by Nestor Cuartero
JUST A THOUGHT: Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls. – Joseph Campbell
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On the invitation of a colleague, we met up with Jonas David, a rising singer-songwriter who played for us a song he wrote for the holidays, “Mamasku Ta Pampanga.” Where else did we have to meet but in Cabalen restaurant known for its wonderful Pampangueno dishes?
“Mamasku” is a joyful tribute to Christmas in the province, legendary for its lavish celebration of the longest holiday season in the world.
After listening to Jonas’ recording over and over again, we suggested he should pitch it to ABS-CBN or GMA Network as a possible theme for Christmas 2018. “Mamasku” has the right beat and tempo that’s perfect for such a big event.
With lyrics by Benny Guinto:
“MAMASKU TA PAMPANGA” goes:
ALANG KASING SAYA
ING PASKU PAMPANGA
ALANG KASING NYAMAN
MAKASADYANG PAMANGAN
ING TULA DING BALANG PAMILYA
KENI MU ARANASAN
ING PAMIKAKALUGUD
AT PAMISASANMETUNG
ITI AKIT MU NGAN KARING
KAPAMPANGAN.
Its Filipino translation follows:
Walang Kasing Saya
Ang Pasko Pampanga
Walang kasing Sarap
Nakahandang Pagkain
Ang galak ng Bawat Pamilya
Dito mo mararanasan
Ang Pagmamahalan
At Pagkakaisa
Makikita mo sa mga Kapampangan
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SINGER-SONGWRITER: Jonas David is a 28-year old pop R&B singer based in San Fernando, Pampanga. A graduate of Multimedia course at Informatics Computer Institute, he also took a course in music at the University of the Philippines.
Jonas was signed to Emmanuel Records in 2004 where he worked with Arnel de Pano, Jonathan Manalo, and Ricky Sanchez.
He represented his home province at the Pampanga Day Celebration in Las Vegas USA in 2011.
Jonas has written songs for other artists, such as “Let Go” for Jed Madela.
He sang the jingle of Cabalen Restaurant, entitled “Dito sa Cabalen.” He has also written jingles for the Philippine Dental Association, Eternal Peace Memorial Park, Mystique Lane Hotel. He also composed the Christmas jingle of Pampanga province, “Pasku Na Pampanga.”
“Mamasku Ta Pampanga,” distributed by Ivory Records, can be downloaded through Spotify, Amazon, and iTunes.
