Balang araw, hindi na kita guguluhin;
Isang araw, hindi ka na maghihintay, maiinip at
Kailangan ipaalam iyong bawat hakbang,
Malaya ka ng magagawa ang lahat ng kagustuhan ng puso;
Balang araw, lubusan ka rin na liligaya;
Sa makalawa, magiging nakaraan na lang ang lahat,
Isang alaala sa ihip ng hangin, sa huni ng mga ibon;
Isang alaala na lang ako sa buhay mo;
Matatagpuan mo na ang kaligayan,
Na matagal mo ng hinahanap;
Sa makalawa, ikaw ay magiging masaya,
Kahit papaano, minahal kita ng sobra-sobra,
Habang ako'y nandito pa..
Alam mo ba ang Prinsipyo?
Bakit may ilan sa atin
ay Nababayaran? Nabibili?
Ano ba ang Pagmamahal sa Kapuwa?
Ano ba ang pakiramdam
Ng isang nakagawa ng
Makakabenepisyo
Sa mas maraming tao
Kahit Isinakripisyo niya ang
kaniyang sarili
Maski ang kapakan ng
kaniyang mga Mahal sa Buhay?
Sino ba ang kailangan na
Kumapit sa Patalim?
Magsisindi ba tayo ng
isang Kandila?
Mananatili ba tayong naglalakad
Ng paliku-liko sa Dilim?
Umunlad sana tayong lahat
Na walang maski isa sa atin ay
Maapakan para lamang
Umangat ang iba.
Hindi ba,
Inawit pa ni Lolita,
Sa kabila ng lahat
Umibig,
Mangarap,
Umasa!
This past week I was watching "Wowowee," a variety show in the Philippines via The Filipino Channel (TFC). The show gives away handsome amounts of monetary prizes to contestants, for the most part picked out of thousands, simply by being part of the show, revealing their personal story, performing a "talent" (almost always singing or dancing), going through trivia questions, and selecting random items which may or may not reveal huge sums of cash. One of the only parts which appear to have some control (personal discretion) on the amount of cash rewards a contestant may get is the amount which the main host, Willy Revillame give to the contestants upon hearing their background story (mostly related on how they got on the show) but quite often, most dependent (how much money they'll get) or based on their socio-economic background and other personal set of circumstances.
A deeply touching story, of a woman who eloped at 13, to escape a poverty-laiden life which included living under a bridge (because she didn't want to be a burden of living with her aunt), her mother was jailed she claimed as a result of being wrongly accused, had children but their father (her husband) left, and later she lived to be with another man who had children of his own. The man she's now with, appeared to be a decent man with quiet,kind eyes, and the woman felt terribly sorry that her new man had to dig through garbage simply to earn a living.
Fighting tears, the woman had the strength to thank her new man for always being there for her, being patient, doing something for a living (even though with previous limited experience in such line of work), and taking the initiative to do things around the house. She dedicated a simplistic, yet incredibly meaningful rendition of Wency Cornejo's "Hanggang." In spite of it all, they have such a powerful love for each other. At least they have each other... ~ Marck Salamatin
Original rendition: Wency Cornejo Composed by: Roni & Gigi Cordero.
Lyrics:
Ilang ulit mo bang, itinatanong sakin kung hanggang saan,hanggang saan, hanggang kailan, hanggang kailan mag tatagal, ang aking pag mamahal,
hanggang may himig pa akong naririnig, dito sa aking daig-dig hanggang may musika akong tinataglay, ika'y iniibig giliw wag mo sanang isiping ikaw ay aking lilisanin, di ko magagawang lumayo sayong piling at nais kong malaman mo kung gaano kita kamahal
hanggang ang diwa ko'y tanging sayo laan mamahalin kailanman hanggang pag ibig ko'y hanggang walang hanggan tanging ikaw lamang
hanggang may himig pa akong naririnig dito sa aking daig-dig hanggang may musika akong tinataglay ika'y iniibig giliw wag mo sanang isiping ikaw ay aking lilisanin di ko magagawang lumayo sayong piling at nais kong malaman mo kung gaano kita kamahal
hanggang may puso akong marunong mag mahal na ang sinisigaw ay lagi ng ikaw hanggang saan hanggang kailan hanggang kailan kita mahal hanggang ang buhay ko'y kunin ng may kapal
giliw wag mo sanang isipin ikaw ay aking lilisanin di ko magagawang lumayo sayong piling hanggang may pag ibig laging isisigaw, tanging ikaw hanggang may pag ibig laging isisigaw, tanging ikaw
Original version by: Ted Ito Tagalog Lyrics by: Vehnee Saturno Video uploaded in youtube by: itchelielie
Lyrics:
If things aren't going your way today, Don't be impatient because that's the way life in this world Don't lose hope Happiness will come soon Just keep in mind that there's still tomorrow And happiness awaits Failure is not a hindrance that you have to shy away from Don't evade it when you fail Instead you must stick to the fight What you need is inner strength When confronted with adversities The light won't take too long To be seen again The world turning is not all about heartbreak and failure Your dreams will be achieved You only have to wait...
