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May 2010 Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

Through a Glass Darkly

Life seems to have played a cruel joke by giving someone the gift of visual artistry and also the burden of a visual disability.

But Julian Oteyza has beaten the odds. Lauded for his brilliant artwork by mainstream media, including by the Washington Post, Julian has had to deal with "dyslexia" all his life.

He can't see words and symbols correctly, which are often spaced incoherently as if through a bothersome prism. But this condition does not bar his artistry. Instead, it informs, even defines his work.

Julian has created what's become known in the art world as "Dyslexart," taking the viewer into the dyslexic's vantage point with stunning and unique results.

Julian's art and that of "normal" artists will display at an exhibit called Brown Strokes on White Canvass at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on June 3. Son of the iconic Filipino artist Victor Oteyza, Julian has made it his mission over the years to help other artists, especially Filipino artists. Brown Strokes has been this vehicle for quite a while now -- dating back to 2002. This current edition of Brown Strokes will showcase creations by local artists from the Washington D.C. area and by established artists from the Philippines.

Also a musician himself, Julian has even done visual renderings on the Beatles. Once when my son Rocky was with me in a gig at the Philippine Embassy, he noticed such art displayed on the wall. Since Rocky has a deep fascination for the Beatles and his 15th birthday approaches, I am acquiring this Oteyza for him. I know it will dominate Rocky's wall in his room, pushing aside his posters of everything else.

Physician Heal Thyself

She's not an artist, but a clinical psychologist, whose mission is to save others from the mental brink.

But in one of life's ironies, she was the one on the brink.

Dr. Laura Noblejas was beset with severe depression and anorexia-- a condition in which the mind cannot let the body accept any food. Many have succumbed to a horrible death from the resulting starvation and other complications.

Dr. Noblejas ---- beautiful, young, professional, Filipina--- was about to become another victim. But as she stared out into the deadly abyss, strangely drawn by its dark allure, she decided to turn back, consciously, systematically inching off the ledge. It took a lot of forgiveness and love, and a clinically sound system. She used her training as a doctor to develop a unique method that worked so well, she's written a book proposal about it:

"Don't Stop Eating, Stop What's Eating You: Spiritual and Practical Answers from a Successful Psychologist Who Finally Found Peace."

In what is to be similar to a practical step-by-step manual of mental and emotional exercises, Laura shows how to strengthen the love and forgiveness muscles. The end result is a much fortified spiritual being, so much in shape that spiritually- based diseases like anorexia can't take hold.

There are practical, clinically proven ways of exercising love and forgiveness muscles. And Dr. Noblejas will show you how. It worked for her and it can work for everyone else who qualifies as human.

The book proposal is going through a process of approval involving public voting. She needs your vote to get this book project to proceed further with the publisher. The book proposal is in the worldwide Next Top Spiritual Author Competition. There were over 3000 writers from all over the world competing through four Rounds. Laura and about 250 other authors advanced on to Round 2. Only 25 authors will advance to Round 3. The grand prize winner from Round 4 gets a publishing contract with Hampton Roads. Voters can go to www.nexttopauthor.com to register as a voter.

Filipinos in Outer Space

Kevin Owens is not Filipino; nor is he in outer space. But he's married to pocket rocket Maurese Owens, an indefatigable Filipina.

And he has spun a tale involving Filipinos in other planets: "*Martian Panahon Virus*"--- a story that follows Apollo Panahon, a young Filipino hired as part of a Martian prospecting crew. The hero contacts a disease after eating fish he found in a Martian puddle, and the story unfolds from there.

As a young man, Kevin Owens had always been drawn to the stars and science fiction. Now, he has cooked up a delightful imaginary world of his own, flavored with realistic characters --- "hard workers like Filipinos."

Kevin also says: "I didn't find science fiction by Filipinos in book stores in the Philippines, so when I wrote this book I chose to include many Filipino characters..."

Kevin's science fiction book is available at Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble.com. You can also touch base with Maurese, his defacto agent, for ordering signed copies. Mo can be emailed at mpaoose@aol.com.

Happy reading!

Manila Mail DC
April Column: Playing It By Ear
Rod Garcia

When To Have A Stroke

Never. Certainly not just after you just had a bad haircut. A few weeks ago, I received a terrible haircut in a McLean, Virginia salon. I decided to have it repaired by my old reliable friend Ray Cabacar of Friendly Barbershop in Oxon Hill, Maryland. I'd take this tough World War II vet any time over any fancy hair stylist fop. But the problem was me --- in what can be termed the "marunong pa sa barbero" syndrome --- (thinking-you-know-better-than-your- barber syndrome.) I asked Ray to fix only the offending part of my hair and to leave everything else alone. The result was not quite as appealing as it could have been had I let Ray freely exercise his art. In fact, I found out later how grotesque it turned out. Unfortunately, it was about that same time that I was having my second stroke (since last year's) and had to end up in Fort Washington Hospital. In the Emergency Room, I was sitting on my cot when one of the nurses came by and, smiling, quipped sarcastically "groovy haircut." I guess I didn't want to die looking like a person who only paid his barber half the cost of a full hair cut. So I was determined to survive. And of course, I did. In the ensuing days, I sought Ray out again, and gave his mighty scissors free reign over my humbled head.

Love Song

When I was headed for the States the very first time, my high school classmates met me at the airport and handed me a 45 single record. It contained a love song I cherished and believed.

I kept the record with me through the years, but eventually lost it probably sometime during my married life, due to all our re-locations.

Though I'll be losing my marriage soon, I have reunited with the love song in a most unusual way.

In 2008, when my wife announced to the kids the plan to go our separate ways, there was crying among the girls (who were getting to be young adults) and stone silence from my then pre-teen son.

