by Rex Godinez Ortega
Institute staff member Ms Telet Montiel Achay Amba launched her album of Sebuano songs, Antolihaw: Ang Huni sa Kinaiyahan, at 3:00 p.m. today at the Institute Mini-Theater.
Known as MSU-IIT’s antolihaw or songbird, Amba performed several songs from her self-produced album before Institute officials, faculty and staff, and students who attended the rare campus event.
Amba works as a staff member of the main library, and holds the rank of Librarian 1 assigned to the Integrated Developmental School of the College of Education.
Antolihaw is the librarian’s first album, and boasts of original songs the singer wrote in collaboration with the composer Efren G. Tarongoy of Cebu City.
The songs Amba performed at the launching included Dongari Ka Dai, Siya og Ako sa Kangitngit, and May Naghilak sa Langit.
The album launching also featured the revelation of the story behind the album’s banner song, Antolihaw, which was then performed by Amba as the closing number.
Amba had always been musical even when she was still in her elementary and high school years, but her break came when she was heard by Tarongoy doing a cover of one of his songs.
Impressed by Amba’s singing ability, Tarongoy invited her to come to Cebu and collaborate.
Antolihaw was first introduced to Iliganons in May this year in a soft launching held at the city public plaza organized by the city tourism office.
The IIT launch of Amba’s album was produced by the Institute’s Cultural Development Office.
