"let the music make you remember."
my family and i watched the screening last weekend. it was special because it's been ages since my family and i got together to watch a movie.
a lot of people cried after the movie. for different reasons, perhaps. but most importantly, it did make people remember things. people. memories. places.
as a child, i grew up watching The Dawn. my earliest memory was a Storm concert at the ULTRA; at the time, my brother was in a different band, a supporting act for The Dawn. i recall seeing Teddy Diaz and being stunned at his presence: he had long hair and a thin frame; i was too intimidated to ask for his autograph.
watching Tulad Ng Dati, i was transported back to my childhood, remembering the fondest memories of watching The Dawn and being amazed at the jam-packed venues; not just any band can fill up ULTRA. i was reminded of being scared of all the mohawk-sporting guys and the heavily-made up girls, adorned in leather and chains and pins. i was reminded of big flash-cards indicating the fans' love and support, of all their screaming and chasing and waiting by the gates (and i remember clearly, one guy even clutched my brother's ankles while he was walking, allowing himself to be dragged on the floor. crazy!).
for the others, it reminded them of their teenage years: of first loves and first dances and first everythings.
for my family, it reminded them of late night trips going back home from a gig, feeling happy and proud.
and most importantly, it reminded us of our brother, Ferdy. it was his 39th day of passing when we watched the movie. i couldn't help but cry along with my mother as the credits rolled down the screen, and my brother Francis dedicated the film to his very first guitar teacher.
with the film's success and The Dawn celebrating its 20 years, i'm sure kuya Ferdy is beaming with pride in heaven. along with Teddy :)
we love you, kuya Ferdy!