He has been awarded as “National Artist of Literature and Music”. But when you meet and talk to Levi Celerio, you easily realize that for him, all life is an art, and he has painted it well.
This Filipino appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records as “The only blade player in the world”. Also, he appeared in the TV shows “That’s amazing and believe it or not”.
Therefore, I felt fortunate to have been assigned by my editors (Nancy Reyes Lumen/ Mona Gonzalez) to interview this extraordinary man. During the interview, which we held on a Friday night at Mario’s Restaurant in Quezon City, Levi talked about many things. Among them: instructions on diction, the proper use of certain words in grammar, his book that was in the process of being published, and Confucius. Personally, we think that at 91 years old, Levi is too young to quote the old master.
But Levi said that Confucius says that one should choose a job that one likes. Thus you will discover that you have not worked a day in your life, because your work has become your recreation.
He has written between 4,000 and 5,000 songs and several of them are among the favorite ditties (in Filipino). She has also written some popular songs sung by Filipino singers like the late Ric Segreto (“Kahit Konting Pagtingin” / Even a Little Tenderness).
Then, out of the blue, he comments, “I like things that books can’t teach.” And obviously, she also likes to entertain. Imagine a meal with music composed and performed by none other than our very own National Artist? Surely, one’s food is digested well.
We were accompanied during our interview by two of Levi’s sons, namely Edmund and Joey, and it was apparent how much they enjoyed each other’s company. Joey is an artist/entertainer. Well, he runs in the family: art and passion. Suddenly, Joey pulled out some art paper and proceeded to draw Levi and me during the interview.
What does a National Artist eat? Levi says that he eats vegetables, fruits and seafood. He also bets on sweets, but warns that they are not appropriate for diabetics. And then there are his favorite Filipino (lechon) and Chinese (patatim) foods.
In just a few minutes, Joey’s sketch was ready. I ended the interview by thanking him and effusively. I had never learned so much in one night, I said. He humbly replied, “These are my gifts from God, and I must share them with other people.” He then added, “I may forget the things I gave, but I hope to remember every little thing I received, no matter how small.” Do you see what I mean by art and life?
Levi Celerio died in 2002. May he rest with Jesus forever. Thank you Sir Levi, I will never forget you.
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