27/03/2021
FLASHBACK FRIDAY:
I grew up in a first generation Filipino-Hawaiian family in Stockton, CA.
My mother was born and raised in Aiea, Hawaii, and father was born in Siquijor, Phillipines. At age 16yrs old, my father traveled from PI to San Francisco by boat, with no parents, and arrived in Stockton, circa 1930.
I was always inspired and exposed to Hawaiian-Filipino music, and culture, as my mother sang and danced/taught hula, and my father played guitar/ukelele in a Hawaiian band with my Uncles Fred Yurong Sr., Mel Panis, Terry Rosal, NinongTatoy Yurong, and Uncle Punting.
I always watch them play either at Barrio Fiesta Festivals, Aloha Night Dances or backyard BBQ jam sessions in Southside Stockton.
My father was a WWII Military Veteran, was Civil Service employee. Bill Abily Samson, aka Uncle Bill, really impressed me by his musician skills and passion. Cause my father played by ear, and never read sheet music.
My parents and family inspired me with music every weekend, and as a kid I grew up listening and DJing to Jasckson5, WAR, Stevie Wonder, Parliament, Con Funkshun, MAZE.
This picture of my father was taken either at my grandparents farm in French Camp, or my father hanging out Downtown Stockton Little Manila. From his suit and tie, strumming his guitar, to his smile, my father's passion was priceless.
Thank you my beautiful nieces Kat and Mel Rosal for sharing this gem.
How did music inspire your family?