Claudio Twins. Gabby (seated at left) and Dr. Rafael with other members of the band standing from left: Monette Villarin, Abet Alfonso, and Boy Callado. Also in photo are Gabby’s wife Abby and their son Quiel. (Photo by RUDY LIWANAG)

Understanding the connection between twins is a hard task. Even some twins can’t explain the deep bond that they share. Some believe that they feel incomplete when they are separated from each other and that they feel stronger when they are together. While some say that having a twin is like having another version of you, an alter ego of some sort. But even if twins share the same physical attributes, they have different personalities. After all, there can never be two individuals who are exactly alike. Former political adviser Gabby Claudio shares this sentiment, along with his twin brother Dr. Rafael Claudio.

Born in Catbalogan, Samar, Sec. Gabby and Dr. Rafael are the typical twins who look alike but have different passions. One became a doctor, while the other, a political adviser.

“Gab is the outgoing type, while I’m the one that people may describe as ‘nerd.’ We even chose different careers. Coincidentally, I was named Rafael (the archangel who heals) and Gab was named after Gabriel (the angel who serves). Who knew that later in life, we would actually take on these roles,” says Dr. Rafael.

But their differences end there as they share more things in common. Of course, their most obvious common factor is their physical appearance. Even their close friends have a hard a time telling who’s who.

One thing that binds them together is their love for music. When they were kids, they used to sing in school events, church and other occasions. They even sang live several times at a local radio station. Until now, they get together once in a while to unwind, play their guitars and sing. Born during the Beatles era, Sec. Gab and Dr. Rafael admit that until now, they still are big fans of the group.

They say twins can’t be away from each other too long. People may think that it is extreme but in the case of the Claudio brothers, it isn’t. Sometimes they meet up with childhood friends, grab their instruments and jam.

They have performed together a couple of times in front of their friends, just for fun. But to put more meaning into their hobby, Dr. Rafael pitched the idea of holding a charity concert. They formed the band, Double Vision, especially for the concert. Entitled “Remember in September,” the charity concert will be held on Sept. 18, at Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in Mandaluyong City. Marissa Sanchez will be there as a special guest. Proceeds will go to the Bone Cancer Indigent Fund of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, the Philippine Foundation for Health and Development Inc., and the UP Anti-Violence Against Women Program. Through this event, Sec. Gabby and Dr. Rafael hope to share their blessings to those patients and victims who are in dire need of help. By doing this concert, they can lighten other people’s load while enjoying their music at same time.

Recently, their close friends and the media were treated to a special sneak preview of the concert. Their repertoire was mostly made up of Beatles’ songs and ’80s songs. Even with their busy schedule, they find time to engage in activities together. They can’t even imagine what it would be like if one was missing.

“Rafael keeps my feet on the ground. He tells me things from another perspective which really helps me a lot. If I lose him, it is like I lost half of me,” says Sec. Gabby.