NYC-BASED FILIPINO PRO-WORKING CLASS BAND KADENA SALUTES KA BEL
The left-leaning pro-working class Filipino punk band Kadena joins the rest of the world and the Filipino working men, women and youth in mourning the passing away of one of the greatest Filipino labor leader, unionist and working-class fighter: Honorable Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran.
We, members of the pro-working class band Kadena gather our inspiration for our music from the history and struggles of the Filipino proletariats and it's very powerful, militant and vibrant labor movement under the banner of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May First Movement) that was led by Ka Bel himself.
Kadena's bass player had the honor and privilege to have met, marched and protested alongside Ka Bel at various times. In one of the visits, during the turbulent time of his arrest Ka Bel was always in high spirits even as his health was not in the best condition. During this meeting Ka Bel handed his hand written speech for the Filipino-American Youth. Ka Bel remains one great inspiration for many Filipino-Americans.
We offer our greatest honor, highest respect and most militant salutation to a person who was not just a leader but a model everyone should emulate. Ka Bel is a genuine proletarian who stood firm against the test of time. As a worker he has struggled for and alongside the Filipino working class against tyranny and oppression through decades against various regimes.
Mabuhay ang Uring Manggagawa!
Ipagbunyi ang Pakikibaka ng Anakpawis!
Itaguyod ang Diwa ng Tunay na Unyonismo!
Dakilang Pagpupugay para kay Ka Bel!
KADENA PUNK BAND
New York City, USA
May 20, 2008
