Chicago’s Date With Nonoy Zuniga

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

He was hands-down, the reigning Philippine King of Ballads back in the 1980’s just a year after the tragic loss of his left leg at the Philippine Plaza Hotel bombing. There were eight hotels that had coordinated explosions that fateful October day in 1980, a rebellious ploy by radicals sending a message to the Philippine government through senseless bombings like the one that changed Nonoy Zuniga’s life. He was just about to leave the men’s restroom after changing into his band outfit as the lead male vocalist for the Family Birth Control Band, when the bomb planted inside the trash can next to the sink mirrors went off, hurling Nonoy and several other unfortunate victims against the wall after it went off. Nonoy was numb, tried to get up, and realized after a few seconds that his leg was missing. He looked around, and in a few seconds, passed out and woke up without his leg at the nearest hospital. Although grateful that God spared him from death, Nonoy went through a dark phase, making a decision never to sing again, resigned to a life away from the spotlight. This would be a tough decision considering that Zeno Obong Zuniga started professionally singing in beer pubs and bars at 17 years old, armed with just his guitar and a voice that is rich and velvety, with a style so versatile he was always offered a spot in a lineup of singers in Manila’s hottest venues. He was a regular student, taking the jeepney to and from school, setting his sights on becoming a doctor like his father and using his side gigs to help him with extra expenses. When he finally landed a gig with the Family Birth Control Band that also featured iconic bend members like Tillie Moreno, Jackie Magno and Basil Valdes, Nonoy was already deep into medicine proper, and then the explosion happened.
The following year, now with a prosthetic leg and a cane, Nonoy was invited to sing at the annual Metro Pop Music Festival not as a contestant, but as a Person with a Disability (PIWD) representative to give honor to those like him with his first hit song “Ako Ay Ikaw Rin” which went platinum after his televised performance that night. In addition, he was approached by one of the judges that night, Mr. Willy Cruz, owner of Jem Recordings who wanted him to be a recording artist with his studio. He added several other songs to “Ako Ay Ikaw Rin,” including his next hit “Doon Lang,” which pushed the album to Double Platinum level, and as they say, the rest is history. Nonoy Zuniga became the hottest performer in Manila, filling stadiums to capacity, including the famous Folk Arts Theatre, the Philippine Convention Center, and the iconic Araneta Coliseum. For the next decade, he became the undisputed concert performer, the biggest selling recording artist, as well as the the Philippine King of Ballads. His disability became his surprise blessing, and although he went on to graduate from the University of Santo Tomas as a bona fide Doctor of Medicine, his fame, and boosted singing career made him go in a totally different direction from his original plans, but like he said in his concert, “and he never looked back.”
After a shining career of four-and-a half-decades, Nonoy took Chicago by surprise, his voice still a soft powerhouse of smoothness and distinct tonal silkiness, his vocal styling and control of his soft buttery notes, still sent chills to loyal fans as well as new audiences who appreciated his talent that crossed years and continents, landing softly and simply, reinforcing once more, that true talent surpasses time.
To Nonoy Zuniga, a true icon of the eighties, thank you for showing Chicago how a real idol can manifest his talent not with technical effects or razzle-dazzle, but by just singing his songs plainly and purely from the heart. Come back again, Dr. Zuniga, Chicago has rolled out its red carpet for you and would like to invite you back, so we can enjoy our time with you again!
Congratulations to Direk Gerry Rebello for bringing real talent and performers this time around.