HERITAGE-LIKE SONGS

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The Heritage Conservation Society of the Philippines held their Benefit Dinner last Saturday. Headed by Gemma Cruz, former Miss Philippines, the Society hosted an exclusive dinner affair for Manila’s distinguished heritage advocates and supporters. Aptly, the Benefit Dinner was held at Mother’s Garden, a surprising haven in Zamora Street, Pasay City. The Mother’s Garden venue is actually the family compound of National Artist Pablo Antonio. We understand that the heritage house on it was being used by the society wedding couturier Malou (Antonio) Veloso until the time it was turned into an events place. (Some of Ms. Veloso's gowns were still in the rooms.)

The Neos were tapped to entertain the elite group who were more than gracious listeners. The mature audience engagingly corrected the Neo’s claim that ‘Java Jive’ is a 70s song. (They were one in claiming that this is a real oldie). The highly civil audience visibly enjoyed the Neo’s kind of retro music and was generous with their praises of the Neo performance even up to the time the party ended. Dinky, who is a member and technical adviser of the Heritage Society, drew chuckles as he produced his spiel during the performance. In general, he introduced the Neo members as ‘antiquities’ with their ‘heritage’ songs albeit productive enough to be prime examples of ‘adaptive reuse’.

The accolade of the audience was more than enough satisfaction to the Neos in exchange for all their effort to prepare for the event. Oni and Hector arranged to come three hours early to set up the Neo’s own equipment. (it took some time for the inexperienced pair to fix the feedback problem). The rest of the Neos came soon enough to hold a sound check that had its share of problems. (The promised CD player of the place malfunctioned). Through all the debacle, the Neos managed a successful presentation with comparatively expressive harmonics this time. One reason is the probably the fact that Hec took it upon himself to manipulate the mixer throughout the show. This allowed the Neos to finally hear/feel each other (ala CAFASinger days) while singing together.

The raffle after the show saw Oni get lucky. His stub number was called out and he took home an orchid plant prize that the non winners looked upon with envy. Paintings were also raffled out including an Alcuaz original that was auctioned. For the Heritage Society, everything seemed to fall into place for a successful event. As late as a couple of weeks before the show, the Neos actually feared that they had to make do as an all male group. Delfa just came in from her mission in the Gobi desert (with a cold) and Irene had her Alum homecoming event on the same night as the show. The Neos even thought of having Ofels Monroy (original Neo lady) to fill in but fortuitous events happened. Especially for those who know Ofels, please say a little prayer for her Dad who passed away last Friday. In a way, the Neos dedicate their songs last Saturday to Ofels and her family.