I first met Philippine Idol Drae Ybanez in November thru my housemate, DV, in Fully Booked (Serendra, located at The Fort: Bonifacio Global City). I was late, it was rush-hour, I had a hard time getting a cab from Ayala (ended up taking the shuttle). I wasn't expecting that he'd still be there but he kept DV a company while I was wondering (and wandering) where I was (I don't frequent The Fort and I haven't been to Serendra-- I didn't even know where it's located until that night) but yep! He was still there. A cool breeze after my little (mis)adventure (I ended up getting off at Market!!Market, which I realized, was just across my target destination).

I found out that night that he's not just into singing but he's currently the Chairman of the Board of Children's Garden of the Philippines, Inc. (CGPI), an NGO that assists street children and their families in Antipolo City.

Our first meeting was followed by another when he held his Sweet November birthday celebration (dinner over mini-concert for a cause) somewhere in Ortigas. There we wet his parents, some relatives, and of course the children of CGPI. It was a very humbling night indeed and Christmas was just around the corner. 

On December 12, 2007, I had the first taste of the Christmas spirit. Drae, together with Jose Mari Chan, Oggie Benipayo, Randy Gilongo, Arms Cruz, A.K.A., Jed Balsamo, and Hangad performed for us in a concert (A Special Christmas) at the Francisco Santiago Hall (BDO Tower 2 - Makati City).
 

A Special Christmas was a joint production of Jesuit Volunteers Philippines (JVP) and Ang Arko ng Pilipinas, whose mission was"to rescue mentally handicapped people from the unkindness of a society that ostracized them and to provide for them a home where they could live and flourish". A mission that is in harmony with CGPI's.

"Love cannot remain by itself-- it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service." -- Mother Teresa

It was indeed a night of music, love and joy. Indeed a special Christmas not just for our special friends but for every special soul who were with us that night.

Drae, thanks for coming into our lives just in time for Christmas!
Permission to rip from your CD tracks and convert them to MP3, ha? hehehe

I'm writing while I'm listening to DV's copy of his Children's Garden Christmas Album by the way, where his back-up vocals were the Children's Garden Boys.

Included in the album were the ff. songs:

• Sleigh Ride (1946) - composed by Leroy Anderson; Mitchell Parish (lyrics)
• Grown-Up Christmas List (1990) - David Foster (music) and Linda Thompson Jenner (lyrics)
• When I Hear You Call (2006) - Gary Valenciano
• Magsimula Ka (1977) - Gines Tan (Metro Pop Song Festival)

Along comes a bonus track, Hanapin Mo Ang Kalooban Niya (2003) by Henry Santos (music & lyrics) and Arnel Deprano (arrangement), which by the way, he sang for us in Sweet November.

"... hindi pala sapat na mahal kita,
maging ang kailangan ka,
kung ikaw ay iibig kailangan kang manalig...
...
hanapin mo ang kalooban Niya."

I would say, with your passion, you've found "it", Drae. As you give your service and sing from the bottom of your heart:

"...even when you feel you don't need me around,
I will be your friend forever,
I will be your one big brother,
even when I see you fall,
I will be your father when I hear you call..."

You are, indeed, their one big brother with one big heart.

One person has commented on this article.

 1. Untitled
Baptistjc, Unregistered

thank you, brother

 Posted 2008-03-23 09:26:33

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