BETONG SUMAYA is a real entertainer as he is finding his own ways to amuse viewers even at this time of the lockdown. In his Instagram account, he put up his own stories called Laba Serye and it’s a hit with netizens.
It shows him personally washing several pieces of clothing, including under garments, while he’s belting out popular juke box songs like “Feelings” by Morris Albert and the Juan de la Cruz Band’s hit “Beep Beep”.
Betong is staying in his own unit in Quezon City while his folks are staying in their family home somewhere in Rizal. “Actually, inaaliw ko lang ang sarili ko na kumakanta habang naglalaba,” he says. “So nakakatuwa namang nagustuhan ng mga tao at naaaliw rin daw sila.”
Betong has two regular shows with the Kapuso network. He’s seen Friday nights in the long-running gag show, “Bubble Gang”, and he’s seen hosting “Centerstage” on Sundays with Alden Richards.
“But both shows are now on hold because of the corona lockdown,” he says. “This virus has really disrupted our lives kaya dapat lang na tayong lahat, magdasal na matuklasan na ang antidote o lunas dito para matapos na itong worldwide health crisis na ating kinakaharap.”
And even while we’re on lockdown, Betong has managed to release his debut single as a recording artist of GMA Music. This is the catchy novelty song titled “Nang Minahal Mo ang Mahal Ko”.
“Music has always been part of my life,” says Betong. “My mother was a singer at bata pa ako, sumali na ako sa singing contest. I’m grateful to GMA Music for now giving me the chance to record my first song.
"I am truly so thankful at nag-uumapaw ang kaligayahan sa puso ko kasi pangarap ko talaga ito, pero hindi ko alam kung paano maisasakatuparan hanggang sa nabigyan nga ako ng chance ng GMA Music.
"Isa na namang lifelong dream ko ang natupad. Thank you, Lord. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. Hindi naman din kasi lahat nabibigyan ng ganitong chance, kaya I’m very thankful sa GMA Network, GMA Artist Center, at sa GMA Music.”
Betong shares that his novelty song evokes deep emotions that go straight into anyone's heart.
“Punung-puno talaga ng madamdaming hugot yung kanta ko, kasi ‘yung mahal mo ay minahal din pala ng bestfriend mo o ng isang taong malapit sayo, tapos sila ang nagkatuluyan at naiwan kang nag-iisa. Siguro minsan sa buhay ng iba sa atin ay naranasan na rin nila ‘yan.”
So what advice can he give to those who are brokenhearted?
“Just try to let go kahit masakit. In the long run, unti-unti mo ‘yang matatanggap. Kung hindi talaga para sa’yo, hindi talaga para sa’yo. Life goes on so mag-move on ka na rin. Ipag-pray na lang natin na dumating din yung tamang tao para sayo.”
Composed by Jerry Olaguer, "Nang Minahal Mo Ang Mahal Ko" is currently being aired exclusively on Barangay LS 97.1 Forever and all other Barangay FM radio stations nationwide.
Listeners may also request for the song on the mentioned radio stations. "Nang Minahal Mo Ang Mahal Ko" will be available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and other digital stores worldwide beginning this Tuesday, April 28.
