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 “...I thought it would also be nice to have a cultural activity in the evening."
--- Gina Lopez
Jazz for La Mesa paradise
By Pocholo Conception
Contributor
Courtesy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 29, 2005
THESE happened on the same day.
In London, Bob Geldof announced he was again spearheading a big musical event, this time aimed at creating a political solution for poverty in Africa. The gig is called "Live 8," scheduled on July 2, days before the G8, leaders of the world's richest countries, meet in Britain. It will be held simultaneously in Berlin, Paris, Rome, Philadelphia and London and feature a roster of superstars including Paul McCartney, U2, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Brian Wilson, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Coldplay, Sting, Stevie Wonder and Jay-Z.
Geldof is best remembered as the driving force behind the "Band Aid" recording and "Live Aid" concerts in 1985 that raised $40 million for poverty relief in Africa.
Wellnessfest
In Manila, Richard Merk presided over a meeting of musicians and organizers of a big open-air jazz festival aimed at supporting the "Save the La Mesa Watershed" project. The conceit is part of the "Wellness Festival 2005" on Nov. 12, an all-day event intended to create awareness on the life- sustaining benefits provided by 2,700 hectares of forest called the La Mesa watershed.
The watershed, located in Fairview, Quezon City, and adjacent to the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges that extend through Caloocan and Rizal Province, is also the site of the La Mesa Dam, which supplies water for millions of Metro Manila residents.
In 1998, it was discovered that 1,200 hectares of the watershed had been denuded due to kaingin farming. A study showed that the forest would be gone in five years if no one moved to remedy the situation.
Enter Gina Lopez of Bantay Kalikasan, the environmental arm of ABS-CBN Lopez 'Foundation. In 1999, Bantay Kalikasan was put in charge of rehabilitating and protecting La Mesa. Lopez proudly reports that 1,000 hectares of La Mesa has since been replanted with 40 native species of trees and that some 1,200 squatters have been relocated.
The goal now is to convert 33 hectares within La Mesa Dam into a resort and ecological park that would provide a respite and sanctuary for people choking from pollution in the city. Only 60 percent of this undertaking is finished.
Lopez is always thinking of ways to make people come and appreciate the natural wonders of La Mesa. "I thought it would be nice to have an event that would celebrate today's widespread quest for wellbeing, in this place where people could bask in natural surroundings and breathe fresh air. So we decided to hold the Wellness Festival.”
Music and more
What to expect during the festival amid the lush forest of La Mesa: organic food, massage and spa services, instructional yoga and other stuff associated with nourishing the mind, body and spirit.
“And then I thought it would also be nice to have a cultural activity in the evening."
Lopez wanted jazz music for a cause, so she turned to Merk, a jazz singer who has been gaining a reputation for organizing charity gigs.
Merk immediately went to work and, at the meeting, named the musicians he wanted on the bill: Jaqui Magno, Mon David, Sandra Lim, Lyn Sherman, Verni Varga, Arhtur Manun-tag, Aretha, Eddie Katindig, UP Jazz Ensemble, Ugoy-Ugoy Band, Romy Posadas, Elimir Saison Quartet, Rey Cristobal, Joey Quirino, Henry Katindig, Roger Her-rera, Cielo Lumacad, Meong Pacana, Norman Ferrer, Marcy Es-trella, Dingdong Boogie, Ramon Guevarra, Uly Avante, Mar Dizon, Michael Alba, Ricky Posadas, Tots Tolentino, Michael Guevarra, Cesar Aguas, Edgar Avenir, John Lesaca and Cooky Chua, among others. Mitch Valdes has been asked to host the show.
In London, Geldof declared: "We don't want people's money. , We want them to hear what we want to say."
In Manila, Lopez mused: "I can't change the country. But I hope to build a paradise in La Mesa."
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Letter from Melbourne
Among the Australian Musicians there were some of the best local players such as pianist Joe Chindamo who also played accordeon he's pretty amazing, also another amazing Australian alto-sax player Graeme Lyall who was featured with Joe Chindamo, Acclaimed pianist Paul Grabowsky and his quintet. Famous trumpeter & multi-instrumentalist James Morrison and his quintet, Pianist Mike Nock from New Zealand, Filipina-Australian singer Kate Ceberano, local pianist Bob Sedergreen, The very famous Graeme Bell he's probably the oldest Australian jazz musician still active, Allan Browne & his quintet, Guitarists Doug de Vries, Slava Grigorian and many more.
The other big name was Wayne Shorter (I didn't get a chance to see his concerts), I saw Karrin Allyson a great singer with her quartet also from the U.S.A. and Harry Alien & Joe Cohn quartet featuring the amazing Francesco Cafiso. Also there were some master classes given by Bill Stewart on Drums, John Scofield on Guitar & John Patitucci on Bass.