One of the girls asked, with tears on her cheeks "How should I be in my own relationships? What can I believe in now?" I could not answer that question. And that bothered me a lot for a long time.

How does a parent who failed in his own marriage let the child know that love has its worth? That it is not to be regarded with cynicism and profound doubt? That it's not like the Easter bunny or the tooth fair? That it can be something real.

A few months ago, I was experiencing a severe attack of insomnia and was surfing the television channels. I came upon an infomercial on 60s music. Among the hundred of songs featured was the one my classmates had given me.

Vulnerable in a state of insomniac stupor, I ordered the whole collection.

Within a month, the CDs came. Soon I was once again listening to the love song, but this time not so sure its innocence still resonated within me.

When my daughter Jitter was home last Spring break, I had her listen to it. She was in the middle of her laundry, but said, "That's nice, Daddy," then went back down to the basement with her clothes in a basket. When she came back up, I told her that my high school classmates gave me a 45 single of that song (I explained what a 45 single was), and that to this day I believe in what it says, even though deep inside I was secretly struggling to believe.

Months had passed when Jitter invited me and others to the popular Philippine Cultural Night given by Filipino college kids in University of Maryland. One of the featured performances was Jitter singing some solos.

As she was to begin her third piece, Jitter said, to my pleasant surprise, "Now I want to do something my Dad wrote." She proceeded with "The Right Time" ---- which we usually do in duet.

As the song was about to end, something completely unexpected happened.

Jitter smoothly transitioned into the tender, gentle refrain of that song ---the one my classmates gave me at the airport so long ago.

The words flowed out naturally and with meaning,

"Love can make you happy
if you find someone who cares
to give a life time to you..."

and in the applause, she looked out smiling into the audience in the direction of the darkness where I sat. And I knew she believed, as I then realized I still did too.

Rod Garcia

A Dinner Out
(from the March 30 edition of the column Playing It By Ear by Rod Garcia, Manila Mail)

Last week, two friends asked me out to dinner. Since I was feeling in need of good karma, I thought I'd get some off these guys ---who are two major survivors.

One of them is Bob Caparas. A guitar virtuoso even as a teen back in the 70s, Bob won first place in a central Luzon guitar competition. In the 90s and already in the States, he was struck with cancer and things didn't look too good. Still, he helped stage my musical play Hacienda. During the theatrical run, the cast and crew found inspiration in Bob's life- affirming energy and dedication.

A few years later, at my mother's funeral mass, Bob played gentle solo guitar on a song I wrote called "Where are You" -- a piece from Hacienda. After the mass, complete strangers came up to him asking for a CD of the song, a couple of them in tears.

Bob's tenacious love of life and music and his fierce loyalty creates a deep well of inspiration from which I draw in tough times.

In the past, I've lost friends to cancer and other diseases. But it won't happen this time. In 2010, Bob is in complete remission.

My other friend, JB Bernabe, is a quiet, unassuming engineer for a government contracting firm. He'd rather tinker with gadgets and computers than manage people. So a couple of years ago, when they offered him the top managerial position, JB dreaded having to deal with personnel. But he didn't have to worry: His kindness and technical know-how have endeared him to his American staff.

Back when I was in law school and he was an engineering student at George Washington University (GW), JB was my sound man on the gigs I did at the local pubs.

Eventually, after graduating from GW, JB found a job as engineer at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Unfortunately, his student visa had already expired and he was working illegally for a while. After a few years, Goddard authorities discovered his illegal status. They were going to terminate him and then have him deported. Things were looking bleak.

But then came an epiphany to Goddard authorities: It became clear to them and their lawyers that this former Ateneo whiz kid had unusual skills and possessed unique inside knowledge of the Goddard's technological protocols.

It was going to be risky and inefficient to hire and train someone new.

So Goddard Space Flight Center sponsored JB for a work visa and eventualy something even more permanent.

In our dinner the other week, both Bob and JB wanted to make sure I was okay in the wake of my many current challenges. If you recall from the early March edition of the Mail, I recounted the troubling issues facing me. Some folks thought I was simply providing a narration for a next book of fiction. But it was all true: named as an illegal alien-felon in national criminal records, including the Homeland Security Watch List; job in jeopardy due to post-stroke condition; house financially "under water" due to foreclosures nearby, and a few other unfortunate personal exigencies.

So there we were--- one lost soul dining with two success stories--- in a restaurant on a late winter night---going over some funny incidents of the past, jabbing and parrying at each other, laughing it out with a gusto that only true friends can understand, or maybe more accurately, that only true survivors can comprehend. I think they wanted me to be one of them.

Rod

(The following is a copy of a Feb. 26, 2010 column in Manila Mail)

Playing It By Ear

I am an illegal alien-felon, perhaps soon to be without a job and without a home. This is true. It's a heck of way to start the new year. Here's what happened.

Back in January, in a routine traffic stop at the National Harbor, the park police looked at the registration to my car and found that the record states I'm an "illegal-alien felon" which of course isn't so. They suggested I stop by the police department to clear things up. Back in October, I had received a bill from Sprint charging me a large amount for calling Mexico many times. Since I never was a Sprint customer, I had to straighten things out with Sprint, with the FTC, with Experien and several credit bureaus. It's the nightmarish world of identify theft!

After a few months, and thinking that it's all squared away, I went along my merry way into 2010. But to my dismay, I have discovered that the effects of identity theft have apparently leaked into the national homeland security record. I visited the local police department, telling the bemused cops at the precinct that the registry indicates I'm an illegal alien felon, which can't be true. I'm an attorney and may have run into some of them in court at some time in the past. The officers logged in my complaint of identity theft, but said they can't do anything about my status on the criminal record and suggested I "go national' ---- like the INS or even the courts. Of course, in this country, you don't need to go around proving your innocence. It works the other way.

