What they miss in the Canseco tribute

Recordwise, the two-disc set seems like the complete tribute. Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan, the album dedicated to the memory of the late composer George Canseco has the biggest stars and 25 of his best works. Of course, label constraints kept Pilita Corrales, the artist responsible for his first big seller Kapantay ay Langit, from being in the line-up. She has already recorded most of the Canseco compositions! But then, the other singers most identified with his songs like Sharon Cuneta and Basil Valdez are present.

For many of his admirers though, not having Pilita is not the only oversight. Some of their favorite songs are not included. And these are plenty! Those that they said should have been in the line-up are Kailangan Kita, Forbidden, Loving You, Paano Bang Mangarap, Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo, Bulaklak, My Song, Lupa, High School Life, Sinasamba Kita, P.S. I Love You, Kastilyong Buhangin, Kailan Sasabihing Mahal Kita?, Kutob, Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon, Muling Buksan ang Puso, Ako ang Nasawi Ako ang Nagwagi, Huwag, Pagputi ng Uwak Pag-itim ng Tagak, Saan Ako Nagkamali, Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan, Patatawarin Ba Kita, Bakit Mahal Kita, Babaeng Makasalanan, Wakas, etc. etc.

But on the other hand, the man had at least 300 recorded compositions. And that number does not include those he relegated to the songwriter’s proverbial baul for being inferior to the others or some other reason. Was Maria Leonora Teresa one of those? So getting all those works including the suitable artists in one package would definitely be a major undertaking. At the very least, you need a million pesos or two to start production and after that a nicely boxed set of CDs to put them in. When the package finally makes it to the stores, it will cost the Canseco fan 2,000 bucks or more to buy one.

Now, there is time aplenty in this kind of situation. Work can be started anytime and more tribute albums with the missing songs can certainly be put together in the future. But for the moment, I recommend that we enjoy what is available. And what we have now in Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan is certainly an album made up of classic performances by our finest artists and notable interpretations by the younger batch of talents. I am proud to say that they all do justice to some of Canseco’s greatest songs.

Ako ay Pilipino and Dear Heart by Sharon Cuneta, Buksan and Ama by Basil Valdez, Dito Ba? by Nora Aunor, Saan Darating ang Umaga by Rico Puno, Ikaw by Regine Velasquez, Salamin ng Buhay by Eugene Villaluz, Langis at Tubig by Jun Polistico, Kapantay ay Langit by Rachelle Ann Go, Ngayon by Jose Llana, Rain by Donna Cruz, Ngayon at Kailan Man by Mark Bautista and Hiram by Reema Lucida.

The title track Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan by Sarah Geronimo, Sana by Kuh Ledesma, Paano by Pops Fernandez, Magkasuyo Buong Gabi by Jun Polistico and Ella May Saison, Hindi Ko Sinadya by Lani Misalucha, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan by Vina Morales, Imortal by Richard Reynoso, Kahapon Lamang by Lloyd Umali, My Only Love by Jason Velasquez, Friends by Angelie May Flores and Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan by Raymond Manalo.

Ryan Cayabyab, who incidentally, is another great composer, has a very attractive suggestion. "Wouldn’t it be great to populate Hong Kong Disneyland with all Pinoy singers, dancers and character performers?" I answer a resounding yes. Those who have been to any of the Disneyland parks certainly know what Ryan is talking about. The famous Disney characters are presented in parades or special shows all over these parks several times a day. Not only that, to the delight of the children present, they also go around greeting visitors.

Hong Kong Disneyland is set to open later this year and the organizers have set their sights on talented Filipinos to take on some of those character roles. Think of becoming the buck-toothed twins Chip and Dale. In partnership with the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts, representatives from Walt Disney Entertainment Talent Casting are now holding auditions here and those interested should brush up on their talents and be ready for this opportunity.

For schedules and requirements, call Leo Dipasupil at 632-3769 or visit www.smfpa.com. To those chosen this can mean not only a good well-paying job in Hong Kong but also the start of bigger things. Remember some members of the Backstreet Boys were Disney performers before they hit the big time.