Songs Without Words for the Philippines: In Honor of the Survivors of Typhoon Sendong

On Dec. 16, 2011, the island of Mindanao was devastated by Typhoon Sendong, bringing heavy rains that caused flash flooding. Thousands of sleeping families from coastal slums in the port cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were swept to sea. Philippine authorities have doubled the number of dead and missing to more than 2,000. Nearly half a million people require immediate assistance, including nearly 50,000 at evacuation centers, and those on the streets. Here's a suggested gift that will last longer in your heart than any purchase you make for yourself or your family.

I've been waiting for the right time to release my debut album, and there is no better time than now. I've chosen to name the album, "Songs Without Words for the Philippines: In Honor of the Survivors of Typhoon Sendong". The songs featured on the album are all public domain so that all proceeds may benefit relief efforts for the 2011 Typhoon Sendong in Southern Philippines.

This album promotes a calm, meditative state that brings healing to the damaging effects of the trauma experienced by the typhoon survivors.

We are bound by humanity, but also by the universal language of music. When there is loss, music is easily shared among cultures, even without words.

The fundraising for Typhoon Sendong isn't stopping!
I am pleased to announce to you that Maxim Eshkenazy and the members of the Colburn Chamber Orchestra are donating their time and talents for the people of the Philippines. They reminded me that we may have different skin colors and religions, but we are all from the same race, the human race. For all of our differences, we are full of decency and goodness, love and kindness....

It is heartbreaking to watch the news about the survivors of typhoon Sendong. Philippine authorities have now doubled the number of dead and missing to more than 2,000. Nearly half a million people require immediate assistance, including nearly 50,000 at evacuation centers, and those on the streets.

Here's a suggested gift that will last longer in your heart than any purchase you make for yourself or your family. Bring your friends and family to the Philippine Typhoon Relief Concert. Saturday, February 25, 2012, 6:00 P.M., Cerritos Park East Community Center-13234 E. 166th Street, Cerritos, CA 90703.

General Admission Tickets are $20.00, and you are more than welcome to donate any amount you would like inside the drop box at the venue. Donations to Typhoon Sendong Relief through ABS-CBN Foundation International are tax deductible.

While some people stay away from those who are continuously fundraising, and asking for donations, I embrace them. Not because I have a lot to give but because I believe there's no contribution that is too small to make a difference in our community.

On May 28, 1999, the death of my baby brother, Daniel, devastated my family. Mom cried by my side as I screamed: "Why?" But as I questioned, and quarreled with God, dad reminded me that God never does anything accidentally, and he never makes mistakes. He understood, as I do now, that God uses my deepest hurts and painful experiences to give my music a purpose. Acknowledging this, I've surrendered my music to God as a ministry of healing.

Faith makes things possible, not easy.

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (New Living Translation)

Please take your time to visit
www.redcross.org.ph
www.convoyofhope.org
www.abscbnfoundation.org

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[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

When I was working on Liszt's "Un Sospiro", I wanted to quit piano because I just couldn't get it. The piece is mesmerizing, but both hands have to keep schizophrenically different rhythms. My dad, though, wouldn't let me give up, and our house became a war zone. My mom gave up and threatened to leave my dad because of all the yelling. Then, out of the blue, I did it. My hands suddenly came together. Thanks, Dad, for believing in me and not letting me give up.

[NLiese88]

Ok, I must ask.. how old were you when you worked on this piece and how long did it take you to accomplish being able to play this piece? The reason I ask is because I am currently working on this piece myself, and I am 16. As I mentioned above, I am just curious to see where I may be in relation to being able to play this piece in a manner where it is enjoyed by everyone around me. As for me, I could care less if my arms fell off after playing!

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@NLiese88 Thanks for you comment. I was sixteen when I recorded "Un Sospiro" for the America Protege International Piano Competition, and I worked on this for five months. I guess it wasn't enough time to get ready because I lost. As a late starter pianist, I join competitions because l enjoy meeting talented kids. God taught me to celebrate others without being jealous or critical, and He doesn't measure me against my competition. I'm very happy that I'm free from a spirit of comparing.

[dizzysfingers]

that sounded great.. i know how much work and practice you put into that.. well done.. thumbs up.

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@dizzysfingers Thank you!  S.D.G.!!!

[babygrand1011]

okay seriously, that was BEAUTIFUL!!!! it nearly brought tears to my eyes! i am learning this song right now and i hope the finished product will be as beautiful as yours! :)

[MatthewJohnIgnacio]

@babygrand1011 Thank you! S.D.G.!!!

[NLiese88]

@MatthewJohnIgnacio Matthew, I compare myself to other pianists constantly, but I do so in a way where it will influence me to be greater than I am. In that sense, there is no comparison, but and inspiration to excel. I applaud you on the fact that it only took you five months, because I am on my 9th month of learning this piece, and I have three months to ready it for my next recital (contest), and I have quite a ways to go before it is ready to be heard by other people.

[gerimaus]

this piano has a tinkerbell, liquidy sound, so ideal to this gorgeous music, so well rendered! bravo!

[Honsokka]

Your hands looks like they just flows over the piano and music comes out. Wish i took my self the time to really learn to play the piano, harmonic music and beautiful.

[ariellesassy]

Dayyuummnn, it's like he's playing the harp! Monstah fingahhzzz

[themusicroom28]

Hi Matthew, this is Herrick. I am sorry i just saw your message asking for the piece of Salamin. Im sorry i just saw it now. it’s my first time to open my account on you tube. I am not used in using you tube. Just trying to learn it now. But i think you made a great performance of the Salamin. I saw it now. Congratulations. Wish you more good music. Thanks

[kocopol1]

wow...great ;-)

[Hyunji815]

wow..beautifully interpreted.