Other lawyers I've spoken to were not sure exactly what to do. I finally got a telephone number that connected me to Homeland Security, specifically, TSA --the Transportation Security Administration. The agency sent me a form in which I ask relief from inclusion in the terrorist "watch list"--so I don't get detained in an airport. I recently inquired whether TSA had received my filled-out form; but it has not responded.

There's more! Because of the bad economy, a couple of houses near my neighborhood in the area of National Harbor foreclosed, thereby driving down the values of all the other houses, including mine. It's a fair sized house with a full patio with poured cement, a large recreation room on top of a two car garage, a finished basement and many rooms and baths. A couple of years ago, the assessed value was in the vicinity of $750,000. Now, the value has plummeted down to $300,000. As a result, the house is "under water"---with its value lower than the existing mortgage! My realtor suggested I consider a "short sale"--- basically a distressed sale that will allow forgiveness of all loans at least theoretically). In very real financial terms, I am without a viable abode.

As if these were not enough, my employment with the American law firm may be ending soon. As many of you are aware, I had a stroke last year, and am going through a long process of recovery. A couple of clients last month expressed their concerns with the boss lawyer that because of my post-stroke condition, I may not be able to adequately service their cases. So the law firm asked me to take some time off for further medical evaluation-- including having my brain checked and validated by a neurologist--to make sure I'm cogent. I made a recent visit to the law firm in McLean and discovered my office cleaned and personal effects boxed. The firm has not been giving me any new cases.

Can 2010 be any more dire? Actually, yes; but let all these suffice for now.

While I was moping last week, pathetically feeling sorry for myself, a letter came in the mail. It was from a 12 year old child who was born with cleft lips. She no longer has that problem. She sent her photos, showing herself all brand new, after surgery that made her look normal. Operation Smile took care of it, defraying costs by means of contributions from me and many others. It lifted my spirits and made me realize my many blessings. One of our Washington DC area community leaders, Joe Subido, runs a charity that provides a similar service for Philippine kids. A former university professor in the Philippines, Joe has been running his version of Operation Smile for many years, mainly from money he raises teaching tennis. We should all be thankful for people like Joe, a true hero.

Rod Garcia

Concert for Flood Relief

With the devastating flood that has hit Manila recently, the “Alay” concert set for Oct. 25 in Harmony Hall has taken on special meaning and purpose, now specifically focused on funding flood relief efforts. Gawad Kalinga and Feed The Hungry, with the help of The Philippine Foundation for Charities, will benefit from the concert.

I’m proud of the people in these organizations. They are effective, humble, and above all, sincere.

But I have to make mention too of my musician friends who are volunteering their time and talent for this concert. Many of them are giving up paying gigs that weekend just to join in this show.

One of them is Charmaine Clamor---L.A.- based FilAm jazz singer and popularize-r of “Jazzipino” — a music movement that beautifully and skillfully blends ostensibly incompatible genres: traditional Filipino songs and old school jazz. A recent recipient of Filipinas Magazine’s artist of the year award, and top 5 in American jazz billboard, Charmaine found the time to email me a few weeks ago asking about my medical condition and wondering if th e Oct. 25 concert is still on. As I told her it is, she immediately offered to help. So on Oct. 25, Charmaine is flying all the way from LA and will do a set in the concert --- for free! Her jazz renditions are a must-hear.

It’s a similar story with the other artists. For example, the Nicki Gonzales Band –which plays in local hotels --- has the distinction of being voted the Best Pop Group of 2001 by the Washington Area Music Association, which also gave Nicki the award for Jazz Vocalist of 2002 and “Latin Vocalist of 1999" --- albeit she’s Pinay and not Hispanic.

When I asked Nicki what she wanted in return for doing me this favor, her emailed response was simply and jokingly “Can you have a piece of lumpia in the back stage?”

My close friend Alfa is a singer-songwriter from New York---very popular among the Greenwich Village/NYU crowd. She’s doing a concert of her own at the University of Illinois, after which the college will fly her to Maryland for the Harmony Hall gig. I’ve conscripted my daughter to pick her up at BWI. As a musician, Alfa can do it all--- she composes catchy tunes, plays bluesy guitar, coaxes sweetness from her violin, and accompanies herself in piano, while singing in a beautifully lilting alto. You should watch her to believe it. Quite amazing.

If you play or like guitar, you will really appreciate Lucky 28---two sizzling hot FilAm guitarists who also sing and write their own songs. Pong Velasquez and Odie Sotomayor are local boys --- a couple of tough guys with hearts of gold -- who play the music bars, and have come up with a new CD---of original adult alternative pop.

Finally, my friend, Russ Arlotta, and I met almost two decades ago when we were both at the Prince George’s County Attorneys office. Neither of us knew we were more than boring trial and tax lawyers but actually true blue musicians. One night, a few years ago, we found each other playing at Takoma Park’s Savory Café and the rest is history---- culminating with Russ lugging his Martin acoustic guitar with me and the rest of my band on a concert tour of Hawaii, Manila and Bohol. He had a blast (despite a death defying ride in a motor tricycle through rapidly moving traffic while ignoring lanes and stop-lights in the Ermita area). He is a singer-songwriter of beautiful poem-songs. Strange that soulfulness should come from a lawyer. But life is full of miracles.

If you care for exciting jazz and acoustic sounds, you will enjoy the Sunday evening at Harmony Hall, while knowing you helped relieve the misery and suffering that Ondoy and Pepeng have caused.

