June 21, 2015
By Olivia Miwil
Pictures by Erdiehazzuan Ab Wahid.
PENAMPANG: A song composed by the late Valerian Joannes, who died in recent earthquake, was sung by a local artiste at a charity concert on Friday.
Akademi Fantasia 2 first runner up Felix Agus sang the Dusun language song “Igitanku longon nu” before an audience of 2,000 including Valerian's fiance Jessica Sikta and family members.
Valerian, a 27-year-old mountain guide, was one of the 18 victims who died during the earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale that struck Sabah on June 5.
“Valerian was supposed to serenade Jessica during their wedding reception, which was supposed to take place in November," said Felix.
“The song's title which means I will hold your hands, shows Valerian's sincerity and deep love toward his future wife.”
Felix said Valerian's co-composer had sent the music arrangement to him after his death.
Jessica, a 25-year-old nurse at Queen Elizabeth hospital cried as Felix sang the song.
“I am touched that Felix sang the song today (Friday). It reminds me of our love story.”
The charity concert was organised by the Sabah Suang Lotud Association, Sabah Cultural Board and Gabungan Artis- Artis Sabah.
More than RM64,000 were raised from the sales of concert tickets, personal and collective donations to be given to mountain guides and others whose livelihoods had been affected due to the incident.
Stacy AF, the winner of Akademi Fantasia 6, and 13 artistes also performed at the "Remembering Our Heroes: concert at Penampang Cultural Hall.
"When one of us proposed the charity concert, everyone volunteered, including the venue provider and musicians,” she said, adding they had less than a week to hold the concert.
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