Philippine Music bits on Pinoy bands and singers

By Stella Marie Avila

Tucked in San Antonio Village in Makati City along Guijo Street is an unassuming building that serves as a witness of how seemingly ordinary musical acts become artistic performances. In saGuijo music bar , music is treated like an intricate tapestry, and the audience is treated to a diverse range of music.

saGuijo is a hub for aspiring artists and music lovers who are eager to explore music that is not bound by limitations and the pressure to give out something that is commercially acceptable.

It is for music lovers who do not just come to see guitarists bang their heads but to be awed by percussionists who can whip performances that allow the listeners’ hearts to follow the beat of the drum.

The underground scene has never been this alive, even commercially-successful bands play here. saGuijo shuns anything mediocre by tapping into every music genre that results in a gig schedule that is as diverse as Salvador Dali’s paintings – alternative, jazz, blues, metal, rock and bossa nova.

The nights are far from another ho-hum event where bands scream until their voice become hoarse and the guitar riffs were like knives cutting into a rusty chunk of metal.

I was able to witness one great night of jamming, which was a tribute to Britpop. The featured acts so diverse that one band covered a Spice Girls original that actually sounded better. It is during nights like these that bands aren’t expected to conform with the mainstream.

Tribute nights at saGuijo aren’t tributes to the bands or to an era, it’s more of a tribute to the music’s diversity and the performing bands’ talents to encompass what was obvious and turn the songs into something fresh.

Nights at saGuijo basically start at 9 PM, a time when corporate slaves like me stretch after a few hours of fussing over grammar and style in front of a computer and decide that a couple of cold beers and a few hours of real music is just the ticket before heading to bed.

Beers range from the masa’s San Miguel beer to a few high-end brand. Another proof that this music bar is open to every one of any social background. Because, hey, music is a universal language.

This Friday night I’ve been chillin’ on Ice cold San Mig Light and the music of Up Dharma Down, one of the top new Filipino bands around. Good beer and tuning to great music, what more can I ask for?

Next time you’re out on a Friday night, check out saGuijo bar in San Antonio Village, Makati and experience live Filipino music at its best.

by Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Once upon a time Barbie Almabis thought that it was impossible for her to become a musician. Like other wannabes, at first she was unsure if she will pursue her ambition, but in the end her fascination overpowered her hesitation.

“Music is part of my family already. We are family of songwriters and musicians in the clan. But nobody in my family really pursued a music career so it never crossed on my mind. Then I graduated at business school then I realize na puwede pa lang magkaroon ng career sa music, akala ko hindi siya nangyayari.”

In 2005 Barbie broke up with her renowned band, Barbie’s Cradle. The said decision is considered the turning point of her career. Way back, She was also the vocalist of another breakthrough band, Hungry Young Poets.

“I was thinking of whether to rest or to do something much mature church based depende na lang kung saan ako ilalagay ni God.”

According to her, her separation with his former bandmates was a mutual agreement. “Of course they were sad because we had a good relationship, siyempre naninibago kami lahat.

“Barbie: the Singles” was her first solo album. The album was a compilation of her hit songs like “Torpe”, “Money For Food”, “Limang Dipang Tao”, “The Dance” at “Tabing Ilog”.

Indeed, Barbie’s will created a total makeover to her career. She became busier doing gigs, concerts and composing jingles for the toothpaste and shampoo commercials.

“ Iyong mga companies they don’t just get you to write a song and have you to sing it. They want you hear your music first then will ask you to write. Bale, hindi ka nako-compromise as an artist. For me it’s a good opportunity to get my songs out to be heard in that way.”

The song “Just A Smile” was not only a hit jingle for a toothpaste commercial but also a chart topper. She worked with heartthrob and Pinoy Big Brother housemate, Sam Milby on its music video.

One more jingle ad that she did was “Summer Day” for a shampoo commercial and it’s included in her second solo album entitled “Parade.”

Another change that happened to Barbie as a solo artist was the type of songs she was composing. One such example is “Dahilan”, a song about knowing the person you love.

