Poignant memories
by Rudy Arizala
Because of old songs frequently heard during liberation and post liberation of the Philippines the word "America" or "MacArthur" means to Filipinos "freedom and democracy." The song by Irving Berlin "God Bless America" and his subsequent composition in Tacloban, Leyte of another song "Heaven Watch the Philippines," bring poignant memories to Daddy and my generation.
by Rudy Arizala
Because of old songs frequently heard during liberation and post liberation of the Philippines the word "America" or "MacArthur" means to Filipinos "freedom and democracy." The song by Irving Berlin "God Bless America" and his subsequent composition in Tacloban, Leyte of another song "Heaven Watch the Philippines," bring poignant memories to Daddy and my generation. Those who were born after liberation did not experience those memories for they were born, reared and educated in another time, clime and circumstances -- surge of nationalism, extremism, demonstrations, and with the slogan "Huwag matakot, makibaka," and mouthing the slogans "Yankee Go Home," "Down with Imperialism," etc.
Hereunder is how said song was composed by Irving Berlin as narrated by Max V. Soliven in his column of 12 May 2006.
It may be said in passing that despite the faults, even alleged excesses attributed to the former first lady, the "beauty of Tacloban," Imelda, she at a tender age during those difficult days of postwar, played a role in developing that song "Heaven Watch the Philippines." A song relevant yesterday as it is today and in the years to come.
We should talk more about love, humanity, culture, food, restaurants, and better way of living instead of politics, war, hatred and revolution.
And from the vivid accounts of Shelley, that´s what she observed and experienced during her recent visit to Infanta, Quezon -- love, song, dance ,culture, food, hope and faith of the people in the Almighty and living up true to the spirit of the legendary leader of Infanta Nunong Karugtong who founded the settlement at the banks of the Bantilan River called "Binangonan del Ampon." Kahit na nadarapa, ay muling bumabangon." Despite disasters such as the recent flashfloods in Infanta, the people have that ability and faith not only to survive but also to go ahead towards progress and development.
May "Heaven watch the Philippines" forever and of course, the town of Infanta..