Album: "Kalayaan: Bandaang Taong Pag-Gunita" Released: Dypro Records/Dyna Music (1998) Composed by: Becky Demetillo Abraham & Karina Constantino David
Titser genius ka kaya? Bukod sa lesson plan may tesis pang ginagawa. Lagari sa tahanan, kayod sa eskwela; Wonder Woman ka ngunit wala namang laya.
Titser ito bay himala? Sa kay raming campus lagi kang nakikita; nalilibot ang u-belt sa buong umaga; Itoy di hiwaga nagmo-moonlight ka lang pala.
Titser, iyan nga bay tama? Kakaunti ang kita at may take-home work ka pa. Sa hirap ng buhay, ikay part-time na tindera ng mga PX goods, panty, bra, longganisa.
Titser gumising na tayo. Tayoy ginawang tagabura ng boto. Tagabenta ng ticket, tagahalo ng kalburo, Nagsayaw pa sa airport ng wala namang sweldo.
Titser, kumilos na tayo Ang edukasyon ay hindi gawang biro Huwag nang magpaloko at magsawalang-kibo Tayoy kalahok sa pambansang pagbabago.
Last week, I was in the Philippines to be with my fiancee. I had the time of my life as every moment was dedicated in spending it with her.
However, it was not lost with my eyes, the poverty which still permeates among the mass of hard working citizens. I could not believe the sharp contrast between the middle and upper classes and those who were just at, or below the poverty line. Men, women, and children with ragged clothes cross the street filled with luxurious vehicles. A few times, I was asked by children who were asking for spare change. I did my best to give more, not with just the amount of money I shared, but advice that they should study hard to have a brighter future. To my disappointment, almost all children replied that they are not in school because they could not afford it. It made me wonder because I assumed that public education was free (as they are here in Canada until the last year of high school). I was later corrected that this was not the case (there is a nominal fee, but a fee nonetheless).
If there's anything that would help the country's poorest to escape their dire social situation, education is the key. One way or another, I hope that the government and the private sector can find ways to invest in the country's growth via a more affordable educational system. The return would be a stronger workforce in the future which is both good at a personal level for those who'll have a better earning potential and as a whole, better for the Philippine economy. ~ Marck Salamatin
Album: "Kami nAPO Muna Ulit (tribute to APO HIKING SOCIETY)" Released: Universal Records (2007) Composed by: Jim Paredes Produced by: Dicta License and Angee Rozul Recorded at: Tracks Recording Studio Engineered & MIxed by: Angee Rozul
As originally published in the Pilipino Express News Magazine, Winnipeg, Canada, August 16 to 31, 2006 issue.
The other day, when I was doing my daily rounds of reading editorial columns from online publications here and abroad, I came across an article by Inq7.net’s Jose Ma. Montelibano column, “An Emerging Nobility.” In it he mentions the “radical trend” of many Filipinos today towards social programs aimed at alleviating the difficult living conditions of those who are marginalized in the Philippines. In his own words, he states, “The appeal to those who have a little more to help those who have little or none, has been spreading like it never had before among Filipinos, including those living abroad.” He praises many young Filipinos from “premier colleges and universities” such as Mr. Eric Pasion, a law student at University of the Philippines (UP) for taking leadership roles. According to Mr. Montelibano, Mr. Pasion wrote him a letter, which the aforementioned described as “a cry from the soul of a privileged one for the less privileged.” Mr. Pasion’s message was clear - "not to dream only for ourselves.” Such few words do echo “an appeal” for those who have already reached greener pastures or have a greater probability to get there.