“Dahilan is the song I wrote on the way to Baguio and coming down. The lyrics has ‘alam ko na ang pangalan mo pati address at telepono. Alam ko na rin ang mga gusto at mga ayaw mo, ngunit lahat ng ito’y wala ring kahulugan kung hindi rin lang ikaw ang matagpuan.’ It’s song of Jesus. I grew up with a lot of knowledge of Jesus and about God. As a Christian I remind myself that it is not about knowledge na nasa mind lang siya. I realize that kailangan nasa heart rin siya na I have to be in love with Jesus. Parang I don’t want to know the dos and don’ts about you because I wanna be in love with you,” Barbie’s explains.

Having the same background, people sometimes equate Barbie’s career to that of to Kitchie Nadal. Kitchie was the former lead singer of Mojofly and now a singer –composer, too. Barbie denies that Kitchie and her are rivals.

“Kitchie is my goood friend and everybody naman has his brand.”

Barbie notes also that if there is one artist she wants to collaborate with, Kitchie is one of them. Recently they did concerts and commercials together.

Last year, Barbie married Martin Honasan, the son of former Senator Gringo Honasan. Many speculated that Barbie would soon retire but obviously, it quickly melted since Barbie is very active up to this date. In fact, she feels she hasn’t fulfilled her mission yet as an artist.

“ I don’t think you reallt get to that point, though,” Barbie said. “I am not sure, you always have something to learn. I guess it’s not that you’ve accomplished everything already but rather you want to move on to other things na like focus on your family.”

For now, however, Barbie Almalbis is still committed to her music career. And she plans to stay for long time.

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Melanie Calumpad, or more popularly known as our favorite R&B singer Kyla, enjoys the best of both of worlds: her singing career is undoubtedly a sucess and her personal life blossoms, especially her relationship with basketball player Rich Alvarez is also flourishing.

Last December, Kyla rendered her talent in stage play “Prinsesa: Hiwaga ng Kalikasan” at the Aliw Theatre. Kyla was the princess of nature who is longing for the cooperation of humanities in saving the Mother Earth from pollution. She worked with singer-composer Rannie Raymundo, comedienne Beverly Salviejo and Ate Gay.

Another highlight to Kyla’s career last year was the launch of her “Beautiful days” album under EMI Philippines. The R & B Princess had personal touch to the said album, which comprise songs that interpret the way she see things now.

As of now she’s busy performing at “SOP” with power performers – Ogie Alcasid, Jaya, Janno Gibs and Regine Velasquez. While in “Popstar Kids” she’s the host and guide for the youngsters who want to be in Showbiz.

In the past, however, Kyla almost turned her back on showbiz because of the ups and downs early in her career. Good thing she eventually realized that those were part of her career path. Just like what happened on her “Tanghalan ng Kampeon” experience.

“I joined “Tangahalan ng Kampeon” when I was 10. I joined five times and lost five times, but I joined again until I became the champion when I was 12.” sehe said.

Using her real name – Melanie, Kyla became a member of German Moreno’s youth oriented show “That’s” Entertainment”. Kyla recalled that she was just a backup talent there, for most of the time she preferred to stay behind especially during the dance presentation of her Wednesday group.

“Parang salimpusa lang, 13 lang ako nun. Every Saturday, every group would prepare a dance number. Because I was such a lame dancer, I would always be at the back holding the props. But I couldn’t do the liftings that the seniors can do or the routines. The worse is I couldn’t do acting as well! Because I would always end up laughing! Di ko talaga kaya noon . Kaya kanta na lang ako parati.”

At 15, Kyla had a band that used to play in Le Boulevardier in Hotel Intercontinental every night. Then after a year she joined the Metropop Young Singer’s competition and got the 3rd place.

Though she was already a professional singer, she struggled in finding ways to conquer the mainstream music scene. Soon, she was able to achieve her dreams.

“My dad would always disseminate demos to recording companies but I always get rejected. Maybe it wasn’t really meant for me at that time. Buti na lang din kasi I could have landed in a company where they’ll make me record songs that I don’t want to do. I could have been singing a different style of music right now! Which I won’t like!”

Kyla is happy being part of EMI Music, where she is allowed to choose her music and be part of the creative process.

“Actually, accident lang yung sa EMI. An old friend of mine (Ferdie Marquez) asked me to send a demo. So, I submitted a song that I recorded for the Metropop. The bosses at EMI liked it so I started recording na. After a month they released the album and the rest is history.”

Her breakthrough song “Hanggang Nagyon” from her first album “ Way To Your Heart” was a certified hit and its music video won various awards from Awit Awards, MTV Asia, and Guillermo Mendoza Foundation named her Most Promising Female Artist in 2001.

