PENAMPANG: Seventy-two-year-old Ongkino Moidon got his wish fulfilled and is now set to promote his first Kadazan album in the state-level Harvest Festival celebration.
The album entitled The Ongkinos featuring his best collection of songs -- sung by his children -- will be on sale at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA on May 30 and 31.
In August last year, Ongkino's dream came true after having his album produced with the help and support of his children -- Judith, Melvin, Andy and Janet -- aged between 30 and 50.
Ongkino was a carpenter when he wrote the songs in the 1950s.
Among them is Hunggui Sukudon Ku (I carry my burden on my walking cane) that speaks about his difficult times in those days.
As a young man, Ongkino had always dreamed of becoming a Kadazan singer. He composed a few songs and sang them on the radio.
However, he had to abandon his dream and worked as a carpenter to raise his family of eight. Life was tough as he earned barely enough to pay for the basic necessities.
It was the hardship that inspired some of his best songs which he composed during his free time.
Some of Ongkino's works will be sung by his children.
His daughter, Janet, said at one point, the children had to decide who would sing their father's songs.
"Among our siblings, only Judith and Andy have singing experience but eventually, after much hesitation, Melvin and I joined in.
"We hesitated in the beginning but knowing that we would be doing it for our father, we agreed to sing," said Penang-based Janet.
She added that her father had decided not to sing for the album, but was happy to see his dream fulfilled.
"All the songs he wrote were a gift to us."
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