Rod Garcia

My Oct. 25 concert for Philippine charities is still on.

Click for PDF of flyer to download

Sunday at 6 p.m. Harmony Hall off Livingston Rd. Fort Washington (near National Harbor). Doors open at 5 p.m.

The line up to join me includes: Alfa (singer-songwriter from New York); Nicki and Ira Gonzales (who play Brazilian jazz at the Shoreham); Lucky 28 (sizzling alternative pop guitarists Odie Sotomayor and Pong Velasquez); and award winning jazz singer Charmaine Clamor. Note write-up below.

Thanks,

Rod

FILIPINA JAZZ & WORLD VOCALIST
EARNS FILIPINAS HONOR

September 12, 2009. San Francisco -- Charmaine Clamor, the trailblazing Filipino-American vocalist and creator of jazzipino, has won the 12th Annual Filipinas Magazine Achievement Award in Entertainment.

credit: Hydee Ursolino

The Panel of Jurors voted unanimously to confer the honor upon Clamor for her "remarkable strides in promoting Filipino jazz." Ms. Clamor is the first and only Filipina to place two consecutive albums in JazzWeek's World Music top-10 -- both of them containing Filipino-language songs. Her landmark recording Flippin' Out also made top-5 on the Traditional Jazz radio chart.

Reached in the Philippines, where she is currently touring to supporting her debut release on Manila's Viva Records (appropriately entitled "Jazzipino"), Ms. Clamor said, "I have been a reader and admirer of Filipinas Magazine for what seem like forever. Because I've dedicated my musical career to bringing pride and dignity to the Filipino Community, I'm especially touched to be honored by a publication that clearly shares my goals. It's amazing!"

The CEO of Viva Entertainment, Vic "Boss Vic" DelRosario, said, "It was a joy to discover somebody like Charmaine Clamor who is giving Filipino music a new life with the Jazzipino sound. And I am very honored to welcome her to the Viva roster of talents. Thank you, Charmaine. You do your country proud."

The 12th Filipinas Magazine Achievement Awards will be held on October 1, in South San Francisco.
For more information and a selection of downloadable high-resolution photos: http://www.CharmaineClamor.com

For Interviews, Photos and Promos Contact:
Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services T: 845-986-1677
E-Mail: jazzpromo@earthlink.net
Jazz Promo East: Lorraine Tucci Sound
newsoundideas@earthlink.net

Dear Family and Friends,

We want to take this time to thank ALL OF YOU for supporting Karla in this interesting ride on So You Think You Can Dance on national TV. For Karla, it began in March at the Denver auditions, continuing in April in Las Vegas, up until May 21 in Los Angeles where she was included in the Top 20. Now four weeks into the show, her elimination last night does not stop us from believing that she is 1) an excellent dancer, 2) that she is strong, and 3) that she has the loving support of her family, friends, and community.

We all got an insight into what "reality television" really is. Everyone will always have an opinion, and it will be different and varied. I want to share with you the best and true comments that were given last night about Karla. These did not come from the judges, or the blogs. They were expressed to me by the people who Karla interacted with everyday, and all day: the talent and schedule coordinator who plotted the dancers' day, the security person who protected them from the fans, the production coordinator, and the stage manager. While we waited outside for Karla to finish her televised exit interview, they sought us out and invited us to wait inside.

"She is the sweetest and most thoughtful girl, always asking if I was fine. She never gave us any trouble, always followed the rules and actually understood them. Smart, funny and always concerned about others. A pleasure to work with - and I mean it! Very professional - she knows her cues, her timetable and studies her movements. Has the kindest heart. You brought her up well."

Of course, we would have wanted her to win it all. But these are the comments that matter to us.

Again, thank you, and please forward this to everyone in your network that we have urged every week to vote!! We can now have back our Wednesdays, and especially our Thursdays. WE ARE ALL WINNERS!!!!

With great respect and gratitude,

Rod and Ella Garcia
July 3, 2009

Congratulations SOL Rod and Ella, on behalf of the Community of Sons Of Lourdes - for the outstanding achievement of your daughter Karla. It does show the immense talent of the Filipina on the international stage. Though she may have already been eliminated, for her to be included among the top finalists of "So You Think You Can Dance" is already monumental - it's much like the "American Idol of dance" - so we know how tough the competition.

This also demonstrates what great, supportive parents you both are!

Warm regards,

Oliver

Thanks, Oliver.

Relating Karla's weekly travails and artistic adventures to compassionate, sympathetic ears helped quite a lot.

pax et bonum

Rod

Karla's Fan page in So You Think You Can Dance.

We can't stop saying thank you to everyone who voted for Karla this week and who continue to believe in her abilities. We are especially grateful to all those who stayed up and voted numerous times despite the challenging reviews on the hip-hop routine. Karla lives another week on the show.

It is Karla's birthday on Tuesday, June 30 - the day of the performance show taping. Enough votes to keep her in would be a great birthday present! We hope we can count on your support again next week.

Please forward this to your networks so that they know that we are truly grateful for their support.

We will inform you soon of the partner changes, and the new routines.

Rod and Ella Garcia
June 26, 2009

Dear Famly and Friends:

I just got off the phone with Karla. The show has just finished taping. As she expected, she and Jonathan got the worst comments of the night. Nigel even predicted that they will be in the bottom 3 on Thursday. She said that she did what she could with the Hip-Hop choreography, but they were given things that her partner could not do. One of the most stinging comments was that they expected more from her, since she was a member of a crew - she could have been funkier.

Karla said it makes for great tv drama - the judges said that they came off from a brilliant routine last week to a downer tonight. She is already preparing a good solo for Thursday.