Soon after several chart toppers, awards, and numerous shows were tremendously pouring for Kyla. Radio stations 89.9 Magic and RX 93.1 tagged her as 2001 –2002 Artist of the Year while MTV Pilipinas named her as their 2001 Best Female Artist.

For her interpretation of “Tara Tena” for ABS-CBN Song Festival’s JAM, Katha Awards bestowed the Best R&B Performance to Kyla while the song received the Best R & B Song and Song of the Year.

Passion and hard work are what pushes Kyla. Her family, friends and fans are her inspiration. She’s thankful that many believe in her capability and that’s why she disciplines herself to provide quality performances.

“I don’t drink cold water after a performance. I make sure I have enough sleep the night before a concert. I vocalize at least 20 minutes before singing and I always practice.

“Keep the faith and always trust your hunches. Prayers help a lot in fulfilling your dreams.” are the golden words of advice Kyla has for many aspiring performers yet to find their break.

By Michelle Ciriacruz

Blues music sprung from the hopes and despair of the black people when, enslaved, they closed their eyes and let it all out, and the music transformed their soul into the stuff of musical legends. So I gathered from my talk with the 5-man blues-rock band Plug in front of 6Underground on C. Palanca Street in Makati as they killed time with me right before a gig.

Of course, they explained about blues in a slightly different way. But then I am simply giving in to something vocalist Emy said about what it is about blues that calls so to him,

“[Blues is when you] close your eyes and feel your music.

And since writing is my music, I closed my eyes as well and write what I feel.”

Plug is one of the five bands that participated in the creation of Blueskrieg*, a CD compilation of Pinoy blues-based music.  Blueskrieg holds 15 tracks; three are by Plug: Byahero, Tumbling Down, and Blooze.

Guitarist Cheng composed the music while base player Jules and guitarists Rusty and Dan, including Emy collaborated on the lyrics.

Byahero, shared Cheng, is the importance of always moving, never stopping; Tumbling Down the Devil’s Game is about not having anyone else to blame but yourself, said Emy; while Blooze (a play on blues and booze) is about the shock of being “basted (rejected by a girl).”

This is what blues is all about, really—emotions and, contrary to popular belief, not just about being blue. Blues, the Plug members explained, is both comprehensive and particular. It could have an upbeat sound yet convey a story of tragedy and madness.

Depending on the musician’s treatment, blues styles could range from folk to rock to jazz to rnb. Much of the music we have now were actually inspired and influenced by blues, Emy pointed out, and blues the original must already have been transformed into a dozen dozen music genres.

Until, finally, blues landed on Pinoy shores, and Pinoy blues, as Plug plays it and as the other bands in Blueskrieg—Snakecharmer, Dahon, Firebottle, Plug and Kulukati—interpret it, was born.

Of course, said Cheng of Pinoy blues, “the music is adapted but sentiments are purely Pinoy.” The Pinoy music scene is more than ripe for a blues awakening, the band believes. “Madamdamin tayo,” they pointed out.

Blues is also very personal, the hallmark of a true blues musician. If you are into playing blues, you must learn everything you can about making the music your own, said Plug. The journey is long, which is why, for now, they play blues-rock.

Playing as a band since 1993, with Cheng and Dan joining in 1998, Plug strives to make their journey as intense as possible with frequent jamming, but taking it prudently as they could only give in to gigs an average of twice monthly because of day jobs.

Cheng is a graphic artist while the others are IT professionals. Emy is also a husband, as he insisted I make clear in my write-up.

Anyway, maybe someday, when they have closed their eyes long enough, or have gone deeper into the music than ever, the true blues within them would surface, and they could safely call themselves a pure blues band.

For now they rock, as I saw and heard later, in more ways than style and musical prowess. On stage, they took up their guitars; Emy his microphone, and played music as only people with blues in their soul could play—with eyes closed, letting the music take them, and expressing their hearts and soul out.