I could not help but search for Mr. Pasion’s article on the Internet. Luckily enough, I did not have to scour through too many websites before I found the blog in which he is a contributing writer. If you would like to read the entire article (and fine works by others), please visit http://bayaningisko.blogspot.com, aptly titled “Bayaning Isko: UP Gawad Kalinga. Students from the University of the Philippines share their experiences, insights and colorful stories on Nation-Building.” In this column, however, I’d like to share the excerpts (highlights are mine) which I think can serve as an inspiration for all of us:
"On my watch, it is 4:30 am of August 5, 2006. For thousands of young high school students, it is but 2 hours away from their taking of the UP College Admission Test or UPCAT. Today would mark a very important day for them as the results of the test they will take will either make or break their dreams of entering the esteemed University of the Philippines. To countless students from all over the country, this is their chance to make it big…
Perhaps just like me, these young students dream of becoming the best in their profession, or the best in their field. Perhaps just like me, they want to create a name for themselves so that when they go out of UP, they will have a better life, an easier life. Perhaps just like me, they have a dream for themselves of becoming somebody. Having studied in the University of the Philippines for 4 years now, having taken my undergraduate course of Psychology in UP Diliman, and now taking up my bachelors degree at the UP College of Law, I've come to realize that what actually matters is what I do with my UP Education. In order to be somebody, I would have to make the most out of my UP Education…
The tuition in UP is not cheap because it does not only take one or two parents to support one student, but it takes hundreds, if not thousands more. The only reason we are able to study in UP is because the Filipino people have a dream that the student they put to school will give something back, perhaps not to them directly, but to other Filipinos. They have a dream that their lives will get better because there are students who can make them better. They have a dream that their quality of life will improve because of the quality of students that the University produces. This is a collective dream…
As a UP student, I cannot only dream for myself but I have to dream for others as well. I cannot aspire to be the best without aspiring for other Filipinos to be the best. I cannot want to be well-off without wanting other Filipinos to be well-off. I am the product of the sacrifice of countless of Filipinos that the things that I want cannot only be for myself alone. I owe who I have become to the education that I have received from the University of the Philippines, an education that was given to me by the Filipino people."
It is quite possible that many of us can relate to the essence of Mr. Pasion’s letter. When opportunity was available for us to develop through education, we did our best to pursuit it. Our motivating force was likely a chance to “become somebody.” As a matter of fact, many did become very successful. While some may not have gone to the best colleges or universities, they have found ways to still create a “better and easier life” for themselves. Certainly, we can’t forget those who may not have received a single diploma or degree but still managed to overcome life’s challenges through self-perseverance.
At the same time, we are very much aware of the realities which our loved ones have to frequently face in our former home. For many of us, we have been there and experienced them first-hand. On a greater scale, a part of us still hurts knowing the sufferings they experience are not because they don’t have the ability to improve themselves. Rather, their plight is caused by a system which forces them to succumb to become a part of society’s lowest strata. An integral part of this system, as Mr. Montelibano contends, failed them:
"The elemental purpose of education is to add knowledge and skills, including the proper use of the English language among others. Yet, the products of an educational system, which shone around Asia as the most proficient in English, oversaw the degradation of a whole culture and value system. Today, poverty has deepened like no other time, reflecting the awesome superiority of exploitation over human concern and social justice. And today, as well, the corruption of a nation has become a gaudy headgear that is noticed by the whole world.
The products of what is deemed as a superior educational environment became the generations that ushered an abundant and Christian nation into one impoverished and highly immoral. Superior education abdicated its higher purpose, trading it for flashy forms and rotten substance. Those who did not engage in the commission of wrong did little to stop it, or simply ran away."
Fortunately, we have many reasons to remain optimistic. We can choose NOT to run away. We can choose to make the most of what we have to make the lives of others better. We are part of a new wave of thinking, like Mr. Pasion and others, who will utilize our success because of our education and life experiences to take on “a higher purpose.”
As published in The Pilipino Express News Magazine, December 1 to 15, 2008 issue, Winnipeg, Canada
By: MARCK SALAMATIN
Since the phenomenal rise of boxer Manny Pacquiao to global stardom his life has been put under a microscope. He has been praised by supporters and criticized by detractors. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that many people view what has been documented about Manny Pacquiao as a microcosm of the ideal Filipino spirit – his dedication to hard work in perfecting his craft, his sense of family and community, and his sense of humility and compassion.
In a recent interview with Jeremy Schaap of ESPN’s E60, Pacquiao stated, “Before (the 2003 fight with Marco Antonio Barrera), I only trained for one month… it’s not enough. My name is getting bigger in the United States... I have to prove to show them that I’m the best fighter.” In fact, long-time trainer Freddie Roach who has guided many world champions (such as Mike Tyson, James Toney, Bernard Hopkins, and others) considers Pacquiao’s work ethic as the best he has worked with.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao has always remained close to his roots, his sense of family and community. In a profile on HBO’s 24/7 series leading up to his fight with Dela Hoya this month, there was a touching scene where he enjoys a proud moment with his wife, Jinky. Together they were listening to heartbeat of their unborn child.
