Giving importance to education

MANILA, Philippines - They came from the same singing group, La Salle Greenhills’ famous high school chorale, Kundirana. That’s why when lawyer Adel Tamano declared his senatorial bid, fellow Kundirana member Ogie Alcasid readily offered to help boost the former’s political campaign.

Ogie suggested what he does best — to perform in a benefit dinner concert to raise funds for “Atty. Adel Tamano for Senator Movement.” The event was organized by Adel’s team whose members all work pro-bono to support his candidacy.

“Through my Senate campaign, I’m discovering that so many generous and idealistic people have been giving me their time and resources because they believe in my pro-youth and pro-education advocacies,” declared Adel, the youngest senatorial candidate.

His team of volunteers organized the P10,000-per plate dinner at Manila Polo Club to gather funds for his senate bid. He is in the slate of Nacionalista Party, with Sen. Manny Villar as standard bearer.

“This is my first time to run for public office and without the support and encouragement of my family, friends and volunteers, I would have given up a long time ago,” said Adel. “So if you are sick of traditional politics and are looking for an exciting campaign for new politics based on youth, education, transparency and good governance, then consider joining our team and help bring the voice of the youth to the Philippine Senate.”

Adel obviously has the qualifications of someone who wishes to become a senator. He obtained his master’s degree from the Harvard Law School and served as president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), where he spearheaded education for the masses.

Hence, it is not surprising that Adel also adopted education as one of his advocacies for his senatorial platform, in the hope to translate into reality the hopes, dreams and aspirations of young people who come from the financially strapped sector of society.

Giving importance to education is a legacy from his father, the late Sen. Mamintal Tamano, who influenced Adel to seriously pursue education as it can bring about a lasting change in one’s outlook in life.

Meanwhile, at the benefit dinner for Adel’s candidacy, entertainment, more than politics, became the focus of the event. It turned out that Ogie’s support for Adel also extends to a TV commercial endorsing the good-looking lawyer.

Ogie did not do a full-length concert. Yet, his brief performance was appreciated by the crowd, which came to support Adel’s political campaign.

“I did not think twice about supporting Adel because he is an honest and sincere man,” Ogie said. “I believe he will make a good politician.”

Ogie opened the show with his version of the ‘70s classic hit, Bato sa Buhangin, then followed it with Sana ay Ikaw na Nga, a revival of a Basil Valdez hit. Ogie also rendered his hit composition, Kailangan Kita.

To bring back memories of their Kundirana days, Ogie dished out a memorable original piece, One, penned for the singing group by Cecile Azarcon.

There was a clamor for Adel to sing that’s why he obliged by doing a duet with Ogie in Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang. For his solo number, Adel crooned The Promise.

“If you vote for me, I promise you I will be a good senator,” said Adel before singing his well-applauded solo piece, which fittingly capped the night’s event.