This is the track listing of Blueskrieg:

1. Tumbling Down The Devil’s Game – Plug

2. Byahero – Plug

3. Blooze - Plug

4. Zalman Knew – Snakecharmer

5. My Slow Draggin’ Week – Snakecharmer

6. Suklob – Snakecharmer

7. Bakit Nagkaganito – Firebottle

8. Di Na Lang Sana – Firebottle

9. Kalbaryo – Firebottle

10. Confronting The Devil – Dahon

11. Monster Within Me – Dahon

12. Lipad Pilip Lipad – Dahon

13. Sa Gabi Sa Umaga – Kulukati

14. Selda Katorse – Kulukati

15. Taga Sa Bato - Kulukati

*Blueskrieg, literally means blues attack, is available at all Odyssey record stores. Released by Rebolusyon Rekords and distributed by Vicor Music in the Philippines.

By Valerie Tort

Philippine indie bands—the buzzword for teens, music lovers, and local artists. Independent bands (a.k.a. indie bands) gained its popularity from contests like Redhorse Muziklaban, college battle of the bands, and so on.

The rise of Philippine indie bands became a major trend last year due to continuous advertisements of contests and major gigs nationwide. Its popularity soaring until this year, more and more music lovers teamed-up to produce their own music suited for their teen-and-yuppy audiences. The love and appreciation for music together with their unending passion gave birth to the so-called indie bands of the Philippines.

Some of the Philippine indie bands hitting the bars and gimmick places were Collieherb, Rubadub, Reggae Mistress, Starfish Freedom, Coffeebreak Island, Maple Syrup, Hampaslupa, Bahaghari, Hemp Republic, Milagros Dancehal Collective, Pancakes and many others.

The band members produced their own music by composing the lyrics and strummed their guitars and hit their drums over and over to create the perfect rhythm they ought to jive with their local audiences. They must create interest to the audiences to promote their own music.

Jeepney Joyride rocked the music scene in 1999 when they won the Redhorse Muziklaban. They continued joining contests like the Yamaha Band Alert in 2000, and the Global Battle of the Bands in 2005. Much recognition was given to them by NU 107 when the indie band Jeepney Joyride was nominated for the Best Album Cover in 2004 NU Rock Awards.

They received much airtime for playing their songs in NU107 titled Kape, Lihim, and Jeepney Joyride. Inspirations for their songs were acquired from Tom Jones, The Dawn, The Beatles, and Sharon Cuneta according to the band members Norman Bernardo (vocals), Ruel Maderazo (drums), Christian Salunga (guitar), Botchok Almoquera (bass), and Daboy Valerio (percussion).

Themes of their songs ranged from the universal friendship, love and even reform. This alternative band compared their songs to a jeepney—anyone rode to this vehicle to bring them to a loud and merry atmosphere ahead of the passengers. The jeepney illustrated all walks of life speaking from their hearts while they cherished every moment another person became a part of their life through the jeepney. Their songs convey the Filipino traits and characteristics based on experiences in real life. All in all, anyone can relate to their piece of music.

Another indie band that hit the music industry was Hemp Republic. Their band name was inspired by our very own Manila Hemp or Abaca. The qualities of abaca can best describe the relationship of the band members to each other and to their audiences—strong bonding, flexibility, and durability. These were the traits they wanted to inscribe to the hearts of the Filipinos and tourists as well. The nationalism can be seen by using abaca as their band name, therefore promoting the beauty of the Philippines as well.

Tonton Hatol (lead of the band), Bunny Liwanag (vocals), Mabs Tolentino (bass), Al Sese (drums), and Mags Gahol (rhythm) formed the band in the year 2000 while studying in UP Los Baños. Brought together by their deep passion and love for music, they survived all the hardships and trials and became one of the sought-after reggae bands to date. Al Sese lately became a part of Milagros Dancehall Collective.

Famous for their songs Sabihin Mo and Fireflies, the upbeat music became steady in the local music arena. They were booked at Xaymaca and Mayrics every Fridays and Saturdays since 2001.

Their songs’ theme varied from social issues to political issues. Upbeat music mixed with funky attitude and fused with enthusiasm in playing their music, Hemp Republic will stay in the music scene rock steady.

Rubadub became a part of the reggae music industry since October 2005. Jerick Rason, the bass player of the band, narrated the band’s influences in their music. Bob Marley, Eraserheads, VST and CO., Cypress Hill, No Doubt, and Sublime were some of their inspirations for their indie band. Other band members were Perts (vocals), Borge (drums), Bennie (percussions), Eurie (guitar), Topas (keyboards), and Gory (sound technician).