He still lives in Mindanao where there is a high risk of rebel insurgents, although, it has been revealed that he maintains a security force of thirty men and more than a hundred M16’s at his residence.
Pacquiao’s charitable works are evident all over the country. He has donated money to hospitals, educational programs and has helped to raise funds for victims of natural disasters. He has even personally distributed food and other items to the poor. In 2005, Pacquiao apparently gave away 35 truckloads of rice with canned goods, eggs and noodles in the Philippines.
While training for his upcoming fight against Oscar Dela Hoya in the United States, Pacquiao gave away 500 turkeys in historic Filipino Town in Los Angeles.
According to Fightnews, he said, “I have a lot to be thankful for and I can’t think of a better way to express my appreciation to my American-based fans who have embraced me, than by sharing my good fortune with them.”
Pacquiao’s success does not seem to have changed the humble man who at one time was selling doughnuts in the streets of General Santos City. In many of his fights, he has sounded more like an diplomat than a warrior; praising his defeated opponents more often than not. This past June, millions witnessed how Pacquiao immediately made an effort to encourage his fallen rival, David Diaz, off the mat.
On the other hand, there have been some criticisms of Pacquiao. Some bloggers have demanded that he should set up a more formal charitable foundation to have a better systemic process of “sharing his blessings.”
Many did not welcome his initial foray into politics, either. Even former boxing rival, now good friend, Eric Morales was quoted in an article by Nick Giongco of the Manila Bulletin saying, “You can provide more help to the people when you are on the outside.”
In a 2006 online commentary, Manny Pacquiao is a boxing icon – Should he be more? Charrisse Domingo wrote, “Philippine politics has corrupted the best-intentioned people and I would hate for Manny’s fighting spirit to be claimed in the name of more McDonalds, Starbucks and golf courses in the Philippines. So as a nation holds its breath waiting for Manny to answer its political invitation, I hold mine too, hoping to God he says no.”
Despite the criticisms hurled at Manny Pacquiao, his life provides an excellent glimpse into the ideal Filipino spirit. While I personally find it challenging to consider him a national hero, he is a great Filipino – an ambassador of our people to others around the world. Who are we to judge the amount that he’d like to donate towards his charitable works? Would we do the same if we were in his position? Why should we criticize an individual who seems to have the best intention of his countrymen in mind?
Perhaps, the biggest lesson that we can learn from Pacquiao’s journey is just to be ourselves. Let’s continue to work hard and be resilient. Let’s always remember and cherish our roots, which are our family, our countrymen, and former home, the Philippines. As much as the situation allows it, humility and compassion in dealing with others goes a long way.
As published in the August 16 to 31, 2009 issue of the Pilipino Express News Magazine, Winnipeg, Canada
by: MARCK SALAMATIN
Finally, after sixteen blessed years of living in Winnipeg, I decided to cross the great Pacific Ocean last February to return to the home I “left behind.”
However, I can say that I simply left the Philippines physically; since my passion for the country and our people has always remained wherever I have gone. My stay, just a mere ten days, many would consider as too brief for the length of time I have been away. From my personal point of view, such is the furthest from the truth. I don’t think additional weeks or months would have given me the perspective that I now have following my return. For this, I am truly grateful.
My goodness, what a beautiful country and people we have! During our trip, we were treated to some of the best places in the Southern Tagalog region. Los Baños, Laguna, our hometown, boasts some of the best hot spring resorts in the country. There’s also the magnificence of Mount Maria Makiling. Our relatives also took us on road trips to tour many spots in the provinces of Laguna, Batangas and Cavite (my father’s home province).
We also went to the “mega malls” in Metro Manila – the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City where many of the artistas apparently shop and the famous Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The place is huge! I looked it up on the web: Mall of Asia’s maximum capacity is 4.2 million!
Another highlight was the exhilarating experience of “flying” via the Tagaytay Ridge Zipline (overlooking the Taal Volcano), going from one cliff over to the other at the speed of 60 kilometres per hour, 300 feet off the ground!
Beyond the sights and sounds, I was incredibly proud of how our countrymen and women were working hard in each of their roles contributing towards the independent functioning of the nation. Some may argue how truly “independent” the Philippines is given the nation’s dependence on foreign trade and other social and economic forces, but this is beside my point. The Philippines, for better or worse, is a self-governing nation. As such, there should be a sense of pride after all we have gone through in our history.
