Philippine Music bits on Pinoy bands and singers

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

There is a new sound playing around the metro. It’s far from the rhythm of the latest craze “emo” or emotional rock but positively a new flavor to the diversity of Filipino music. No doubt, Bossa Nova captures the heart of sentimentalists and even the hard rocking babies. Thanks to new singing sensation, Sitti.

“Jazz-influenced music of Brazilian origin, rhythmically related to the samba” is the simple description for Bossa Nova. Historically it was founded in late 50s by Antonio Carlos Jobim and popularized by João and Astrud Gilberto.

Bringing back the old kind of music and reintroducing it to a new era listeners by a newcomer is quite a risk for any producer. Fortunately, the novel voice and the melodic style of Sitti (Navarro) harmonized with the heart of thousands.

“Nag-start ako sa mga standard jazz, yung mga “As time goes by”, “An Affair to Remember” kasi iyon ang mga nire-request ng mga audience with ages 40 and up,” Sitti said describing how she began as a lounge act. “Doon ako unang na-introduce kay Astrud Gilberto, not knowing na Bossa Nova iyon. Then mga 3 to 4 years ago sabi ng management ko mag-focus daw ako sa Bossa Nova.”

Considering most of the Bossa Nova lyrics are written in foreign languages and with a rather unfamiliar tune, Sitti admits that it was hard to penetrate the local audience. She even heard criticisms saying that her songs were like chanting spells. Nevertheless at this point, the reception is tremendously improving.

October 2005 when Sitti recorded live her first album “Café Bossa” at the function room of Stone House Building in just whole day and Warner Music released it in the market February last year. Months after the launch of the album it failed to have enough media exposure. However, Sitti was informed that the album rated even without prior promotions. The album already got platinum records and her second album “Sitti: Live” is out and also doing well.

“Nakakatuwa talaga! Now, I’m singing not only for myself but for the others, too. Lahat ng gigs namin puno so it’s an opportunity for us to educate the audience on Bossa Nova,” Sitti told Tugtugan.com.

For aficionados, a singer must have a certain soul to effectively interpret Bossa Nova songs. As Sitti shares, the lyrics behind Bossa Nova songs are mellow-dramatic. She cites that her favorite “Chega de Saudade” (No More Longing)”, a Portuguese song composed by Jobim is one great example.

“Lahat nang kinakanta ko na Bossa Nova inaalam ko ang ibig sabihin o kung mayroon siyang history. May kanta pa nga si Astrud na “O Pato” (The Duck), sinusundan lang niya yung steps ng duck. Nakakatuwa dahil biruin mo you find passion in a duck,”

So far, the awareness of Filipinos to Bossa Nova is increasingly ascending. Other w Bossa Nova artists emerged like Sofia (“Sofia, Bossa Latino Lite” under Ivory Records), Pavi (“Bossa Sessions” under Alpha Music) and Raffi Quijano (“Manila Blends” under Viva Records) and Agot Isidro (“The Island” under Holiday Records).

“Tingin ko naging commodity na siya at hindi maiiwasan na maraming maglalabas ng album na Bossa Nova rin ang konsepto. Pero mas maganda na yung mga record buyers they go beyond the usual stuff. They do really listen to music of Astrud and João, iyong mga authentic talaga,” Sitti’s reaction to the commercialization of Bossa Nova.

Indeed, the prime of Bossa Nova has come. It is not just foreign and passé music but an absolute melody for the Filipino music lovers. Sitti, is now aknowledged as the Bossa Nova Queen in the Philippines.

“Ayoko ng title, gusto ko lang na maaala nila na in a way ako ang nagre-introduce ng Bossa Nova. Sana hindi lamang sa Bossa Nova iyong awareness ng mga tao kundi mapunta rin sa standards and jazz. ‘Yun ang ultimate dream ko,”Sitti said.

Sitti is looking forward her major gig at Music Museum on March 16 and 23. She will also be hosting the Pinoy Big Brother season 2 on Studio 23 and will start a twice a month stint in the Sunday noontime show, A.S.A.P.

