The Reluctant Muscian of PAL...Eboy Jovida
Posted on Saturday, 13 December 2014
The
Reluctant Musician of PAL
…Eboy
Jovida
By Apolinario Villalobos
Friendship is oftentimes forged on a common
denominator. That is how groups of hobbyists are formed. We know of people
whose passion is nature tripping such as birdwatching, mountaineering, scuba
diving or simply trekking. Some are grouped as motorcycle riders or bikers.
When I just transferred to Manila from
Tablas where I was assigned as PAL’s ticket/freight clerk to Manila to work
with its Tours and Promotions Office, I met Eboy Jovida, a colleague who was
assigned at the domestic airport ticket office. He was unassuming and full of
energy every time he was sharing stories. His attitude was so contaminating
such that, every time I talked to him, my problems just vanished.
The first time I felt that he was not an
ordinary guy was when he got hold of a guitar and did some plucking and simple
strumming while he was humming a song. With that, I became closer to him
because of my love for music. Later on, I learned that he was also a flutist
and was doing gigs in cafes and lounges in Manila and some hotels along Roxas
Boulevard, as his side job. Much later, I also learned that he was adept in
arranging musical pieces and even conducted choirs.
He was practically a guy oozing with
musical talents, as he was into composing and singing. He was also a member of
an acoustics group. I was then, expecting him to go places, especially when I
learned that his group was becoming popular among the café habitués in
Greenbelt Park of Makati City. I egged him to go on composing, especially,
haunting tunes to jibe with his flute. The last time we had a serious talk that
included my collaboration with him using my poems was when I visited him in
their home in Cavite, during which we frolicked in the rain like children, when
there was a sudden downpour.
Years have passed since our last meeting
and I was surprised to learn that he tried his luck in finding a greener
pasture in the United States. Though surprised, I understood his predicament in
view of the cut-throat competition in the local music industry. The best memory
that we in PAL have about him, was his conducting of groups of employees that
rendered songs during special occasions.
The Philippines is a country of musicians.
It is sad to note, however, that politics have also intruded the local music
industry. Even singing contests are not free from its stain. Singers like
Charise Pempengco became known as an international singer via an American TV
program. She never had a chance of fair exposure while in the Philippines. The
same is true with Lea Salonga whose singing with international caliber was
given a better recognition when she joined “Miss Saigon”. Today, her name has
become synonymous to the said musical play.
There are plenty of musical talents in the
country, who just like Eboy Jovida, hesitated to assert his own, knowing that
it would just go to naught. Wherever he may be, I wish that due recognition be
given him so that he can have a chance to share his God-given talent.
Discussion