There were some things that I will truly never forget because they touched me at a personal level. Despite of the vibrancy that places and people of the nation exude, I must write about the stark realities that our friends and families living there are still experiencing on a daily basis. It is not my intent to tarnish the beauty of the country but to remind us that there are still those left behind who may not even have the luxury to realize they are dwelling in a great country because they cannot afford to look beyond their next meal. It broke my heart to see a family of four – a mother and three young children – with their legs bent, sitting on the sidewalk at ten o’clock at night, just half a kilometre from the luxurious Trinoma Shopping Centre. Were they hungry? Did they sell enough cigarettes or candies to at least go to bed without their stomachs grumbling? What could the mother be possibly telling her children before they settle for that night? That tomorrow would be better day? Did she tell her children never to lose hope?
In Los Baños, Laguna, I met a beautiful, young girl, no more than twelve years old. She asked me, “Kuya, bili na po kayo ng sampaguita, sampung piso lang.” (“Would you please buy sampaguita flowers, they’re only 10 pesos.”) Beyond her tender stature, her eyes expressed a fierce determination to take the responsibility of an income earner in their family. Did she still play with her dolls at home? After all, she’s just a child.
You and I know that life is unfair. Given the right opportunity, I believe those who are willing to make the sacrifices, can maximize their potentials. Sometimes, the unlikeliest of the unlikely make it because something or someone along the way has paved the path for them to make it. As a matter of fact, you may know some of them. They may be in your family or you may be one of them. We live in Canada, one of the best countries in the world. We have made it. There are those barely making it. Many are still left behind.
As published in The Pilipino Express News Magazine, January 1 to 15, 2010 issue, Winnipeg, Canada
BY: MARCK SALAMATIN
WINNIPEG – The 22nd Awit Awards held on December 7th had a taste of some of Winnipeg’s Filipino-Canadian talents when Chris De Guzman, a.k.a. Zacariah, won Awit’s People’s Choice Favourite Male Recording Artist and People’s Choice Best New Male Recording Artist.
The Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) established the annual Awit Awards in the late 1970s to honour their peers who excel in their respective fields – Filipino music talents, performing artists and producers. It is the Philippine counterpart of the Canadian Juno awards and the American Grammy Awards.
Zacariah was born and raised in Winnipeg and is a graduate of the University of Manitoba. He is now making waves in the Philippine music entertainment industry.
It was only last year when we invited Chris “Zacariah” De Guzman as a featured artist on our monthly radio program, PSN Community Connect. My co-hosts, Ayen Dandan-Zamora, Michele Majul, Maui Zamora and I were thrilled that we were getting to know for the very first time a promising Filipino-Canadian musician with roots firmly planted in our beloved city of Winnipeg.
Even before he set foot in the studios of CKJS 810 AM for the live on-air interview, his loyal friends and family already had our phone lines lighting up – “What time was Chris’ interview going to start?” “Was he already in the studio?” “Was it possible that we play one of his songs?” Our lines got tied up several times but the calls kept coming. The excitement kept building. We knew we wouldn’t be able to field all the calls and it was best if we let Chris take control of the microphone to satisfy the thirst of his supporters – and he sure did!
Fast forward to 2009 and Chris De Guzman has evolved into “Zacariah” one of the most exciting musical acts today on the Philippine music scene. After winning the People’s Choice Favourite Male Recording Artist and People’s Choice Best New Male Recording Artist at the 22nd Awit Awards on December 7, he is certainly poised for a breakout year in 2010. His singles are playing all around the globe on radio and TV stations. For the past few weeks, you may have also noticed our own local and national Canadian media have extensively covered his achievements. He has a good chance to become a Filipino powerhouse in the international music scene with the likes of Allen Pineda (apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas), Arnel Pineda (lead singer of Journey), Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco and Billy Crawford, among others.
Last October, I had an opportunity to sit down with Zacariah for coffee in the upper levels of the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. I didn’t think I’d be able to touch base with him especially with his busy schedule. At the same time, the logistics were challenging as I was in a resort town in Laguna about three hours south of Metro Manila. I was blown away that Zacariah made the coffee meeting happen. On the one day my fiancée Kate and I were in Quezon City, he sent me a text message that he’d like to join us immediately after his vocal lessons with Ryan Cayabyab.