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

February is the month of love and sweethearts are busy checking out romantic possibilities for Valentine’s Day. Celebrities are busy, too, and some of them instead of spending time for romantic dinners or expensive escapades choose to entertain the Filipino music lovers on this important day.

Artists like Ara Mina, Rachelle Ann Go & Christian Bautista, Rufa Mae Quinto, Vina Morales and the Megastar Sharon Cuneta have prepared special shows in the different major venues. Here are some of the concerts and shows that can help make your Valentine dates truly special:

The Sexy at the Big dome.

Sexy star Ara Mina unleashes her musical side through her anniversary concert on February 3 at the Araneta Coliseum. “Loving Ara” is Ara’s celebration for withstanding showbiz life for the past 15 years.

Ara was a product of German Moreno’s “That’s’ Entertainment”. In that talent show, she joined the big bunch of teen stars that could sing, dance and act. However, her career was boost up when she decided to do sexy movies, her launching film was “Maldita”. Ara’s acting skills proved that sexy stars are not just about the body when she won awards from FAMAS, MMFF, Star Awards, and Golden Screen. Soon she decided to hone her singing career and recorded novelty hits such as “Ay,ay,ay Pag-ibig” at “Opps. Teka lang”.

In Loving Ara, she will be joined by her friends Ogie Alcasid, Michael V, Rufa Mae Quinto, Antonio Aquitania, Wendell Ramos as well as the great performers like Jimmy Bondoc, Jose Manalo, Ney of 6Cyclemind and Raymond Marasigan of the rick band Sandwich.

Proceeds of the show will go to the Ara Mina Foundation that helps seriously ill children.

The Mega Concert.

On February 10 Sharon Cuneta will grace the Araneta Coliseum for “My Mega Valentine Two,” a repeat performance of her lat year’s hit concert. Her special guests are the Apo Hiking Society and Ms. Pops Fernandez.

The Philippine entertainment icon who popularized the songs “Bituing Walang Ningning”, Pangarap na Bituin”, “Mr. DJ”, and “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas” will once again invade the concert scene, her musical director is the composer/arranger Louie Ocampo while ABS-CBN top gun Johnny Manahan will direct the show .

Champions on Stage.

On the eve of Valentine’s Day, February 13, singing darlings Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go will entertain fans and lovers at the Aliw Theatre in Roxas Boulevard Manila. The Asian Idol and the Ultimate Champion’s concert “You and Me” is a production of A.S.A.P Live.

The two hit makers are from different big recording companies. Christian is a Warner Music Philippines talent. He has not only conquered the Philippine Music Industry but other Asian countries as well. His ‘The Way You Look at Me” was a huge success, his other hits include “Hands to Heaven”, “Color Everywhere” and “Invincible”.

On the other hand, Rachelle Ann is a Viva Entertainment Artist. Her career flourished after winning the “Search for a Star” hosted by Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez. Her remake of the the classics “Don’t Cry Out Loud”, and “Dreaming of You” endeared her to fans while her song, “From the Start” composed by Venie Saturno, bagged the silver medal in 2004 Shanghai Musical Festival.

The Singer and the Comedienne.

Another repeat concert this February is “When Erik Met Rufa the Repeat… to the Max!” as the Prince of Pop Erik Santos and sexy comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto set the Music Museum on fire on February 16.

“When Erik Met Rufa” guests performers include Ai Ai delas Alas, Hotlegs and Ogie Alcasid.

Stronger, Sexier, and Sassier Vina.

On February 24, the total performer Vina Morales will heat up the concert scene with her ultimate performance of the year.

“Showgirl The Repeat” to be held at Araneta Coliseum is powered with more vivacious dance sequences with the help of top notch choreographer Georcelle Dapat and costume designer Edwin Uy, Butch Miraflor musical directs and Floy Quintos directs the entire show.

With these great Valentine concerts and shows to choose from, our dear lovers will not be only looking forward to a nightcap kiss at the end of their dates, they’ll also enjoy watching some of hottest Filipino concerts artists onstage.