Manny Francia, Jr accompanying himself with the uke as he sings “Hey Soul Sister” on a video posted on the Facebook account of “Taga-Larap Ako” chat group. – Picture grab from TLA Facebook account.
A UKELELE expert has appealed to overseas Mambuloans from Larap for a donation of several units of the instrument that could be used by the music class at the Larap Elementary School (LES).
Manuel Francia, Jr said he would like to revive the playing of ukelele as part of the school’s rondalla group.
He made his appeal on the Facebook account of “Taga-Larap Ako” chat group.
At the same time, Francia launched a video of himself on Facebook where he plays a cover of the song “Hey Soul Sister” with his favorite instrument http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5mIOcKxiBXc
He said that music should be encouraged among the school children as part of their learning process.
He said if he got another chance to go home, he would like conduct free ukulele lessons for LES children.
Francia said he has high hopes that the playing of the instrument would be revived in LES.
“Kelangan lang talaga na kompleto ang set ng instrumento,” he said.
Francia said two years ago he offered a free ukulele lesson to LES but it was not given enough attention as there could have been other priority activities for the children.
“So I ended up teaching the kids of some friends in Mambulao.”
Francia, who teaches the instrument on the side, said he learned playing the instrument from popular Larap musician Pinong Laroga and music enthusiast Nena Novero.
Laroga used to head his own 14-man orchestra during the heyday of the iron mine in Larap.
Fred, thanks. Hope this will serve as a channel for our kababayans to support & extend help in any ways to achieve the goal.. "LES Ukulele Orchestra/Band"
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