness new degree in Education Major in Music. Not only that, this coming school year, members of the orhcestra will receive 50% scholarship, and, perhaps, a full scholarship next year. Parents who are trying to make ends meet will welcome this news. Again, this is not all. There are also plans to enhance the music program with guest professors and participation in music festivals or competitions in the region, in the country, and, in due time, in the world.
Today, Calbayog; tomorrow, the World! Musicians are artists and artists are dreamers. Nothing wrong with that, especially if they are able to match their dreams with a good performance, as our young talents have done this afternoon. Again, let's give them a big applause.
Also, this is the first time that we are having a concert on Easter Sunday, indeed a historic event in the annals of the City and the school. Furthermore, our trumpeteers were invited by our good Bishop to give the proclamation of the resurerection last night at the Easter Vigil, a really glorious touch with a blare of trumpets. Thus, our orchestra will now be a permanent fixture of the city's Easter celebration. Traditions are not just the old things we used to do; traditions are being made constantly.
The basketball players have asked me if there are similar plans for sports and recess, and I told them to keep hoping. Unfortunately, there are no plans to include tree-climbing and fruit-stealing in the curriculum. Maybe as electives.
For our finale, we want to give you a number that you might consider a penance, but it is in fact, a very special gift from all of us.
They insisted that I give a number, so I immediately said, how about 13? No! Not that kind of number. A song! Father, forgive them, they know not what they do! But you know I only sing in the shower, but if accompanied by the orchestra, I could change my mind. After all, it would be a first ever in my 47 years of existence! And they said yes.
Ladies and Gentlemen, good and patient friends, to accompany me in my version of "Sunrise, Sunset" from the musical "A Fiddler on the Roof", please welcome the CKC Jose Gomez Orchestra and Chorus."
"That is all, but if you want me to sing more, I have prepared five more songs. But I will sing them another time.
Before we close, we would like to acknowledge the great help and support given to this musical enterpise by a good and talented classmate of Fr. Marlowe in the UST Conservatory of Music, the successful violinist, Mr. Paul Allesa.
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PS. Let me share with you another "shaky" video I took when the orchestra did a novelty song entitled "spaghetti" (rlr)
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