A chance encounter, a chance meeting truly led by fate itself. I never knew until now how the calling of my other job could come to me as a blessing in disguise.

For the first time since I laid my ears on Gary Valenciano's song "In Another Lifetime" I was ultimately and inevitably hooked. Not only for the fact that the one who had shared the music with me was someone I hold very dearly but what makes it linger is the fact that the song also depicts much of the reality of my other life in that wishful thinking state of the next lifetime to come - one which holds an unrevealed sense of realization for the unconsumated and unrequitted love of the mate of my soul. I have yet to unearth the meaning behind the lyrics as the man behind the song -Jude Gitamondoc - left me in the air. Yep, I happen to have interviewed him in our morning show one day when I was in a rush to the studio, driving almost crazily like hell trying to beat the start time! Little did I know that this day could change the way I listen and put emphasis to each of the lyrics of the song and yet I know so little!

Jude won the recently concluded 2008 Cebu Pop Music Festival for both the first and second place for his two compositions. Elvis Samosot, the song interpreter for the winning piece Pasaylo-a Ako (Forgive Me) was with him, too. He is also the voice behind the jingle for Curtains and Trims, popularly played over Cebuano radio stations. I got a chance to know them a little up close and have come to realize that there was indeed a story behind my favored song when Elvis gave a sharp look on Jude as to what lies beneath the masterpiece, Jude gave me a speechlessly, shy and secretive smile and look in the eye- something tells me a sit-down-coffee-chat is a must for the tall-tale session!

When asked what his future plans would be as an composer, he says to continue writing music for everyone to hear, especially Cebuano songs that would inspire would-be composers and singers to cultivate the love of the vernacular put into harmonious melodic lines. Joining the next year's festival is no longer on top of the list as they both said they had conquered the challenge and it would be others' time to shine by then.

A truly humble man, in the simplicity of his persona and gentleness of his soul and heart and yet with the talent innate in him, embodies an artist one should emulate. Kudos and more power to you Jude!  

I'll hope to find out what my story in another lifetime would bring me. Meanwhile here is Jude's and Elvis' winning entry from the 2008 Cebu Pop Music Festival as well as a link to an audio play of the song "In Another Lifetime" by Gary V. Congratulations to Jude and Elvis and more songs in the years to come!!! Special thanks to SunflowerGurl of VOX and TristanCafe for the audio plays! Enjoy!!!

“PASAYLO-A AKO” - GRAND PRIZE WINNER 28TH CEBU POP MUSIC FESTIVAL

PASAYLO-A AKO

Composer: Jude Gitamondoc

Interpreter: Elvis Somosot

Dili ko na, Ikalimod

Nakalapas, nakasala ako

Kanimo

Panumpa ko

Hikawan man sa katungod

Wala ako’y mabuhat nga pagpanalipod

Gawas na lang ning

bugtong pangamuyo

Gihangyo ko karon

Diha kanimo

Ayaw ako ug hilaki

Tipigi’ng mga luhang way pulos

Ania ako, Hukmi ako,

Nagpahiubos, dili takos

Apan karon ania da gihapon

Naglaum da

Sa pagpasaylo Mo.

Usa ako manamilit, usa ako motalikod

Usa Mo hikalimtan

Ki’ng gugma ko kanimo

Unta mabati Mo

Pagbasol Ko.

Paminawa kining bugtong pangamuyo

Gihangyo ko karon diha kanimo

Ayaw ako ug hilaki

Tipigi’ng mga luhang way pulos

Ania ako, Hukmi ako,

Nagpahiubos, dili takos

Apan karon ania da gihapon

Naglaum da

Sa pagpasaylo Mo. (Repeat)

Pasaylo-a Ako.

In Another Lifetime by Gary V. http://sunflowergurl.vox.com/library/audio/6a00c2251f44aa8e1d00cdf7ecfa30094f.html#comment-6a00c2251f44aa8e1d00e398d8b3350003

http://www.tristancafe.com/music/flash/inanotherlifetime.html