I was in pursuit of magic. I researched about everything, including witchcraft. However, all I was able to come up with were a few card tricks. There really was no mystical power behind magic. I tried illusions. I failed. Or so I thought...
Resorts World Manila was the venue for PhilPop's announcement of finalists, a presscon. I was in a white shirt with a grey cardigan on top. Black chinos and a pair of worn out grayish-light green(wtf of a color this is) Chucks. Anyway, typical.
I hailed a taxi in front of a building in Makati where I spent the night with some friends.
The sunny Monday morning looked promising as my heart kept beating quite faster than normal. It was about 10 o'clock when I arrived. The first finalist I met was Byron who's with his company, a girl. He called his song Takusa and judging by its title, I thought its hilarious. Later on I found out that this funny guy is the same Sir Rex Kantatero of 93.1FM.
Then came were a charming girl and a tall guy. They introduced themselves as Keiko and Kennard respectively. The connection was instant. Riding on the same wavelength, we talked about ourselves and our music. Both Keiko and Kennard were students who like me, simply love making songs. Keiko was studying hotel management while Kennard was studying I.T. Byron was spending his time in gigs with his band and had other projects related to music.
From the distance, I saw Mr. Ryan Cayabyab on his table chatting with several people. After that he approached us with a smile on his face and asked who composed what.
"James Leyte po sir. Sakin po yung Brown."
They call him Mr. C. He still looks the same as the person I had been watching on TV since I was a kid. He was friendly to everyone and behaved just like someone I knew for a long time. The feeling of intimidation vanished. The maestro - I have so much respect for this man.
After our breakfast, Mr. C discussed the details of agreement for our compositions. We were given instructions on how to appear on the stage. Good thing I borrowed Paolo's camera. Paolo is a friend since college who has been supporting me the whole time.
After our pictures were taken, we waited for the roll call. Attached are the finalists names for the first Philippine Popular Music Festival:
Nervous, I was wondering how I would appear in front of the press. I just couldn't believe it was happening. My name was called, I was eighth to come up on stage. My song started playing and I was supposed to stay there for 30 seconds or until my song is stopped from playing. What the heck, I "was" really a shy person. How the hell I am I going to appear in front of these people? I didn't know what to do but managed to sing along. My mind was floating again as if in a trance.
I levitated on the stage...
