Noel Garcia and his saxophone's blissful music

By Ronelo S. Ladiao

NEWFOUND LIFE. Noel Garcia's blissful music out of his saxophone renewed his vigor and inner strength.

Music has always been the passion of Noel Garcia ever since he was born. Even now, as a member of a Boracay -based band he never fails to fathom the depth of music that inspired him to dream with great faith and optimism. I met him in Boracay during my brief stay in the island and the moment I knew him we instantly established a great bonding, sharing experiences and memories of his personal struggles in life. Noel is a 32-year-old saxophone musician of the “ Boracay Republic ” band that plays sentimental and groovy music at Ratsy Boracay with Armand Tajanlangit as the band's lead vocalist. He is the son of an engineer father and a professional mother from Sipalay , Negros Occidental. He has two younger sisters and two younger brothers.

“Everything is balanced if you try to understand your situation and give emphasis on the values you were brought up to”, a nice thought and personal philosophy Noel always keep in mind. He loves biking, billiard, basketball and swimming. “My special talent besides being a musician, composer and saxophone player is that I can do massage therapy” quipped the guy who is so versatile and amiable as a person.

“I joined various bands, trained brass band, drum and bugle corps during my high school years at Bacolod City National High School and later in my college years at the University of St. La Salle wherein I earned profitable pay while studying” he spoke with a deep breath. “Later I became backscore musician in theatre shows with Peque Gallaga and Erik Matti for a while,” he recalled with a wonderful smile that reflected the excitement of his younger years. As a soloist saxophone player, Noel was deeply inclined and passionate in music that led him to become a part of Ballroom Dancing Orchestra of Bacolod Convention Plaza Hotel. However, amidst the glory and success of his career was the accompanying dilemma after he fell into vices and drugs.

“I thought these vices could help me escape my problems and give self-confidence but I   was wrong” he spoke with shades of regret reflected in his eyes. Piece by piece his dreams faltered until the only woman who truly loved him became lost from his sight forever. He made wrong choices and his life turned miserable for many years. “But God made me feel that He's alive and He enlightened me one day to wake up from the darkened slumber I've been trapped all for several years” Noel looked up the dark night sky as if his deep faith lifted my consciousness and realize destiny has its own way of making people see their purpose. With God,'s divine intervention He slowly renewed his life, left his vices behind in the past and embrace a brighter path by joining the Cursillo Praise Ministry and Bukas Palad sa Diyos (BLD) Single Praise Ministry as a flute musician.

“People are subject to change and everything lies in your freewill whether to embrace the dark path or the righteous way, it's only a matter of choice through spiritual devotion to the Almighty One ” he said. “Before, I don't care about my problems but now I realize that we should face reality and tell yourself that God didn't gave you these if you don't have the strength to overcome it all, you can survive everything if you only believe in Him” Noel added.

NEWFOUND LIGHT. Noel Garcia's crucial struggle in life's darkness led him into the brighter side of fate.

Last year Noel came to Boracay after he was hired as a saxophone player to complete the trio of “ Boracay Republic ” band. “Right now there are three things that make me fulfilled as a person who was enlightened by faith; I love my job very much, my brand new saxophone is a blessing and I've finally overcome my vices” he smiled. “Someday I dream to raise a beautiful family and give them a brighter future if the right woman comes in my life” My heart was lifted when this person confessed his inspiring story. Not because he loves The Passion film by Mel Gibson or adores Stevie Wonder as a singer but his depth, sincerity, genuine soul to live life after the thousand storm that thwarted him to see the brighter side of life. He is happy with his newfound family in Boracay , their fans who admire his talent to play great music and newfound freedom from life's dark side. So , before we parted ways he told me such great words… “Worldly happiness is temporary, don't waste your time on vices and drugs because you'll only find hollow heaven in the arms of darkness. There's no other good feeling than being happy and contented without running away from your problems and above all love your body as God's temple”. His gentle eyes spoke of a great story and optimism. Noel then took his saxophone and played blissful music straight from his heart.

(Live to tell! E-mail the author at rslphoenix@yahoo.com)