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Joey Lina sings for a cause

02/12/2009

Some people may wonder: Why does Joey Lina, former senator, provincial governor, Metro Manila governor and Cabinet secretary, sing? The question becomes even more relevant in line with the recent launch of his first CD lite at the Roma Salon of Manila Hotel.

“I used to sing just for fun and to accommodate requests of friends and constituents,” said lawyer Jose Lina Jr., current president of the Manila Hotel.

Lawyer Lina discovered his God-given gift when he became president of the Manila Hotel. Although he was a member of the Glee Club at the University of Santo Tomas (Faculty of Arts and Letters) while in college, it was short-lived because membership required an additional expense on his part. Years after, with all his credentials and accomplishments, the organizer of Aliw Awards, Beth Tagle, frequently requested him to be a presenter. This role, however, required him to stay so late at night since the awarding part was always in the end. So he would always ask Ms. Tagle to not make him present an award anymore. He said he would rather sing. Finally, after three Aliw Awards, he was made to sing. This paved the way for him, together with Gen. Angelo Reyes and Secretary Bayani Fernando, to organize and perform in fund-raising concerts, which were mostly held at the Fiesta Pavilion of the historic hotel. Since then, the running joke is that lawyer Lina is frequently asked to be part of the “package deal” for entertainment during important occasions and celebrations.

“Manila Hotel was an instrument for me to be able to recognize that my gift of singing could be a great source to make a difference and create a positive change in people’s lives. I do not consider myself a professional entertainer. I sing to thank God who has given me the ability and the joy to sing. I sing for a cause, for my various advocacies. This paved the way for the realization of my very first inspirational CD lite, which will benefit the Bayanihang Pilipino,” said lawyer Lina.

Said beneficiary of the compilation is a non-governmental organization, which advocates values formation, spiritual growth, financial literacy and livelihood education. Specifically, Bayanihang Pilipino has formed Bayanihan Centers (BC) with coordinators and facilitators who oversee the development of systems and policies on savings and livelihood undertakings. Further, values education is given during weekly meetings with emphasis on relationship-building, increase of trust and confidence and financial stewardship. On savings mobilization, BC members are encouraged to pledge equal amounts on a regular basis wherein savings are pooled in a group bank account. Members may apply for loan after six months for income-generating activities. Finally, regular coaching and monitoring sessions are held during weekly meetings to monitor performance. The programs of Bayanihang Pilipino may be integrated with other programs through the BCs for a wider scope of development.

Classical and contemporary songs comprise the CD lite, which will surely move everyone’s heart and soul. It is a collection of seven songs representing the former senator’s dreams and aspirations for God and country. The cuts are mostly covers of lawyer Lina’s favorite uplifting songs. Be reminded of God’s unwavering promise of hope with the tune of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Be encouraged with God’s limitless possibilities with the “Impossible Dream.” “The Prayer,” which is especially sang by his entire family, demonstrates the power of prayer to achieve our goals in life.

Standouts in the Original Pilipino Music suite are such gems as “Kung Nasaan Ka Man,” “Hanggang” and “Dakilang Lahi.”

A common thread – love of country, pride in being Filipino – binds the songs together. Lawyer Lina is particularly awed by the message of “Dakilang Lahi,” a composition by former Sen. Tito Sotto, which also serves as his paean to the motherland.

The two other OPM selections, “Hanggang” and “Kung Nasaan Ka Man,” go beyond their romantic overtures as lawyer Lina croons them as his personal tribute to overseas Filipino workers, hailed as modern heroes.

On the album’s liner notes, lawyer Lina, singing from the heart, writes: “Sa harap ng mga pagsubok at mga suliranin bilang isang bayan, alalahanin natin na tayo ay may isang dakilang kasaysayan at dakilang lahi.”

While serving as president of the Manila Hotel, lawyer Lina’s quest to motivate people through his music still remains. Similar to his own story and his newly-launched compilation, the institution where he now belongs is also full of rich, moving chronicles of the country’s past. Indeed, Manila Hotel continues to be a national landmark and a heritage preserved whose worth can be measured not only by belonging to one of the world’s best hotels, but also by leaving a distinct mark in Philippine history.