They will dance first in the program, so the number to call is 1-888-836-7601. Her fate is now in the voters' hands. We cannot abandon her now since we know she can really dance. So, let's mobilize everyone and show them that she has a lot of support! Also, if she gets through this, everyone changes partners next week!

thanks,

Rod and Ella Garcia
June 24, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

We just want to convey our appreciation to all of you who are following Karla's journey in So You Think You Can Dance. Karla is very much aware of the blessing showered on her. Though she and her partner were named to the Bottom 3, they were determined to fight and stay alive. So she danced her way into another week, and we will see Karla and Jonathan next Wednesday in another choreographed number.

We hope you continue to support her by calling (not texting) your votes after the June 17 show. Alas, the show is a popularity contest first, and a dance contest second - "America's Favorite Dancer". So we need to keep those votes in if we want to see more of Karla's dancing. Remember - VOTING IS FREE. YOU CAN VOTE AS MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE FROM THE SAME PHONE NUMBER. YOU CAN VOTE DURING AND FOR THE ENTIRE TWO HOURS AFTER THE SHOW.

With gratitude,
Rod and Ella Garcia
June 15, 2009

Hi friends,

My daughter Karla phoned me from LA Sunday morning to greet me Happy Father's day. I told her, "Thanks, Karla, but I think Father's day is next weekend." And we laughed together. She told me she's excited about the dance number she was assigned to do this week at Fox Channel's So You Think You Can Dance. I asked her to keep centered and calm and that it seems a whole lot of folks are cheering her on and hopefully voting.

A long time ago, when she was four, I used to practice law in California. One night we were coming out of a Thai restaurant off Mission St. in San Francisco. And I had her by the hand as we walked in the parking lot. She pulled at my hand and motioned, saying, as she stared up at the clear night,"Daddy, carry me up so I can touch the stars." And I lifted her as high as I can.

In a sense, our children are still trying to touch the stars. We cheer them on, attempting what we ourselves couldn't--- to touch success far beyond our wildest expectations.

Anyway, the next show is Wednesday at Fox Channel, beginning 8 p.m. Now there are only 18 (9 guys, 9 girls) dancers left (two were cut last week).

Let's hope for the best. Thanks to all.

Rod
June 15, 2009

Dear friends,

My daughter Karla will finally be able to show what she can do - right in front of the camera. She takes the stage with her partner today, Wednesday, June 10, on the premiere of So You Think You Can Dance, where the Top 20 contestants will be showcased. The show runs from 8 to 10 PM after which the phone lines will be opened. She and her partner's unique telephone number will be announced after they dance.

Karla has worked very hard to get to this point. We think that you will not be disappointed in her performance and that she will make all of us proud!

Rod,
June 10, 2009

Hi friends,

I just got back from Manila (to take care of certain legal issues). In that short time, in between official meetings, I had a wonderful opportunity to meet up (after three decades of not seeing him), a former teacher of mine, Mr. Baylon. He was my English and math tutor when I was 11 years old! He had asked his son to contact me and so we got together for a merienda at the Dusit Hotel in Makati. Dennis, his son, came from work near Makati and Mr. Baylon --who is now in his late 70s --took the train from distant Antipolo.

It was a one of those meetings that will be etched in my memory for a very long time. He's still quite acute, genuinely warm and affable. (I gave him a copy of my book The Right Place and Other Stories and a copy of the food anthology Taste of Home in which my essay, Chicken Asses on a Stick, appears.)

Also, a few days earlier, I found myself in another "meeting" -- the Manila critic Krip Yuson treated me and Ed Maranan (multi- Palanca award winner) to dinner at a restaurant called the Hacienda (same name as my musical play) and Krip noted the purposefulness of the venue selection.

Anyway, he urged me to do another book and not focus on music all the time. Ironically, after being gently chastised by Krip for scattering my energies, Ed Maranan offered to work on a possible music concert by me in London where he has quite a network, having worked there as a writer and diplomat for many years. (I don't know if I jinxed this project by mentioning it here.) Anyway, Krip also mentioned that every semester he requires his Advanced Creative Writing students at the Ateneo University to do a term paper on at least one or two stories in my book.

So after a few days I'm back in Oxon Hill still doing battle with severe jet lag. I am now sleepily eyeing my guitar which sits quietly like a temptress in one corner of the room, and the word processor which is perched on my desk in the other corner.

After some consideration, I opt for a third and laziest of my alternatives: the comfort of my pillows on a soft bed. For now, I'll believe that I'm most creative when I snore.

Be well,

Rod
April 9, 2009 -

Rod's Upcoming Gigs, Spring 2009:

March 21, Wednesday 5 P.M. at the Fort Myer Recreation Center in
Arlington, Virginia

Rod and his Band, specially featuring Rocky as the Guest Performers Young Artists Showcase, will be performing at the Kabataang Bituin:

Press release, July 28, 2007
Rod Garcia Band
August 18, 2007 at American Legion 8:30 p.m.
Inspiring original music...

Back from a successful concert tour of Honolulu, Manila and Bohol...

August 18 at the American Legion Hall
3445 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Rod and his band played last June 15 to a large appreciative crowd at the Magnet Bar along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City here in the Philippines.

The show opened with the song “Nightingale” and this was followed by several Tagalog duets with daughter, Jitter. As the band warmed up to several acoustic pieces with 11-year old son, Rocky, at the sax, we warmed up to cold bottles of San Mig Lite and Coke Lite. Other talented members are Matt Magnaye on alto sax, Eric Champaloux on electric guitar, Russ Arlotta on violin/acoustic guitar, Martin Magnaye on bass, and Vince Magno on drums.

