Wanted: Pledges for ‘RocKalikupan’

Upon learning that the drummer of Enclosure band (formerly Skandhas) — which plays alternative/rock/pop music — is a resident of Buhisan, I sent a text message immediately to the group’s main man Jong-Jong Tagaloguin directing him to find out if it’s possible for the Sangguniang Kabataan and the barangay council of Buhisan to help raise awareness on the water crisis in Cebu City via a “RocKalikupan” concert and on how the Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve in sitio Dam sustains lives dependent on water.er.

The concept excites me knowing that June is established as the Environment Month and that this would be the best time of the year to seek pledges for the “RocKalikupan” (kalikupan is Sinugbuano for “environment”) positioned at providing a venue to heighten the public’s awareness on watersheds in the form of infotainment.

Buhisan Watershed, for example, catches rainwater and stores this resource that is involved in most, if not all, of the chemical activities of life.

But its condition is threatened by the presence of illegal settlers—who chop down the very tree that provides them shade and eke out a living by selling the byproduct which is charcoal.

Jong with Enclosure drummer Dennis Gabayan sought help from the SK chairman of Buhisan but failed. Determined, Jong brought up the concept before Capitol Site barangay captain Erwin Guanzon, being a resident there. The idea reaped positive feedback, he said.

“Sugot man si Kap Guanzon, Ma’m,” Jong said. “Among problema ani if naa ba’y mo-believe sa kawsa. If naa’y mo-sponsor,” he said.

Touched by their enthusiasm to have accepted the challenge to stage a concert on water crisis awareness, I vowed to help look for sponsors through the Entertainment section. And have now shamelessly begged!

If there’s one thing that should be emphasized in songs, it should be water.

Water—not oil—is the most precious fluid in our lives, the substance from which all life and civilizations on earth have sprung, and continue to depend on.

But while it is true that water is very essential to the sustainability of all life forms, its very own life and quality is threatened. Additional demand for fresh water in homes, industries, and agriculture is foreseen to jeopardize further all other ecosystems.

Remember that whatever we take from nature, it will automatically disrupt life’s fragile cycle.

Somehow, at the onset of this troublesome report, there creeps a promising beacon of hope for us because our planet is not actually running out of water. What we are actually facing is that challenge to rethink water management, to consider its proper allocation or distribution, to stop the relentless pumping of aquifers, and put a stop to the illegal chopping down of trees for firewood and charcoal which are gruesome acts that happen everyday in Cebu City’s last remaining forests; activities that deprive nature of her regenerating process.

“RocKalikupan,” once realized, would serve as avenue for the public to gain an understanding of the significance of the 630.89-hectare Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve in ensuring the quantity and quality of Cebu City’s water.

Aside from Jong commandeering his microphone and Dennis holding on to his drum sticks at the forefront of “rock’nvironmentalism,” the Cabezas brothers—Emman on guitars and Joel on bass—make up three-year-old Enclosure, the band behind “Thank You” which is on 15th spot in the Most Requested Song by a local rock band countdown over at Killer Bee 92.3.

The song which is a product of the pooled influences of Incubus, The Cure, System of a Down, and Urbandub also enjoys airplay via Monster Radio BT105.9.

To pledge support in all forms possible, log on to www.friendster.com/enclosure or www.myspace.com/enclosurebanda or email [email protected]. Or better yet, express how you may be of help through 09195157804, look for Jong.