Voices of Gold

As a music student, Raye Lucero started her singing career at 17 when she sang for the Laurel campaign. Carmen Camacho started singing profes-sionally when she was 18. She, together with Raye, was a part of the singing group Tres Rosas. Cely Bautista, a five-week champion of Tawag ng Tanghalan, was dancing at 7 and singing professionally in stage dramas and on the radio at 15. On the whim of the studio executives that they were working for, the three became part of the Mabuhay Singers.

Fast forward to 2008, the Mabuhay Singers are celebrating their 50th anniversary and Raye, Carmen, and Cely are still singing their hearts out as they bring back their favorite tunes and reminisce on their heydays.

The Mabuhay Singers, Raye explains, started when the Lover’s Trio and the Tres Rosas were both at the studio one day and they were asked to sing together. “Testing lang,” she says. The group clicked and went on to become the popular Mabuhay Singers.

“Everything was fun,” Raye shares. “It was an honor to be with great singers.” Audiences around the Philippines also recognized them as great singers as they performed in American bases across the country and even in Japan. They had many performances at hotels such as the Regent (now Heritage) and Manila Garden (now Dusit Thani).

“We performed for presidents at Malacañang,” Carmen recalls. They also appeared on all of the popular shows during that time, hosted by Filipino entertainment icons – Armida Siguion-Reyna, German Moreno, Pilita Corales, and Joe Quirino.

“Tuwang-tuwa sa amin yun (He really liked us),” Cely says of Quirino. “Take it away!” they exclaim in unison, recalling the host’s famous catchphrase.

The three did not expect the popularity they gained as part of the singing group. “We just wanted to give happiness to our audience,” says Carmen.

“We were happy to be accepted to that extent,” Raye adds.

When asked what their favorite song is, they immediately answer, “All of them!” They name some of their favorites: Bulung-bulungan, Halina’t Umawit, and Ang Halik. They were able to perform some of their favorites and all-time Filipino classics in their anniversary concert held at the Philam Life Theater last November, where their repertoire included Aawitan Kita, Maala-ala Mo Kaya, Hating Gabi, and Ako ay Pilipino.

The three original members were joined by Peping de Leon, Eddie Suarez, Marlon Marifosque, and Jimmy Salonga. Organized by Sonia Roco and Noel Lacsamana, the concert was also aired on dwBR. Also part of the production were broadcast engineer Edith Hermano, director Jerry Respeto, Michael Coroza who wrote the script for the event. The concert boasted of a set designed by National Artist Salvador Bernal.

To prepare for the concert, the group went back to practicing as they once did. They worked hard as they learned choreography and practiced the songs they would sing in celebration of 50 years of the Mabuhay Singers.

“Ang sarap palang magbalik-tanaw (It’s nice to reminisce),” Carmen says as they look through old photographs and reminisce on their experiences as part of the group. Through these experiences, they have learned a lot, not only about music. “We learned to adapt to different people,” says Carmen.

They have been through a lot as a group. “It was challenging,” says Cely, recalling that they would get into arguments when someone in the group hit the wrong note. But, through the bond made by their shared love for music, their friendship has lasted through the years.

“It was fun,” says Carmen.

“It is fun,” Raye says.

 Now in their 60’s and 70’s, Raye and Carmen both teach voice and sometimes coach choirs. Cely spends her time doting on her grandchildren. Neither of them have given up their love for music. As they celebrate the Mabuhay Singers’ golden anniversary, they look back on the good times that they have shared, while looking forward to even more days blessed with music.

“Marami pa akong pwedeng mabigay (I still have a lot to give),” Raye says.

From the way their faces light up every time they sing, it is evident that up to now, Raye, Cely, and Carmen still love singing as much as – or maybe, even more than – before.

“The saddest moment will be when we will not be able to sing,” Raye muses.

They can still hit those high notes and nail their harmonies, but the three hope to pass on the music of the Mabuhay Singers to a younger generation.

“We are carrying the name of the Mabuhay Singers,” says Raye. “It is our dream to get the young to continue the name and legacy.”

Cely notes that there are already young singers and dancers that are interested in Filipino culture like those in the Madz (Philippine Madrigal Singers) and the Bayanihan Dance Troupe. She adds, “Hopefully the young will be interested in traditional music. Sana matuto silang magpahalaga sa kultura (I hope they will value our culture).” She stresses the need to appreciate and uphold the original forms of song and dance without having to alter or modernize them.

“Magtiyaga (Persevere),” Cely advises the younger generation. “Itaguyod ang kultura (Uphold our culture).”

“The young should be open to trying different kinds of music,” Raye says, then adds, speaking for the three veteran singers, “Don’t stop learning. Up to now, we are still trying to improve.”