My Remembrance of Quijano de Manila




Well, let me tell you this; there's so many things written or people writing about him: some, too fancy or academical, some really quite a bore. Let me get it straight...He likes Cole Porter, practically anything that is Porter. Right from the first bar, he'll start swinging his hands like a maestro conducting a big band. Now, why do I know that? Well, I should know...I played in front of him many times, and I love the way he asked for his favorite tune...He'll raise one hand to catch your attention, points his finger at you, and will quickly say....."Cole Porter!" Now that is style.... the man simply got it.

I never approached him, and he never came near us. But when he is in the hotel lobby, he would gaze around to find me. Then that great nod. I knew then my evening would be a swing. No! When he's there, I won't start my set with his Porter. No...no. I will wait for him to tell me. He has his rituals. He must have his San Mig first. He must have the right conversation, whoever his companions are. Let the night and the mood rolls first. Then I would know when the right moment comes when his hand is raised and his finger pointing at me. Always that name, always that approached....."Cole Porter!" No other words, no other remarks...nothing, not even a few pesos for a tip. He would leave as he came. Always with that nod. No thank yous no goodbyes... Only that nod.

When I heard the passing of this man who loves Cole Porter, I dedicated one set of my three-set performance at Sulo Hotel only of Porter. My pianist was shocked and was somehow bored. That night I asked a waiter to bring me a bottle of San Mig. To this, he asked me why I changed my drinks. So I told this wondering waiter."No change in glasses! Maybe I just don't want to forget".






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez: Rizal's Batman

Image
   Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez (1849-1928) Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez, a Spanish Jesuit, held a special place in Rizal's heart as his favorite teacher at Ateneo, where the priest taught Literature. It was under Fr. Sanchez's guidance that the young Rizal delved into the treasures of Greek and Latin Classics. The priest's encouragement led Rizal to hone his literary talents, engaging in the crafting of essays and poetry. The relationship between mentor and student was characterized by mutual respect and admiration. Father Sanchez even staunchly defended Rizal's work, 'Noli Me Tangere.' However, in a letter to Blumentritt dated May 1890, Rizal shared a nuanced description of the priest: "Father Sanchez is a keen observer, albeit somewhat pessimistic, often inclined to view the darker aspects of life. During our school days, he was often playfully referred to as a 'dark spirit,' and students affectionately nicknamed him 'Paniki,' a
Read more

Jose Rizal's Bomb Plot

Image
Victorian lamp The Plot Even before international terrorists adopted the horrific tactics of suicide bombers and bomb couriers in their campaigns of vengeance, Philippine national hero José Rizal conceived a plot in his novel El Filibusterismo that involved a catastrophic explosion to ignite a revolution. In Chapters 34 and 35, Simoun arrives at the wedding reception of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez bearing a seemingly innocuous gift – a lamp. However, concealed within it is a potent explosive: nitroglycerin. The reception takes place at the former residence of the deceased Captain Tiago, which Simoun has meticulously rigged with explosives beforehand. According to his plan, the lamp will remain lit for only twenty minutes before flickering. If anyone attempts to adjust the wick, a catastrophic explosion will ensue, claiming the lives of all those gathered – a significant portion of Manila's elite, including prominent figures from both civil society and the church hierarch
Read more

Pinagbuhatan Fiesta -- San Sebastián

Image
Every year on January 20, the typically monotonous streets of Barangay Pinagbuhatan in the City of Pasig transform themselves into a vibrant place of merrymaking and festivities. The focal point of the Mardi Gras-like atmosphere in the barangay is always the parish church, as January 20 marks the feast day of its revered patron saint—San Sebastian. "Viva San Sebastian!" At the break of dawn on the said day, brass bands parade the streets, as if calling the people to start the festivities—the traditional early morning rounds called "djana" (or diana to some bands). Now and then, that heroic sound of martial music would be broken by the distant sounds of exploding fireworks. The formal celebration starts with the morning mass officiated by the parish priest. In truth, the building excitement would not be found inside the church where mass is being held but instead outside. In the church grounds, the brewing festivities heat up. People gather outside, young and old ali
Read more