Previous Story
Tribute to Bokuñgo:
|
Posted on Dec 11 2008
It is sad tidings to see a friend leave when we least expect it. Yet there’s the silent joy of heading home to claim his trophy in that goldmine in the skies. How untimely it is that Francisco Pangelinan (Bokuñgo) passed away in Guam two weeks ago. His passing brought fond memories of our days as established musicians with the Tropicsette.
This was the first combo that recorded an album together with music materials written by icons down to those scribbled by contemporary songwriters, including several of his own father’s original material. Honolulu City Lights was the biggest hit in the Pacific when we were working with Charfuros Studio on Guam.
Bokuñgo remained an elite musician joining a real giant, Candy Taman, the Piluñg, for gigs out of Armantes and other nightclubs in Guam. They’ve done gigs together or individually throughout the years. Their last stint was the birthday of Bishop Tomas Camacho about two years ago at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.
My buddy could belt anything from Latin rock to traditional songs with super renditions. Perhaps his best hit was the adaption Tristeyu that was in the hearts and minds of both young and old for many years now. This song became an international classic, picked up by other musicians the world over using their native tongue.
Bokuñgo even joined fellow musicians from Guam at a Las Vegas gig that brought together islanders from across the country. It was one successful performance featuring Johnny Sablan and Jimmy Dee, giants in their rights as crooners from our southerly neighbor. Indeed, who is to question Bokuñgo’s meteoric career and iconic accomplishment after he sang of life’s trials and triumphs—through his music—for three decades.
Si Yuus Maase primo pot todo i man-senmames siha na memorias gi duranten tiempota. I hinanaomu u felis ya un` matagam ni korun man-añghet gi kareramu hulo`. I lago mame u marega gi mapagahes puede ke u fresco kareramu guato gi paraison taihenekog na trañkilat gi lañget i Sainata. Bien biahe yan adios.
Huñgan, Ko`, Tristeyu`.
[B]John S. DelRosario Jr.[/B] [I]Tropicsette[/I]
