From Kuh, with love

On Nov. 19, 2004, George Canseco succumbed to cancer. Last Nov. 19, some of OPM’s biggest names led by Kuh Ledesma gathered to pay tribute to the late composer in Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan.

If for the sheer star value of the names alone, Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan was a winner of a concert even before the first song had been sung. Imagine gathering on stage Kuh, Basil Valdez, Christian Bautista, Pilita Corrales, Dulce, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Martin Nievera, all of whom not only agreed to perform at the concert, they even donated part of their talent fees to charity.

It was obvious that Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan was not just a well-staged tribute, but also a well-thought out one – aside from the performances themselves (many of which were done by the original artists that popularized the songs), there were many little touches here and there that made it a truly special evening. For one thing, there were the video clips featuring OPM artists whose lives and careers Canseco had touched, including Sharon Cuneta, whose very first song, Dear Heart, was written by the late composer.

But of course, the musical performances were the most-awaited portions of the night. They got off to an excellent start when Kuh sang Dito Ba and Bulaklak, written for her by Canseco. Kuh was also responsible for the overall concept and direction of the show.

The highlights of the show were Canseco hits, like Basil’s medley of Ngayon at Kailanman, Kastilyong Buhangin and Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan; Kuh and Christian’s Magkasuyo Buong Gabi and Kailangan Kita; Kuh’s Tubig at Langis, where she was backed up by harpist Noelle Cassandra; Kuh and Dulce’s Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo and Paano Kung Wala Ka Na; Zsa Zsa’s Hiram; and Dulce’s signature song, Ako Ang Nagwagi.

The audience had difficulty holding back its tears as Dulce shared her testimony and the story of how, just before his death, she had asked Canseco for permission to change some of the lyrics of the song to better reflect her new-found faith and how God helped her triumph over sin.

Other well-applauded performances were Kuh and Zsa Zsa’s Kahapon Lamang and Saan Ako Nagkamali, Martin Nievera’s Nasaan Ka Man (the last song Canseco wrote before his death) and his duet with Kuh of Ikaw.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the repeat of Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan materializes, if not this year, then next year. Besides, the concert will help advance the cause of OPM, a cause that Canseco dedicated his life to.