In two weeks, I just wrapped up two book launches in Catanduanes and Iloilo.
Both ended in standing ovations.
For a while, I thought I was dreaming.
Signing books was just a fantasy seen in book launching scenes in the movies and in real life with friends as authors.
Last week, I actually saw people queueing to get their books signed in Virac and Iloilo.
In the island, all my books were sold out with more additional orders coming in.
Too good to be true, I thought.
In Iloilo, these were the comments after the concert and book launching:
Jennifer Mae Ladrido: “A welcome treat was the guitar performance of Aaron Aguila who indulged the audience with three encores (including a very haunting rendition of Ili-ili Tulog Anay). He was rewarded with a standing ovation, very rare from a usually reserved and discriminating Ilonggo audience.”
Ted Aldwin Ong: “It was a quick and intimate show but a substantial recess from all the noise.”
Tara Yap: “It was not part of his repertoire, but a great way to end the performance! The concert coincided with the Iloilo launching for the poetry book of veteran arts and cultural writer Pablo Tariman. It is also part of the celebration of the 75th year of the University of the Philippines (UP) in Iloilo.”
Alex Moscoso Española: “We were there yesterday. It was such a beautiful event! Congratulations. Pablo and Bravo to Aaron Aguila!”
Severino Salem Jr. “Opo, nandoon ako kahapon at very inspiring si Sir Pablo at Aaron. Panginbulahan gid.”
I can only thank people who made this happen: Prof. Martin Genodepa, University of the Philippines Visayas Office of Initiatives for Culture and the Arts, Ms. Nat Lim of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, among others.
Thank you to the following poetry interpreters: Alfredo B. Diaz, Shamaine Centenera Buencamino, Nonie Buencamino, Joel Torre, Jansen Magpusao and
Maestro Erie from Vancouver, Canada.
Over at the Catanduanes State University Auditorium last April 27, 2022, these were the comments:
“Recuerdos de la Alhambra always works like magic. Ten fingers all doing the work, seemingly independent of each other. All this while he was staring at the chandeliers above him. And it was a titillating classical twist on the Beatles hit.” – Alvin Ravalo
“I was moved to tears by the performance:”– Ros Torregoza Tito
“We have to thank Dr. Patrick Azanza for bringing balance in Science and the Arts in the University. Sir Pablo Tariman and Sir Aaron Aguila just gave us a powerful combination of poetry and music. Last night’s literary-musical event was another one written in history.” -Carl Vecilles
I can only thank the 7th president of the Catanduanes State University Dr. Patrick Azanza for making this event happen with full support from the CSU Corporate Communications Office with action lady Carl, Vecilles and staff.
Also many thanks to Mrs. Edna Segismundo of E-Crown Hotel and Resort for that beautiful accommodation.
Until the next concert.
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