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Daniel Razon, Chairman & CEO, BMPI-UNTV, inviting Johnny Susi, a blind beggar and a street singer for a penny or coins from passersby, to earn a living.
“Isn’t it strange and true, how a P30,000.00 talent fee is so large an amount when given to a street singer, yet so small an amount when given to big names or professional entertainers in the music industry?”
An overwhelming crowd filled up the Araneta Coliseum again, with excited fans and followers of Mr. Daniel Razon, tagged as Mr. Public Service and “Kuya” (Big Brother) that patiently waited to see him sing his favorite songs and compositions.
Despite the long queue just like in previous concerts of Daniel, his admirers took chances and never gave up until they got inside the coliseum.
The day before the event, Daniel announced that he has invited very special guests of his own personal choice, to join him in the concert (November 28, 2011).
People were so excited to see again their beloved Kuya Daniel perform, together with big artists in the music industry. Some even guessed that they could be Richard Reynoso (Daniel’s friend), Anthony Castelo (Daniel’s favorite), Jed Madela (sang Daniel’s composition), Regine Velasquez, Kuh Ledesma, etc., etc. or those other big names in the media.
The Revelation
As the title of the concert tells, one part of the program was the testimonies of Daniel’s classmates and teachers who revealed his characteristics and traits during the good old days.
In an expose, the audience was amused that a multi-awarded broadcast journalist has earned the monikers of “Pasyo” (short for Andres Bonifacio) and “Si Tula” (The Poem) in his younger years as he was called by his peers because of his remarkable talent in oration.
Daniel’s wits and his undefeated talent in oratorical contests were now exposed by no less than his teachers and classmates, being the living witnesses of the early days of Daniel and now popularly known as Mr. Public Service (due to his unceasing charity works).
The Biggest Surprise
After entertaining the audience with his favorite songs, Daniel introduced his very special and sought out guests:
Mr. Johnny Susi, blind since birth, a husband to a blind wife too, and a father to eight children. Susi with his guitar performs pop and rock ballads at an overpass in Ortigas, Quezon City earning more or less Php300.00 (US$7) placed in a tin can where passersby drop their coins or tokens.
Ms. Marivic Chengco, blind and married too to another blind husband, raising their two kids, has to sing at least fifty (50) songs in the streets just to earn for a living. It was known that her guitar was recently destroyed a big problem for her continues street singing.
Francia Abalos, a woman in a wheelchair who has been lame since she was a baby.
It could be seen in the faces of the audience that many were teary eyed and awestruck. The Dome was filled with emotion. The audience’s hearts were touched with the kind of recognition Daniel bestowed to these less privileged fellows. Indeed, it was one of a kind.
Strange but true, disabled and considered mediocre in society were brought by Daniel to Araneta Coliseum to be with him in his very special day (28th year Anniversary in Public Service) instead of inviting those very popular artists.
The portrait of real joy was truly manifest in the faces of Daniel’s very special and valued guests. They could not for sure believe it that they are performing at the Araneta Coliseum, a place for big names in sports and media industry.
It is only now that they have experienced such great importance bestowed on them by a celebrity who is even fit to be crowned as CNN Hero, Daniel Razon, the Chairman and CEO of BMPI-UNTV.
Marivic’s first song was dedicated to Kuya Daniel entitled, “Run To You” by Whitney Houston. “Kuya Daniel is someone whom people one can easily run to for help” Marivic answered without hesitation when asked why he dedicated said song.
The Reward or Talent Fee
“The amount of money that will be paid for these guests is considered part of our charity. Instead of giving it to big names, the small wishes of these street singers will be fulfilled. Let’s say, the P30,000.00 that we will be paying to professional singers will probably be spent for only a day but, that same amount will mean a lot to them,” Daniel said in vernacular.
Being applauded by thousands of people in a very popular and remarkable place like Araneta Coliseum and the most is to be with Daniel Razon, is a great reward in itself. Daniel is the Vice-Presiding Minister of Members Church of God International (MCGI), a multi-awarded media personality and a true man of God as portrayed by those people who knows him well.
The amount given to the guests by Daniel includes sacks of rice, groceries, a new electric guitar for Marivic (her problem was solved), and a full scholarship grant to the eldest daughter of Johnny.
Looking Beyond
The “Story of my Life” Concert is a fund raising activity for free college. But, looking beyond there is more to it, from the start until finish, it was all for charity.
The whole event was all charitable in the sense that aside from its objective to fund free college education to less privileged children, the expenses for the said activity like the talent fees of the guests will surely help said guests to provide for their own needs and start anew for a living.
More so, the selflessness of Daniel in sharing his life and experiences and inspiring others, may they be youth and olds alike, is a clear manifestation of his person, hislove, his humility and charity. He truly gave his all!
To God be the glory!!!