Before moving on to Rod’s English compositions, the band performed the lively “Luto Linis Laba.” This song as well as several other pieces sounded like “Gary Granada” compositions with nice melody, catchy and meaningful lyrics interspersed with jazzy sax bits. Other songs in the all-original repertoire include: Sorbetero, Nasaan, Sana, Sinagtala, Panaginip Ko, Fly Dragonfly, Long Day Short Night, Summer Girl, and I’m LikeYou . All in all, the band played sixteen songs, ending with the beginning – Nightingale.

As Rod sang, you had to say the guy is a pro. Boy, can he carry a tune, with the Manila crowd impressed by the performance.

by Tito Caoile

Manila, June 15, 2007

MagNet press release, May 23, 2007

MagNet to Feature Rod Garcia Band June 15 with T.V. Coverage

FilAm author, composer/singer-songwriter/lawyer Rod Garcia and his traveling U.S.- based band will be performing at the MagNet Katipunan on Friday, June 15 at 7 p.m. as part of a concert tour that includes venues in Honolulu, Manila, and Bohol. The Rod Garcia Band recently finished a CD of Rod's songs called "The Right Time" -- unique and original music that's been hailed in the Washington D.C. area. Among those who have praised Rod's music is former Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Alberto del Rosario, who said in his official farewell address in Washington, "I aspire to the musical genius of Rod Garcia." Even the popular rock band, The Speaks, declared to Rod and his band, "Love your music!"

The Rod Garcia Band has an 11-year old sax player; an 18 year-old high school musician-of-the- year; a beautiful young singer who has starred in the Kennedy Center; a couple of veteran musicians –including Rod Garcia himself on vocals and guitar. After the band's recent performance at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organizer Nilda Godwin said the employees called the performance "spectacular and magnificent..." Other gigs have resulted in similar reviews, such as that by Asian Fortune, "A group of incredibly talented musicians... " and by Manila Mail , "Rod's thoughtful lyrics and melodic harmonies combined to create an evening of warmth, good spirits and great music."

Washington D.C. musical impresario Robert Dizon (On-Stage Productions which co-produced a successful US concert by APO Hiking Society), stated after Rod's gig at a local supper club, "I'm impressed! "

Appearing with Rod Garcia are: Russ Arlotta (violin, guitar); Jitter Garcia (vocals), Matt Magnaye (alto/soprano sax), Eric Champaloux (guitar), Martin Magnaye (bass), Vince Magno (drums), and Rocky Garcia (alto sax).

The new CDs will be on sale at the MagNet, and television personality Chiqui Roa will cover the concert for her show. A few years ago, Rod Garcia gave a reading at The MagNet of his book, "The Right Place and Other Stories," and last January 2006, Rod and his two children made a last minute appearance for a short but well-attended gig.

Other venues in the tour include Bikini Cantina (Aloha Towers Marketplace Dr. ) in Honolulu, Pearl Manila Hotel (Ermita) and Amarito Resort in Bohol.

Rod's Spring Gig

April 14 at 8 p.m.
RENE’S SUPPER CLUB
3251 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Va.

General admission: $15 (includes one drink)

"Love your music!"
--- The Speaks

"Rod’s thoughtful lyrics and melodic harmonies …
create an evening of warmth, good spirits and great music…”
--- Rose Lally (Manila Mail)

I aspire to the musical genius of Rod Garcia."
--- Ambassador Alberto Del Rosario,Jr.
Farewell Address July 7, 2006
J.W. Marriott, Washington D.C.

“…a group of incredibly talented …musicians…
--- Asian Fortune

Many have commented on a sketch of Rod by Mya Talavera. Here are just a few of them:

Rod, good luck on this and your other 2007 ventures. Perhaps we’ll make one of your performances. I like the sketch very much. It does you justice. --- Joe Lustig

Again, thanks my friend. Btw, who did your sketch? The likeness was really uncanny.
--- Elise Eclar

By the way, the graphic art you used in your announcement captures both your spirit as artist and musician. --- Jon Melegrito

"...provocative" --- Eric Townsend

Write-up on Rodney by Judith Ladringan, January 1, 2007

“The Right Time”
a winter concert

The Rod Garcia Band

high-energy and inspiring original music
with
Jitter Garcia, Matt Magnaye, Eric Champaloux, Russ Arlotta,
Belle De Leon, Martin Magnaye and Tito De Leon

January 13 at 8 p.m.

John Addison Concert Hall
HARMONY HALL REGIONAL CENTER
10701 Livingston Road
Fort Washington, Maryland

"Love your music!" ---- The Speaks

"Beautiful music!"
--- Giorgia Cavallaro, Professor of Guitar, Catholic University of America

"I aspire to the musical genius of Rod Garcia."
--- Ambassador Alberto Del Rosario,Jr.
Farewell Address July 7, 2006
J.W. Marriott, Washington D.C.

"... an engaging voice." --- Beth Stewart
Director, Sleepy Hollow House Concerts

PAFC FUNDRAISER NETS 20K FOR LEYTE

The Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC) turned over $20,000 in funds raised to Gawad Kalinga last Saturday, November 11, 2006 at Manila Café in Springfield, VA. The funds are earmarked for the building of homes in Leyte for those who were displaced and rendered homeless by the mudslide that occurred early this year. CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY.

October 31, 2006

Hi everyone,

The other night's set at the Marriott went well--better than expected, actually. The new sound system worked like a dream --easily filling the large ball room of about 500 folks with our music. I miked Rocky's sax and plugged in my Morris acoustic guitar for the three original songs. People were coming up to us afterwards paying really nice compliments; and one of the people in my table (she had seen us before) told the others - "if you think this was good, you should hear the entire band together."

