hindi kita malilimutan...

i've been trying since sunday to put into words my feelings about saturday's launch but i've been having the hardest time. i realized it's because the hkm launch is just one event that happened one evening. it doesn't quite capture the almost-a-decade's worth (my personal bp anniv is july 1998) of memories and experiences i have had with bukas palad.

even before i was invited to join bukas palad (by joy pascua), i was already a huge fan. my bestfriend and i would watch their concerts - one time even springing for a P1000 ticket on a spur of the moment decision to catch one of the tanging yaman concerts in ccp - just to hear my favorite songs sung by the original artists. nung mga panahon na yon, names like fr. manoling francisco, norman agatep, jandi arboleda, cholo mallillin, laine laudico, anna galvez, tonet santana seemed to belong to untouchable individuals. people i never imagined i'd have the honor of singing with, much less develop friendships with. so when joy asked me if i wanted to join bukas palad my answer was, 'oo naman no!"

the first practice i attended was at pia nazareno-acevedo's house and the first person to greet and introduce himself to me was cholo. when he said, "hi. ako si cholo," it took every ounce of will power to not say, "i know" and look like a complete idiot. to say i was nervous and intimidated is a complete understatement. the entire evening felt like a dream. i vaguely remember singing "pananalig", being given an orientation by pianaz and learning some christmas songs (the group was preparing to record pasko na! at the time).

since joining the group, i have been part of six album recordings, four music video shoots, five international tours and countless programs, concerts and masses. each of those events carries at least one story - funny, shocking, sad... whatever... it doesn't really matter - that provides me with precious memories that i will carry with me for the rest of my life. each event is a reminder of all the amazing friends i've made in the past nine years. friends who, even though they are far away, i will always have a deep connection with.

after nine years, i still find myself deeply touched by the songs we've sung thousands of times, by people's overwhelming responses during concerts, by all the kind words that we receive in person or online. that wonderful feeling you get knowing that you were an instrument in touching another person's life? man, that never gets old. and being a part of bukas palad, the same group that touched my life with their music so many years ago... well, that's just priceless.

being part of this group hasn't made me any less of a fan. my favorite songs are still my favorites (with a lot more added to the list). i am still in awe of the talent and genius of our founders. i am amazed by the growth of other lyricists, composers and arrangers. and to all the members throughout the years who have devoted so much of their time and talent to the group, you are all an inspiration.

i will always be grateful for being a member of bukas palad. for all the newbies, enjoy yourselves. i pray that your time with the group will give you as many wonderful memories and change your lives like it has mine.