My sincerest greetings to the Registry of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment as you stage a concert dubbed as “RIDE Around the Globe – A Concert in Sign Language 3” on February 28, 2004 at the Philam Life Theater. I extol RIDE’s unwavering commitment to train and produce competent and qualified sign language interpreters in various fields to serve as the voice for the hearing-impaired and deaf individuals. Indeed, your contribution to their welfare and development is indispensable. Moreover, you have made possible the breaking of the communication barrier between the hearing and the deaf. Truly, you deserve our people’s highest commendation and recognition. As you all gather and offer your skills to provide quality entertainment to the hearing-impaired, allow me to thank you for having the City of Manila as your venue of choice. I welcome all your guests and special friends, all of whom so generously offer their time and resources to further your worthy cause. The people of Manila hope for the success of this milestone event. As Father of the City, I pray that the Almighty continue to bless your works generously as only He could and that it be filled with LOVE: a language that needs no interpretation. MABUHAY ang RIDE!
The Registry of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment continues its commitment of providing services to the deaf and the hearing community when it staged a very successful concert on February 28, 2004 at the Philamlife Theater, United Nations Ave. in the City of Manila.
Sign Language is definitely a universal language among our deaf brothers and sisters. Thus, conceptualizing a concert in sign language is original concepts, which RIDE has painstakingly created to give entertainment to both the hearing and the Deaf.
Dubbed as “RIDE Around the Globe – A Concert in Sign Language 3”. This was already the third concert produced by RIDE which aimed to raise funds for RIDE and for the Foundation for Disadvantaged Children, Inc. (FDC), a non profit foundation that gives scholarship to special children.
RIDE’s registered sign language interpreters and resident artists poured out their sweat and blood in making the concert a successful one. With Michael Potian at the helm, the audience was all enthralled with the performances. Young actress/singer Karylle of GMA Channel 7, the MAUI Boyz , the GAIL Sign Choir and the Power Appeal Boyz were the special guests.
The audience were up on the their seats from beginning to end as they watch the big production numbers as they unfolded on stage. The likes of “Let’s Get Loud”, “Manila”, “I Will Follow Him”, “Nothing Else Matters”, “Mister Suave”, “Walk Like an Egyptian”, and “Together Again” were well applauded.
Not to forget the solo performance of Maureen Caigoy as “Evita” which moved the audience and herself to tears. Direk Mike and Maureen transported the audience to a magical world when they performed “A Whole New World” from the movie Aladdin. The audience also journeyed around the globe through the different songs and dance interpretations. The numbers like “Turning Japanese”, “Cha Cha Cha”, “Can’t Stop the Music”, “Pearly Shells”, “On Ne S’aimera Plus Jamais” really entertained the crowd. They were also impressed by the performances and the colorful costumes of the Shigners who interpreted the songs “I Feel the Earth Move and Gotta Pull” by the Nolans. The solo performances of Vanessa Israel, Emelie Gentalian, Judith Delgado and Maureen Caigoy really showcased the exemplary talents as RIDE’s sign language performers. Who would forget Sir Jun Celada and Ma’am Letty Uy who gamely entertained and delighted the audience with their great performances?
It was indeed a successful night for RIDE Performers. It was well attended by the different Deaf Agencies and Organizations, family, friends, colleagues, guests and sponsors.
Kudos to the organizers and the people behind this very successful concert. We are looking forward for more concerts in the future…GO!GO! RIDE!!!!!!