LEGENDS OF LOCAL MUSIC

LOURDES GOMEYAC FANGKI

Legends of Local Music- by Grettalou Apolinar-Barceona

RAMBAK MAGAZINE, VOL. 1  MAY-JUNE 2009

HER YOUTH

Unknown to many, the versatile “Queen of Cordillera Songs” traces her parental roots to Sagada, Mountain Province, but she was actually born in the mining town of Acoje, Zambales. She spent her growing up years though, in Poblacion, Mankayan, Benguet, a place wherein the song legend namely Lourdes Gomeyac-Fangki began her singing career.

Singing for her began at an early age. During her elementary years, she would usually sing solo for the traditional Monday program. She even recalls frequently winning in local amateur singing contests. True to her heart, she continued to sing even through high school and was a very active member of the youth choir.

In the ’70s to the early ’80s, Lourdes pursued a degree in Mass Communications at the Baguio Colleges Foundation (BCF), now known as the University of the Cordilleras. While studying, Lourdes found time to be employed as a folksinger at the now defunct Country Tavern. Little did she know that what she thought of as a mere pastime then would open up the gates to a rewarding career that would catapult her to fame.

HER RISE

Lourdes embarked into a full-time singing career after graduating from college. For nearly four years, she sang at the Lone Star Steakhouse in Camp John Hay. It is only after giving birth to her third child that she let her music career take the backseat for her growing family.

But her passion for singing would not be contained, and soon, Lourdes was once again back in the musical scene. Her first song album in 1983 made such an impact on her fellow Cordillerans that it paved the way to her becoming a household name. Although it took another six years before she was able to record her next album, Lourdes was always fondly remembered for her versatility and talent. That is why when her IYAMAN album came out, the success was quite phenomenal. Her songs became such a hit that she went on to record four more albums: BALITOK, MOUNTAIN TRAIL, ILIW, and PROGRESO.

HER TRAVELS AND PERFORMANCES

By 1988, Lourdes became so in demand that she became busy performing in concerts in Baguio and nearby provinces. By 1989, she staged her first concert in Hong Kong. She performed there seven more times after that.

In 2001, Lourdes traveled to America to perform at various concerts sponsored by the different BIBAK organizations. Of all these, she recalls having one unforgettable experience, that of her being able to visit the place where the country music legends sing - the Grand Ole Opry!

HER LEGACY

Lourdes has never stopped singing. She has proven that “being a musician is also a profession.” She has sent all her four children to school with her music. To date, she can still be heard singing at the Cafe Desongbird, a place she lovingly dedicates her time to as the owner and manager.

Fame notwithstanding, Lourdes is still down-to-earth as she imparts this bit of wisdom: “Nurture your God-given talent, yet never forget to finish your studies. Stay humble!”

If music is the language of the soul, then our own music legend, Lourdes, possesses the most beautiful soul of all!