Sleepyheads started in Trinity College way back 2000. Members Jayvee del Rosario (drums/vocals), Erick Encinares (bass), BJ Esber (guitar), and Marvin (guitar) made its way to the local music scene with the help of Velvet Underground and The Modern Lovers as their influences. Because of hardworking members and honing their talents daily, they got a regular gig at Mayric’s every third Saturday of the month.

The band members confessed that when they started recording, the album is up for grabs for only 30PHP. Original compositions such as I’m Not Good Enough and Stuck Permanently In My Head were included in their album.

Bad boys of dancehall as they called themselves, Milagros Dancehall Collective belonged to the reggae indie bands proliferated back in 2003. Some of them were members of the original Brownman Revival (Mike, Vince, Sappy, Caloy, and Robbie). The remaining two band members Caio and Al were a part of Hemp Republic before joining Milagros Dancehall Collective. Tracks to be included in their soon to be released album are called Sunscreen and Milagros Dance. They made the lyrics of their music based on urban living—how people get through the city life. Their hiphop and guitar style of music can still be classified as reggae because of the Jamaican island mood it made.

“We chose to play reggae music to spread love and peace since we believe that songs are the easiest way to spread the message,” the band, meanwhile, Collieherb expressed. In 2001, Collieherb started like the other bands but shook off the stereotype “another band making money.” Members Martin Alvarez, Kim Castillo, Noli Arbolleda, Mckie Alvarez, Aaron Acay, Jr Ibañez, Emer Sulit, and Buboy Hadlocon crossed each other’s life and became the official band associates. They came from different universities and environment but they have the same ideals—love and peace. That mixture made Colliherb a hit in the reggae industry.

Every music lover has their own inspiration. These rising Philippine indie bands created their own history with the help of their hunger for music. For sure, they would be the next influences in the music industry.

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Known as the Princess of Philippine alternative rock, Kitchie Nadal shakes the entertainment industry with her signature songs, but who can tell that deep down the lyrics of her songs such as “Bulong” and “Fire” she inculcates uplifting messages.

Divulging your soft side is a no-no for a rocker but for Kitchie her fervor towards God is something to share, well, via her music. The “Wag na Wag” and “Same Ground” hitmaker confides that she always brings her Bible. “Bulong” for example has something to do with her faith.

“It’s a biblical context, prompting of the Holy Spirit. So all of us lagi nating maririnig na mayroong bulong. It’s an inspirational and encouraging song especially to the youth to do what is right.”

On the other hand, her favorite song, “Fire”, conveys her stalwart faith.

“More than just a passion na emotional, it’s a fire na something spiritual. So God is fire!”

As a child Kitchie really wanted to become a singer, which she thought as impossible to accomplish. But she achieved becoming the vocalist of the band Mojofly and signed up with Sony Music, a stunning experience since she didn’t even have any formal training nor joined a choir.

No doubt, that the Filipino youth consider her as new icon and inspiration. But Kitchie remains humble despite the ecstatic reception from the fans and media.

Kitchie also promotes and prioritizes education. She left her former band because of her desire to finish her studies. She majored in two courses, Education and Psychology. And even when she returned to making music she made it a point that her study came first before doing gigs.

“Focus! Everything you do conspires sa goal mo,” her answer on how she handled her study and career.

The singer and composer’s first hit “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” was an explosive song; it became a chart topper and theme of Lovers in Paris, an ABS-CBN top rating Korean soap opera.

“ One of my managers, Tommy, suggested ‘why don’t you write a love song na tagalog.’ I thought that would be a great idea because Filipinos are fond of songs na mellow. It’s a short story about being martir and all pero humorous,” Kitchie said.

Her fame soon paved the way for commercials and TV Programs. She did commercials for a cologne, shampoo, and fast food chain. And now she is one of the endorsers of a clothing line for women with friend, Barbie Almabis. She also composed and sang the theme song of the TV series “Majika”.

No wonder she raked in different awards like the double platinum honor for her album; “Most Promising Entertainer” and “Best Female Concert Performer” from Aliw Awards; and “Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist” and “Best Ballad” from Awit Awards. She also got the Nickelodeon Channel’s Pinoy Wannabe Kid’s Choice Award. These recognitions are proof of her excellence as a musician.

And she continues to conquer the airwaves and concert scene, she’s currently busy doing gigs, with or without her friend Barbie. Her current hit is a revival of an APO Hiking Society song, “Pag –ibig.