A very honest and grateful Zacariah, talked about how much life has changed for the better since pursuing his dream of being an entertainer. He sorely missed Winnipeg, especially family and friends and everything that made life on this side of the world so special for him. He also did not hold back on a few things that could be better in show business. He understood, like a veteran performer, what he needed to do to be successful on his own terms, which was to put in “lots and lots of hard work.” I came away from the meeting very impressed by Zacariah’s down-to-earth personality more than anything else. We almost forgot that he was on the verge of stardom!
We talked with Zacariah again via e-mail e-mail after his recent Awit Award wins. Here is that interview.
For those who may not know you yet, how did you get started in your singing career?
I’ve been singing ever since I can remember, actually. Music has always been in my household and within our family. My parents [Gil and Marisa De Guzman] are both singers and they met through singing. I remember as a child, I always loved to sing and dreamed of becoming a famous singer. It was not until I tried out and did well in local and national singing contests like Canadian Idol that I took singing seriously and became passionate about it.
What are some of the biggest changes in your life since making the move to Manila?
Some of the biggest changes in my life since making the move to Manila are the traffic and huge crowds of people everywhere. Also, I had to adjust to the heat all year round, which is quite nice most of the time! I also had to adjust to the different dialects people speak, since I’m only fluent in Tagalog.
What is your favourite food?
Oh man! I love food! I eat almost anything! I have a sweet tooth so I love cakes and ice cream! I’m undefeatable at buffets!
What is your zodiac sign?
I’m a Libra. Libras tend to be hard working, perfectionists, and overachievers. I’m also a nice person (sometimes too nice), which is also characteristic of the Libra zodiac sign.
Have you ever been in love?
Yes, I have been in love a few times in my life. Love is a great thing and words cannot describe how good it feels to be in love. Love can make you do some crazy things and can take over your life if you’re not careful. I decided to put my love life on the backburner to focus all my attention on my showbiz career. It’s hard to balance both.
What books are you reading now?
To tell you the truth, I do not like to read books, unless I really have to for school or something. I enjoy reading magazines and articles on the Internet. A book I recently purchased is about motivation, success, and happiness.
What motivates you to work hard every day in your career?
No matter how talented you are, there’s always room for improvement. I strive to be the best I can be despite being under various conditions I’m exposed to. There will always be someone better than you at something, but you’ve got to make the most of what you got. “Do your best and God will do the rest,” and “Good enough is not good enough.” These quotes motivate me to succeed and shoot for the stars. Taking a break from Optometry school to pursue my passion of singing constantly reminds me to work hard everyday. I risked leaving a medical career that would be secure for a lifetime for a career that usually doesn’t last forever.
You’ve almost been everywhere in the world, where does Winnipeg lie in your heart?
Winnipeg will always be home for me and will have a special place in my heart. There’s no place like home, no matter how cold Winnipeg can get. Most of my family and friends are in Winnipeg and I was born and raised in Winnipeg so I keep running back to Winnipeg. I’ve been all over the world, and I can honestly say that Winnipeg is such a close-knit community. I would rather live in a smaller major city like Winnipeg than a huge major city like Toronto. Everyone seems to know everyone in Winnipeg, which is great and keeps me coming back!
What is most important in life?
What’s most important in life is to be happy. Whatever you choose to do with your life, as long as you’re happy with what you’re doing, nothing else really matters. I chose to follow my dream and passion for singing and I do not regret one bit taking the chance, since you never know unless you try. I’ve never been so happy and fulfilled in my life. I accomplished dreams and goals I never imagined I could. Having a great support network and strong faith are very important to me in my life. Without the backbone of support from my family and friends and my faith in God, I don’t know where I’d be right now. You must also believe in yourself at the same time, since if you don’t believe in yourself, then chances are nobody else will. You must live life to your fullest potential to make the most of the talents and gifts God has provided each and every one of us with. Life is too short; so don’t want to live life with regrets and asking, “What if?”
Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, and 20 years from now?
In five years from now, I see myself with a music career in Europe, Canada, and the Philippines, and starting to break through to the U.S. Record Market. I probably will have composed songs of my own by this point and released more albums in the Philippines and abroad. In 10 years from now, I see myself being finished optometry school and practicing optometry, settled down and with children. I also probably would still be doing music part-time, on the side.
In 20 years from now, I see myself thinking about retirement, travelling the world, and enjoying life.
There is definitely something extraordinary about Zacariah. Once a science student at the University of Manitoba who worked at the Canada Revenue Agency, he was one of us – and he still is. He will continue to represent us wherever he will go.
For more about Chris “Zacariah” De Guzman, please visit: www.zacariah.net
