By Lily O Ramos
MANILA, Aug. 5 (PNA) — Being blind, deaf, mute, bipolar or having some limb missing should not be an obstacle for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to become a successful worker anytime, anywhere.
Even in the arts, many PWDs can become famous.
Look at blind Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli who is now known as the best aria singer in the world today; legendary American singer/composer Stevie Wonder who sold dozen albums of classics worldwide; and Puerto Rico’s gifted guitarist-singer-composer Jose Feliciano of the “Feliz Navidad” fame.
The Philippines does not lack blind singers, musicians or instrumentalists as shown in Tuesday’s First Himig Tanglaw Grand finals at the Sky Dome in SM North Edsa, Quezon City.
Massage therapist Charmaine Tonid of Negros Oriental rendered “The Prayer,” navigating the soft to high notes with crystal voice and ease with correct pronunciation of the English and Italian parts of the song to covet the grand prize in the solo competition.
Visually impaired but very determined to live life at its fullest, Tonid said she would love to become a professional singer if given the chance to do so like normal people.
If any record producer out there would like to give her an audition, the pretty girl said she is willing to sing her heart out.
Young and talented, she hopes to be singing someday before big crowds and entertaining the audience.
”A song can help wipe away the tears and pain inside or outside the heart,” she said. ”I also want to help my family financially.”
The battle of the bands crown went to the Sharp Trouperz Band with their rendition of “Mangarap Ka,” a song popularized by local band After Image. The group’s creativity include a rain of confetti during the performance and a rap by their lead singer that won the judges’ nod.
Aside from creativity, the group’s mastery of the drums, electronic piano and guitar added to their confidence as they sang and rapped with gusto without being drowned by instruments on stage.
The Trouperz can even beat many of the local bands if ranged against them in an open competition. Just like their colleagues, the blind band wants to have the chance to perform in concerts if anybody would gamble on their talent.
One of the crowd pleasers is Dennis Battong from Amuyong, Cagayan up north who sang “I Live My Life For You” with such zest and sparkle.
The judges gave Battong the credit for his clear pronunciation and enunciation of his piece while sitting down or standing in front of the awed judges.
Also a massage worker, his wish is to earn enough for his family and go out to the world to share his powerful voice if somebody offers him to sing live or through recording.
Musical patrons like conductor Ryan Cayabyab, Vic del Rosario, Alpha Records and radio stations would like to showcase and enhance the talents of these visually-impaired aspirants. They are just waiting for your call. (PNA)