"Amazing Asidors"
Sun.Star Davao, Oct. 20, 2007

In 1998, many notable singers vied for the honor to perform during the first Senate session under the Estrada administration. Among all the applicants, including prominent groups and personalities, a relatively known singing group of kids named The Asidors bagged the cherished slot.

“See, senators? God sent us a family because here in the Senate, we are a family and God wants us to be like them; not fighting but singing. Sana tayo rin ganyan para sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan (Hopefully, we can be like them so that our country will progress)”, remarked former Chief Justice and Senator Marcelo Fernan.

So impressed were the senators with the brilliant and touching performance that they temporarily suspended their session and left their respective seats to congratulate the talented singing family.

Former Philippine Health Secretary and Senator Juan Flavier, a staunch advocate of population control, approached the proud parents, Ulysses Sr. and Helen Asidor, and said, “Di naman pala masama na may maraming anak (It’s not really so bad, after all, to have many children) as long as you handle and manage your children well and make them useful to the community doing the work of God”.

Singing family

If Austria has the Von Trapps; Ireland, The Corrs and United States, The Osmonds, wait till you meet the Philippines’ The Asidors!

They are composed of Huly Ray (Roi), 25; Winner (Win), 24; Blessie Grace (Bless), 22; Wincerlove (Love), 20; Milcah (Milx), 17; Ulysses (Jung Jung), 12; Ximdrake (Dodot), 10; Mendrell (Endy)9; Gleamly Charm (Cham-Cham), 3; and Maxmaerd (Mimid), 2.

Yes, you read it right; they are ten siblings in all!

“As what our Papa and Mama told us, sa tiyan palang tinuturuan na kaming kumanta (while still in the womb, we were already being taught how to sing). But, at the age of 3, we were already singing on stage; in churches, parties and other special occasions”, shares the eldest, Roi.

Just like Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez’ supportive dad, Mang Gerry, the Asidor children had their first voice training in the beach by their family patriarch.

“When we were young, our training was not that easy. We were singing submerged up to the neck in water; singing while running; and singing day and night. When our dad would teach us new songs, we couldn’t sleep until we memorized the tune and lyrics perfectly”, recalls second-born Win.

For Thy Glory

Although they are Seventh-Day Adventists, these gospel singers’ performances are not limited to their religious affiliation.

Music ministry is their passion in life because their father had a vision when he was still a teenager. He dreamt that there were many angels singing in heaven and they were all his children. That is why Ulysses Sr. was so inspired to train them in their ministry.

“Our parents didn't attend school to study music but they believe that we are gifted and that we must use it for His Glory", shares Win.

From 1996 to 2000, the entire family travelled around the Philippines to participate in concerts, crusades and big meetings of different religious sects. They even performed with the legendary Freddie Aguilar during his major concert at the Cebu Coliseum and Ormoc Superdome.

However, nowadays, Ulysses Sr. and Helen could not travel with their children anymore due to their teaching jobs at Placer Central School, Placer, Masbate. Masbate is the Asidors’ hometown.

The older Asidor siblings are in Davao while the younger ones, Cham-Cham and Mimid are staying in Masbate with their parents.

“We now just call or text our parents for valuable advice on financial and spiritual matters”, discloses Bless who acts as the siblings’ mother while they are in Davao.

Wedding singers, atbp.

The Asidors are popular wedding singers in Davao and other parts of the country.

“Our style is flexible because of the requests of the audience. As gospel singers, we are used to blend voices and sing the songs from the heart. The group’s style fits ballad, gospel, R&B, jazz, bossa nova and others”, enthuses Milx.

They are also recording artists and producers with Roi as the recording engineer and music arranger and Win as his assistant. The latter likewise acts as the family’s designated computer whiz in-charge of hardware and software management.

On the other hand, Love is good in voicing and teaches the siblings how to sing their individual parts.

“We have already recorded 12 albums. We are now recording our album for Korea: 5 Korean songs and 5 English songs. We're so excited to share that album to everybody”, reveals Win.

Last October 17, they left for Korea for a series of concerts and will be back on December 17. From January 1-20, 2008, they will be off to Taiwan and Hong Kong for more performances.

Music in me

“Our day is like a party always, full of fun and news… sa dami kasi siguro namin, kaya ang balita, jokes and sharings di nauubos. Sobrang saya (because we are so many, the news, jokes and sharings never end. It’s very fun)”, tell the siblings. They love outdoor adventures such as hiking, swimming, fishing and ball games.
“For us, being in a singing group with our siblings, we can simply say what we want. It’s not hard to correct one another”, points out Bless.

“We are grateful because the ministry of music molded the physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects in our lives”, she adds.

(For your comments and suggestions, you may e-mail me at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com)