4 reasons to be wide awake this September

There is a song that goes, "Wake me up when September ends." I really don’t know the background story of that song, why that line at all. What am sure is I don’t want to be asleep this September; rather, I want to be wide awake because of four reasons.

First is that, I am very excited to watch the 26th Marian Song Festival, in celebration of Mama Mary’s birthday on September 8, at the CAP Auditorium at 7pm. This is going to be my first time to watch it. I'm filled with excitement and joy because I really believe in the Holy Virgin as intercessor for us all. I have experienced her presence, her love in the sad and happy experiences I have been through all these years.

In a meeting two weeks ago in preparation for the upcoming event, I was amazed at how strong the faith of the organizers of Mama Mary’s intercession on this festival. I have observed other festivals like Cebu Pop and Hunino where production of CDs are done a month or two ahead and finalization of entries happen, way before the recording. But as far as the 26th Marian Song Festival is concerned, recording was set last September 1, a week before the actual event. But organizers are confident everything will be in order, because never has Mama Mary let them down. I had the chance to listen to the songs included in the 25th edition, and these are really good, inspiring, powerful songs of praise. Maybe this year’s edition will be more heartfelt because majority of the songs are in Cebuano, so we can all surely fathom the meaning of the lyrics, not to mention this will be more relatable.

So let us support this event and sing praises to Mama Mary, our mother, our intercessor. Admission is free on September 8, at 7pm, at the CAP Auditorium. The CD will be for sale at the venue. This is a contest, but also a special tribute to our Mother.

Now the second reason why I want to be wide awake this September is the upcoming movie of one of my favourite young actresses of this generation, Maja Salvador. I’m referring to the independent movie Thelma, directed by Paul Soriano with Maja as co-producer and in the lead role. From what I’ve understood based on it’s movie trailer, this is a story of a girl who followed her dream of winning running competitions and eventually finish college through it but her parents were initially against it. Yet, she persisted until she eventually emerged victorious. Her triumph did not only benefit her but her family as well, especially when her younger sister was stricken with a serious ailment and they had no money for the hospital bill and medication.

I have three reasons why I’m excited with this Star Cinema movie. First, this is a story that focuses on the running mania that hit the Philippines for two years now. Maja trained with former Olympian Elma Muros who is also part of this movie. For sure, beginners like me can learn a lot from this movie about running. Second, this is an inspiring story about love, faith, running after our dreams and emerging victorious despite the odds that block our track.

I always have a soft spot for stories like this and I am sure everybody can relate to this and be inspired too. Third, Maja is dear to me because I’ve seen the real her off-cam in the not so distant past when she was still starting and was a frequent guest of Gaisano Main, Country Mall, and Balamban Town Center courtesy of Mommy Rose. I cannot forget how good she was at eating kinamot in Lighthouse Restaurant in Mango Avenue.

And I cannot forget that time when she was invited by ABS-CBN, she called up our newsroom and looked for me. And when I was finally on the phone, she was giggling on the other end and kidded she wanted to talk to "Boy Abunda of Cebu." She invited me to have lunch with her and did not take no for an answer. Maja is a very sweet girl and has a very strong faith in God.

There was also that time we went to the Basilica del Sto. Niño before proceeding to Balamban for her mall show. It was there, upon seeing the image of the Holy Child that she related to me how God always heal her, comfort her and love her especially when she is exhausted from long hours of taping. She is a very good girl. Watching her now become a fine young actress is not a surprise to me. She already had that acting prowess in the beginning and she has a very strong faith in God. Talent and faith are lethal combination for success. I don't believe all the intrigues thrown at her.For me, even if it has been years since we've last seen each other, she is still my Baby Maja—sweet, passionate, humble, God-fearing.

The third and fourth reason has something to do with my being me: Happy and proudly gay. I'm referring to the upcoming Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sao Paolo, Brazil on September 12 (live telecast by ABS-CBN at 9am on September 13). Our very own Shamcey Supsup is getting very good reviews from pageant critics and fanatics and is currently leading the online voting at www.missuniverse.com. I was never a fan of the idea of sending our bets to Colombia for rigid training over the past years, but this year I must say I like Shamcey’s transformation. She is more beautiful and confident now. Go, go Shamcey!

Finally, I’m excited for the Miss Philippines-World 2011 on September 18, which will be telecast live by GMA-7 at 10pm. I’m rooting for Cebuana Rogelie Catacutan because of the four women who screened in Cebu and are now competing in the pre-pageant activities, she was the only one whom I’ve personally met when she was adjudged Aliwan Festival Queen 2011 last April. I like her. For me, she is the next Anna Maris Igpit, beauty and attitude-wise. So, go RC!

Wait, I forgot to mention that September is Broadcaster’s Month and Press Freedom Week in Cebu. Therefore I say, the more that I want to be wide awake this entire month. Definitely, the song I mentioned above is not my soundtrack this month!