Sitting at the Keyboard
by Celinda Guevarra-Larracas
I am the longest-staying pianist of the U.P. Cherubim & Seraphim. It was in the early 90’s when I first set foot in Room 106 of the U.P. College of Music. This was when I started my journey as pianist for the UPCS. I succeeded Rhona Mamaril-Villanueva, who was leaving the group as she was about to be married at that time. It was also the first time that I met Prof. Flora Zarco-Rivera and Dr. Elena Rivera-Mirano.
Staff members of the UPCS Bohol Tour 1999, (L-R) Dodong Rama, Letty Esguerra, Celinda “Dada” Guevarra-Larracas and Elena Mirano
At first, I was particularly nervous when Ma’am Flora was the one handling rehearsals. I knew that I had to always be on my toes. But as I got more “acclimatized” with the way rehearsals were being handled, I began to relax and enjoy the one and a half hours of singing. I learned that a teacher can be strict and gentle at the same time. The energetic kids running around and shouting in the corridors were completely behaved during rehearsals. It was also with Ma’am Flora that I learned that when giving a pitch for a capella numbers, I should play the starting notes softly, just enough for the singers to find their pitches.
A few years after, Tita Lennette fully took charge of handling the UPCS. Her gentle disposition and genuine love for the kids are beyond measure. I have never met anyone as patient as she is with the children. She is the reason why UPCS is still going strong up to this day. Her dedication to the group is unwavering.
It is with her that I experienced life with the Cherubim to the fullest. She would organize workshops and summer camps all over the country, from Baguio, to Boracay, to Bohol. In fact, the first time that I visited Baguio was with the UPCS. Let me add that the food served during these trips were really delicious! Each of these trips further strengthened the bonds between the members of the group, both children and adults.
These past few years, we would stay at her seaside compound in San Luis, Batangas where we would learn new music. At the end of the day, just before dinnertime, the kids would walk along the shore and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
After a few years with the group, I got married and had kids, but I still stayed. My kids eventually joined the group and are also Cherub babies. I started with the kids calling me Ate Dada to later being addressed as Tita Dada. At first, I felt resentment towards the “Tita” title. I guess I was in denial. Ha ha ha! But all is well now. I have already accepted the fact that I have aged after seeing the children who called me Ate having kids of their own, and who are in fact, members of the UPCS now! Pianists came and went but I remained. I found no reason to leave since I consider the UPCS as my second family. Even when I do, UPCS will always be a part of me since I have been with them for more than half of my life.
Let me end by greeting the U.P. Cherubim and Seraphim Happy 50th Anniversary! Here’s to 50 more years of music, love and friendship!
