DAUG

by Phillip Somozo

"BYE TSUNO"

THE PASSING away of internationally recognized Davao artist Noe “Tsuno” Tio reminds the local artist community not only of the mortality of earthly existence but the transcendence of the spirit of brotherhood over Death’s power. While he lived, Noe did very well in representing Filipino art and music to the international community. Performing as percussionist for the Bagong Lumad, he rocked audiences in Japan, the United States, Canada, India, and all over the Philippines with rhythmic rage erupting from the depth of his love for country. On stage, his massive build behind the drums, it seemed, was the radiating nucleus of an irrepressible atavism expressing in metered percussive violence, mesmerizing listeners, and awakening their own primitive sense of justice.

His was a rage that translated into speeches and written stories about our developing but aborted cultural past and the continuing oppressive plight of indigenous communities. His dedication to the cause of marginalized peasants, fisherfolk, tribals, and laborers made him live a simple life, uncaring for the wealth that could had been his had he used his unique talents for its pursuit. As tragically as he departed, he left behind two young sons, aged 5 and 7, to the mercy of fate. This was the Davao artist community recognized and took initiative to do something. Last February 23, a concert and art auction, organized by friends, took place in Taboan, Matina Town Square, to raise educational funds for the siblings.9noe1_1

"Kalumon"

One of the artworks sold was one donated by another struggling artist, sculptor Rey F, himself uniquely talented but in dire need of support in completing his children’s education. It is quite impressive that Rey, despite his financial drought, had stepped forward to help Noe’s kids—an act highly exemplary in our society racked by greed and corruption. That Fuentes should give a part of himself for Noe’s descendancy could also be credited to the latter’s virtue of friendliness and sacrifice. Noe, in other words, won the admiration of his fellow artists that even the least among them would willingly dig into the depth of his own scarcity to contribute for his cause.
Speaking of the fund-raising event, the organizers’ altruistic efforts raised P6,000 plus. Not much of an amount for the continued education of the children but, certainly, enough to disclose that some local artists do have the heart and would rise to the occasion to truly help a fallen art comrade. God bless Rey Fuentes, Danny Monterona, and Bong Segovia for their artworks; Popong Landero, Abe Garcia, Jr., Cecil Trino, and Neneng Gomez for the sold books, CDs, DVDs, and Talaandig flutes and necklaces; Gauss, Kalumon, Arangkadagana, Popong Landero (again), and Duoha for the live music; and all those who contributed but whose names have slipped from our knowledge!

"Duoha"

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