I just learned that singer/songwriter Isagani Licerio passed away last May 20. He was my brother-in-Christ, a fellow-musician and minister of the gospel, and a good friend. Upon hearing the news, I took the time to listen again to his first recorded original song, “Agos.” And I couldn’t help but feel a tug of emotion in my heart.
I first got to know Gani back in the Philippines, when I was asked to be one of the judges of a year-long Christian singing contest sponsored by the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC). When he used his twelve-string guitar it was almost as big as he was. Yet his voice and skill with the guitar more than made up for his height. He reached the finals and, if I remember right, he actually won that competition. Since then we had common opportunities to minister through music in various occasions. Then Gani and I became involved in the first-ever project that brought together Filipino Christian singers and musicians who sang original Tagalog compositions, also sponsored by FEBC. It was called Papuri. I was able to be part of that project for the first three years. Gani continued on after I left.
All that time I got to know Gani as a person who loved the Lord. And he used his skills as a singer, songwriter, and guitar player to honor his Lord. His compositions that used images from nature to express spiritual truth and to offer praise were a special favorite of mine—such as “Agos” (Flow) and “Hangin” (Wind). As a sample, I offer a very rough translation (which does not do justice to Gani’s poetic skill) of the chorus from his song “Agos.”
Like the flow of a stream, so is the life of a man;
Alike they flow toward their ultimate destination.
Your life is from the Lord, entrust it to the Lord;
Use it as a blessing in the life of your fellowman.
Such was the life of Gani, a blessing to others in the name of the Lord. He was a very humble and down-to-earth person. Despite his skill, I do not remember any instance where I felt any sense of pride or arrogance in him. And he was quick to acknowledge talent and value in other people.
I lost direct contact with Gani when I left the country. But I recently started receiving the occasional news, sometimes with pictures, from common friends via Facebook. I count it a privilege to have known Gani. His life was a blessing, a refreshing stream to those who knew him.
—Keith Jainga