ANGEL THOUGHTS “Some lessons are best learned through pain. Sometimes, our vision clears after tears are shed. Sometimes, we have to be broken in order to be whole again. Think…if God meant the day to be perfect, He would not have invented tomorrow.” – Chito Bertol, Manila Seedling Environmental Center

Nelly Sindayen, formerly Time magazine’s Philippine correspondent, whose rehab (from a severe diabetic stroke) calls for lots of cheer, music, and songs, is improving with the love shown to her by her friends.

It was PMS secretary Cerge Remonde’s turn to host the monthly media dinner and sing-a-long for her, and PEZA’s director general Lilia de Lima gamely brought everybody’s favorite pianist, Bong Infante, media icon. Eggie Apostol’s neighbor and best friend Norie Ongsiako was persuaded to come and bring her accordion, and Letty Magsanoc, editor of PDI, brought her karaoke as usual.

SSS chairman Thelmo Cunanan escorted his wife, columnist Bel, for the evening and gamely watched the antics of the happy guests with PDI’s Donnie Ramirez, photo-journalist Mandy Navasero (fully recovered from her freak accident in Batanes), and Aida Sevilla.

On the dance floor were Saeed Daoff, chairman of the Southern Philippines Development Authority, and Star’s Domini Torresvillas, Bel and Frank Evaristo, president of the Philippine-British Club, Mod’s Chay Santiago, and Lilia, who does a mean samba!

Bravely singing away with the Angelos’ Floy Tema and George Tagle (the other half of the popular Angelos had to rest as they sang for two visiting heads of state that day) were Sec. Remonde and Saeed. Former TV host Maan Hontiveros brought along her song book and with Bong and Norie accompanying almost everyone who thought they could sing, we had another grand musical salute.

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The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a generous cash gift by Beth Sison Tagle of Newsmakers Forum to honoree Nelly, sitting in her wheelchair in her splendid malong. It was part of the proceeds of Beth’s production, "Salute From Media and Friends Part 2," at the historic Manila Hotel last August 5. Other beneficiaries would receive their share later.

Beth was able to convince media friends like yours truly, Chay Santiago (editor of Mod magazine), and Rina David of PDI, and Rod Cornejo of GMA 7, Erap spokesperson Mike Toledo, Ruth Abao of DZRH, Myliene Veloso of Channel 5, and Charo Logarta to sing and dance for the cause of friends like Nelly.

Rina, Chay, Rod, and I made quite a splash, I like to believe, based on the loud applause, with our enthusiastic medley of retro hits like "Bonggahan," "Macho Gwapito Ako," "Lumapit Ka," and "Awit ng Pag-ibig." (At least we energized the audience, and what we lacked in musical tone, we more than made up for with our retro get-up and, as I said, contagious enthusiasm!)

Kudos to Ombudsman Mercy Gutierrez, who made such a fetching cowgirl; PLM president Adel Tamayo, who blew away the women with his solo song; the Three Tenors (Joey Lina, Sec. Angelo Reyes, and MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando); Immigration commissioner Nonoy Libanan on his classical guitar; and pretty young soprano Fame Torres (to many in the audience, the gem discoveries of the evening, and I agree); former FVR spokesperson Mike Toledo; Olongapo mayor James Gordon with his band; and Parañaque representative Ed Zialcita.

But most of the bouquets should go to our producer Beth, unassuming director Al Quinn, musical director Jerry Matias and his daughters, who were the back-up singers (they made us sound good), voice coach Eric, and of course to makeup genius Agatha and hairstylist Kring Kring! That’s what friends are for – to be angels for others in times of need!

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At the post-concert cast party at Beth’s gallery, we had such fun re-living the tensions of the pre-concert rehearsals and the adrenalin rush when we finally got on stage. Beth had the rehearsals and concert taped, and the resulting DVD was aired on her giant screen. Even society columnist Donnie Ramirez, my "primo," who was unable to watch the concert, was happily surprised by the overall quality of the production and performers when he watched the DVD! It just goes to show you that if you do something out of the ordinary with a purpose, you can do it well! Till next time!