The new PI Ambassador to the US Willie Gaa was in attendance and he told me he's a musician too. I asked him (half-kidding of course) if he played percussion [since I didn' have Belle that night]. And he replied that he likes to sing. Anyway, Rocky [as usual] upstaged me and got lots of applause each time he finished a phrase or rift.

October 21, 2006
8 p.m.
JW Marriott Washington DC
On the occasion of -- Feed The Hungry's "Handog"

September 24, 2006 (Sunday)
Doors open 5 p.m. (matinee)
Rod begins at 6:45 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Concert Hall
Columcille Council Hall
1633 Tucker Rd.
Fort Washington, Md. 20744

Council: www.rc.net/washington/kc5317

Parish: www.rc.net/washington/stcolumba

August 19, 2006
9-10:30 p.m.
Manila Cafe
Springfield, Virginia

March 26, 2006

Sharing on Concert: Savory Cafe, Takoma Park March 25, 2006

Hi everyone:

This is a weird time. I had a gig at the Savory Cafe, Jitter was at rehearsals for her musical at the Kennedy Center and Karla was at the National Theater for her Broadway-bound musical 'Hot Feet." Rocky was at my Uncle Jun's place -basically grounded (translation: no gigging/sax playing) for telling a fib at school.

When they called me on, people started gathering around the performance area and the second level. The only one with me tonight was Russ (violin/guitar). It was the most packed I've seen at the Savory. Mixed crowd - age-group and racial demographics. Blacks, whites, one Filipino, some Asian-Americans, people in their twenties/thirties and older. The bluegrass/folk musicians who performed before I came on stayed to listen.

The lesson learned by me tonight is "know thy audience." I was thinking of doing a light acoustic jazz set and started with "Sweet Summertime" (without my band's sax players, percussionists) BAD IDEA -- as I was finishing the song I noticed that two people on the second level began to take their coats and walk out. NO!! I exclaimed in silence -come back! I won't sing that song again. Anyway, they obviously couldn't hear my pained but mute cries of anguish over their lost patronage. So I had to think fast before I start losing more. What could have been the problem? Then it struck me like a frying pan upside my head: This is a folk crowd tonight! I decided my next series of songs should be folk acoustic compositions (except "Lately"). Fortunately, by the third song, even more people from the cafe part of the place were coming down to the performance area and by the end of the evening, I made many new friends.

One of the new friends happens to be a percussionist and songwriter too. He's performed at La Mayorga (a "rival" venue of Savory). Since I need a percussionist for the Catholic University gig a few days hence, I decided to ask him if he could come to the house and jam tomorrow. Hopefully, he'll be good for the songs. Playing this upcoming gig before college kids bothers me, since I can't quite read them as well. I just figure that it's better to have percussive sounds than folk songs this coming Wednesday. But - just as I was wrong at the Savory- -I may be wrong about Catholic U- and may end up pulling out my folk song repertoire yet again. We shall see.

Anyway, I picked up Rocky from my uncle's place (and Rocky reportedly displayed good behavior); Jitter and Karla came home from their respective performances tired but beaming with the promise of a breakfast full of stories about tonight's performances, and all's right with the world.

Coming up -- Opening of The Carlos Bulosan archives at the Library of Congress. Organizers asked me to compose two songs for the event (dinner/symposium/ribon-cutting launch). Interesting challenge. Someone suggested I do something "of the earth" -almost country style. I don't know. I think acoustic style works just as well, but I'm playing with the idea of composing the pieces in piano this time. Bahala na.

Take care,
Rod

Feb. 26, 2006

Poem composed and recited by Linda Pirrone at the Feb. 18, 2006 concert.

"Over the years, Rodney Garcia has entertained us with stories, taught us our rights under the law, written songs and sung to us, educated us on living wills, wrote bylaws and helped support the arts and the humanities and tonight, Julian and I would like to give him an introduction, Tutubi style:

Please allow us to introduce Rodney
Versatile and musical words are the key
He teaches in words written and spoken
He sings of life and pledges once broken
He celebrates the land where he was born
His creative mind is active till morn
He was wise enough to choose a smart wife
Who with his children complete his rich life
His legal talents are legend to all
Who seek to honor and comprehend law
He writes our charters, bylaws and much more
His kababayans honor his folk lore
Shared in musicals, plays, and in words
Stories of his homeland are always heard
In melodic tones and poignant verse
He reaches the edge of the universe
And touches our hearts with his spirit, true
To provide a lens to see it anew
He offers a forum for expression
In doing so, he offers the lesson
To help each other celebrate our young
By giving a platform for their own song
And offering you a night to treasure
He brings his music here for your pleasure
And gives his talent and those of his friends
When this magical evening starts to end
You’ll leave this café with a new outlook
Run to his website and buy his new book
Invite his band for your next occasion
Ask him to be your legal liaison
When you want someone to be on your side
When a task is hard to take it in stride
Call Rodney Garcia is what we would do
Now here he is, without further ado.

By Linda Pirrone, 2/18/06 Manila Café Tutubi Cultural Center

Just a brief note that we just finished a pretty satisfying concert at the Manila Cafe. We were billed for 9:30 p.m., but at 6:30 I got a call from my friend Nory who asked why I wasn't there yet. Apparently, her group and some others were already "camped" at the cafe and said they'd leave if I didn't show up by the time they finished their dinner. So I took Rocky with me and instructed Jitter and Ella to handle the rest of the band -who, I imagined, were scouring the music stores for a new bass guitar -because Martin's bass conked out earlier that afternoon at practice. In the meantime, a portion of my right thumb's fingernail had peeled off! On concert day! So I would have to play with a guitar pick that night -something I'm no longer used to doing. Off Rocky and I went, when we got to the cafe, the tables were full already and I wondered how it would be for those who would be coming later at the true concert time. I started mixing with the folks at the cafe -some gently asking if I can just go ahead and start. Instead, I asked the owner if we can play Jitter's CD on the system, to tide them through while we waited for the rest of the band. Within the hour, more people had filtered in and the Cafe attendants were bringing out more chairs from the back room.

