We are all familiar with the name Joey Lina. The man is actually a lot of things. He is a lawyer and political activist, who has within this lifetime already become a senator, provincial governor, Metro Manila governor, cabinet secretary, president of the Manila Hotel and of late has also become a singer. The latter is at times a solo stint but it is more often a group effort with other public figures, Gen. Angelo Reyes and Secretary Bayani Fernando. They do make a formidable trio in the local entertainment circuit.
Recently, Lina launched another solo venture or maybe I should say, musical adventure. We can now add recording artist to his list of accomplishments. This is due to the recent release of his first album, a collection of inspiring ballads that he has titled simply Nagmamahal, Joey Lina.
Like most people who love to sing and who are not doing it for a living, Lina shows good taste in his choice of materials. First the songs are ideal for his voice, a high baritone. Next, in keeping with his reputation for public service, they all evoke feel-good messages that talk about love for God, country and one’s fellowmen. And last but not least, the songs are truly beautiful. They are the sort that nobody minds listening to again and again.
Included in Nagmamahal are You’ll Never Walk Alone by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II from the musical Carousel; Kung Nasaan Ka Man with melody by Louie Ocampo and which also happens to be the last lyric written by the late George Canseco; Dakilang Lahi by Tito Sotto and co-written and originally recorded by balladeer Anthony Castelo.
This is the Moment, the showstopper by Frank Wildhorn from the Broadway hit Jekyll and Hyde; Hanggang by husband and wife team Roni and Gigi Cordero; The Prayer by David Foster and Carol Bayer-Sager from the animated motion picture Quest for Camelot; and then for his finale where he brings in his also singing family to join him, Lina does The Impossible Dream by Mitch Leigh from another classic musical, Man of La Mancha.
Nagmamahal means a lot of things to Lina. Although he used to sing only for fun and to accommodate requests from friends and constituents, here now is the fulfillment of his long-time dream. He is a full-fledged recording artist with his own version of his favorite songs in his very own CD.
Nagmamahal is not only that. It is also his tribute to the Manila Hotel. Lina is at present the president of the Manila Hotel. Fondly referred to as the Grand Dame by the Sea in the old days, the almost a century-old Philippine landmark has not only witnessed Philippine history in the making over the past 100 years but also Lina’s early tentative efforts at performing.
He says, “Manila Hotel is an instrument for me to be able to recognize that my gift of singing could be a great opportunity to make a difference and create a positive change in people’s lives.”
And as for changing people’s lives there is Nagmamahal helping out Joey’s Bayanihang Pilipino. Proceeds from the sale of the CD benefit the Bayanihang Pilipino Foundation.
It is a non-governmental organization which advocates values formation, spiritual growth, financial literacy and livelihood education. This is through bayanihan centers run by coordinators and facilitators who oversee the development of systems and policies on savings and livelihood undertakings.
There are weekly meetings that emphasize relationship building, increase of trust and confidence and financial stewardship. It is during these that regular coaching and monitoring sessions are held to check out how the members are doing with their projects and to discuss their needs.
Saving is also encouraged by the bayanihan through participation in a savings pool where members contribute like amounts on a regular basis. They may then apply for needed cash via loans from this group bank account to finance their income-generating activities.
So get a copy of Nagmamahal. You will get to listen to beautiful songs, find out how Joey Lina sounds on disc and also help the Bayanihan Foundation.