It's a long title above I know, but as a journalist, I feel the subject or headline should tell it all. If YouTube will allow this, then kudos to YouTube. But more importantly, to you and me, and to whoever will watch this clip, kudos to you and me. "How lucky can we get?" This is the first ever video clip of the great artist in action, telecast before millions of Filipino viewers then, in 1984, and then now, probably even billions, after the release of this clip.

Bong had just returned from a three year stint in Hong Kong (1981-1984), and Manila celebrities like Nestor Torre and the late Elvira Manahan (she frequented Calesa Bar to watch Bong), fans themselves of the great artist, were in into telecasting a welcome reunion for Bong. And here, right before you, is the magic of that telecast: Bong -- playing and singing his original composition "A Samba Song" that debuted in his maiden LP of the same title in 1976. Believe it or not, this is from a crude Betamax tape. Bong handed me the tape that he was about to toss and asked "Can something be done with this?" When I read the title "Two for the Road: Welcome Reunion for Bong", I went to work feverishly and here is the best that I have come up with. Pardon the video jumps and other flaws -- but restoring the clip from the Betamax copy of a copy of a copy was not an easy task. But being a fan and follower of Bong, it was the most pleasurable "task" I must confess. I had decided to upload the clip to YouTube, even without Bong's permission. When I did tell him later all he asked was, "Was it good? Will be good enough for my fans and friends who have followed me all these years?" And I said, "Yes". To which he replied with "Go ahead!"

This video clip is a keeper. It shows the best of the musicians that Bong had ever played with: Paul Candelaria is on bass, Edgar Avenir is on guitar, and Al Iglesias is on drums. Bong watched this video I had made and he was teary eyed. He told me, "You know, these guys are my friends, so close to my heart, till now. Look at them, listen to them , see how great they are -- not just highly talented with no matches, but my God, they are friends, friends then and now, I feel so close to them, actually being with them, in spite of the distance." Then he went on mentioning the sidemen with his own nicknames for them. When it came to Paul he said "Yes, from the very beginning - my Bethel friend." When it came to Edgar he said, "Koyang, oh my God, Koyang." And when it came to Al, Bong said, "White horse, white horse!" I asked him when they meant, all he said was, "Sorry, they're between them and me. I miss them, I miss each one of them. Oh God, bless and keep them!"

At that point I had to grab a tissue myself. Well, friends and followers of the great Bong Peñera, here it is: the first ever video clip of the first original song that turned the country to new heights, performed live and telecast before millions of viewers by the artist himself. It's no wonder that the current Philippine President would pick this song as his campaign and victory song. Bong Peñera mattered then, and he still does, in fact even more so now.

More clips from the same TV program featuring Jacqui Magno, Pat Castillo and Bert Nievera are coming. Stay tuned!

SAMBAJAZZHUNTER

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