Soon the place was packed. Finally, the rest of the band walked in, lugging the instruments (keyboard, drumset, and yes -a leased bass guitar) and other peripherals. How'd the concert go? Jitter had her charisma; but those sax guys (including Rocky) blew the place away -I am so proud of them. Just a week before, Matt Magnaye [Rocky's 16 year old sax tutor) starred in solo piece after solo piece with an elite jazz orchestra concert. And at the Cafe, he had the audience up and applauding. The other sax guy is Martin (also plays smoking bass guitar) - who was recruited by Chris Vedalla of Chuck Mangione fame to play in a jazz ensemble with the University of Maryland. It also helped that I had a true pro on keyboards and/or drums -Romeo Casanova is quite an addition to us -whose virtuosity has seen airplay in a jazz radio station WKYS. He even put "strings" (violin, cello) sound on a couple of my change-of-pace folk ballads.

I don't know, seems that sometimes Providence really does gift us with the missing pieces.

NEXT GIGS:

March 19 Friday. Bishop O'Oconnel 5 p.m.-7 Leyte Mudslide Benefit (including Agos, The Speaks, First Rays, Angie Pepa)

March 29. Catholic University Of America (8 p.m.) - short gig sponsored by the Fil-Am students association.

Feb. 24, 2006

Hi all,

Well, as you know, tonight the Philippine Embassy celebrated the anniversary of EDSA I with a grand reception at the Romulo Hall. Dignitaries, state department, etc. And most of the Fil-Am leaders were there. A defiant but calm Ambassador del Rosario told the crowd that the coup attempt in Manila today did not succeed and that the Filipinos should remain united. Interestingly enough, a few days prior to the reception, the cultural attache had contacted me and requested me to play at the reception, specifically my composition "Nasaan" --a song about unity.

So after all the speeches -including a rather long evangelical-type prayer (I mean--really interminably long -- and I felt guilty that my mind was wandering to the food and that I started people-watching). Anyway, then it was time for dinner, and yes, I was one of the first in line (but then I ended up giving my plate to Ella). After the repast, our trio (Jitter, Matt and myself)got up on the stage; one of the staff arranged the mics together for us (but these were non-music mics, but I guess we were okay with them, and there was no time for sound check) Jitter was with me to do the bulk of the singing because I'm coming out of some form of sore throat this week, and Matt brandished his soprano sax (I had given him some counterpoints and note runs just two nights ago -and I told him not to do any jazz licks on this one; the guy had the whole kaboodle pat down in a couple of days.) Then when we finished and the crowd yelled for more, we sang our staple "Sana."

Then they called for more, but we finally demurred. The head of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities came up and announced the upcoming Leyte Mudslide Benefit Concert that I'm organizing. We promised fantastic artists at the concert. Feedback from our little schtick up there was actually very nice. Even the young intern working at the embassy introduced himself to me and talked enthusiastically about the songs (even though I bet he hardly understood the first one we did).

I'm looking forward to that Mudslide Benefit Concert because I'll be seeing my music friends again --most of whom were the same rough riders from Bagyo Aid last year.

Rod

Feb. 12, 2006
Rodney Garcia will be doing a full concert of his original compositions February 18 at the Manila Cafe in Springfield, Virginia. Last February, Rod put together a group of local musical artists (including the Speaks, Agos and Average Joe) for the Bagyo Aid concert to benefit Feed The Hungry's projects in typhoon-devasted Quezon and Aurora in the Philippines. Last May, Rod also performed in Manila Cafe to benefit Gawad Kalinga.

Joining him in this year's performance will be Martin Magnaye (tenor sax, bass). Martin is considered one of the best tenor saxophone player among the Catholic high school bands in the archdiocese. Also in Rod's band are Glenn Davis (guitar), Matt Magnaye( alto sax, guitar, percussion), Romeo Casanova (keyboards, drums), Rocky Garcia (alto sax), Jitter Garcia (vocals) and Eric Champaloux (guitar) and Russ Arlotta.

Aug. 25, 2005
The younger members of my band have created a site in myspace.com/rodgarciaband. Please check it out for pictures and recordings we're working on.

Aug. 27, (tentative date) House Concert in Woodbridge ( hosted by Leonor Noblejas)

Here's my June-July Schedule:

June 21.......... 7 p.m. Lecture on Living Wills at the Mrs. Philippines Home for Senior Citizens, Bock Rd. Oxon Hil, Maryland

June 25...........9-10 p.m. . mini-concert Savory Cafe, 7071 Carrol Ave, Takoma Park, Maryland

July 9 ............8 p.m., guest appearance, launch of Angie Pepa's CD Karaoke Idol, 7151 Lee Highway

Back from LA

Also present was the Rene, President (and his wife) of the Don Bosco Alumni Association of the US -Rene Ramos. He was very encouraging in his support. Here's a portion of a letter to my friend Raoul -which was copied to me:

.... Tell Rodney that we enjoyed it very much - it was our first time to attend such. I am almost through reading the book - baka biglang mag test si Rodney. Also, I will remind him to send me a sampler CD ...!

Rene