Philippine Music bits on Pinoy bands and singers

By Valerie Tort

If it is not Julian Felipe, it is Noel Cabangon. As the composer of the modern Philippine National Anthems, Noel Cabangon can surpass the nationalistic and patriotic fervor reflected in Julian Felipe’s composition titled Lupang Hinirang.

The spell of Noel Cabangon started to captivate every TV viewer a few years ago as his song Kanlungan became the theme music in the commercial of one of the largest American fast food chains in the country. Every time the commercial was played, teens, yuppies, and adults all over the country sung together with the mysterious voice that hooked their attention.

Noel Cabangon is the mysterious voice behind the well-known song Kanlungan. His much-awaited break in the Philippine music industry suddenly knocked his door. As soon as his song made a break into the mainstream pop alternative music, Noel Cabangon grabbed the opportunity to motivate our Filipino countrymen for a change in the political and social upheaval prevailing in the country.

Noel Cabangon became one of the most popular alternative rock artists in the Philippines for his advocacy campaigns reflecting the hearts and minds of every Filipino.

“It was my intention to bring the song down from the heavens,” Noel Cabangon said in a chat with Cris Ramos.

Entertaining, persuasive, and enlightening—the singer and songwriter used his talent to reflect on the issues that continued to reign in the past decades such as poverty, the need for justice, freedom, and various struggles that confine the Filipinos inside a box. The subjects of his songs are the marginalized sectors of the community like the farmers, fishermen, and others.

Music is the language no one can ignore. As the tune Kanlungan is played back inside our head, it brought a fresh delight and insight on how to improve the Philippines to a better country for a brighter future.

“I attempted to make this song more grounded, to give this song that a lot of people have loved and related to and convert it into something for the people and nation to listen and hopefully derive inspiration from,” Noel Cabangon said.

“For a good deal of time I’ve been writing a lot of socio-political material,” the singer and composer added.

The nationalistic Filipino artist in actions, in words, and in deeds worked with several tunes for the local video documentaries. As a commercial artist, he composed and sung numerous tunes suited for TV and radio advertisements. As a mainstream pop alternative rock artist, he fascinated movie viewers with heartfelt theme songs.

Noel Cabangon continued to dedicate all his songs for the Filipinos as he fulfilled his wish to inspire and promote Filipino empowerment.

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Many Filipino artists doing well in the international scene serve as encouragement and good example for many aspiring Pinoy performers. One of them is the former child star Billy Crawford.

His fame and fortune in Europe did not, of course, happened in a blink of an eye. The ex “That’s Entertainment’s member worked hard to break through in his chosen field.

“We’re not the most popular race in the world pero when you penetrate it, it’s a relief and it adds that you have to work harder.”

Billy shared that he didn’t initially plan to enter in overseas’ entertainment industry. He left his promising career in the Philippines just to be with his family when he was 11 years old.

“Umalis ako to see my Dad kasama si Mommy, hindi ko naisip na papasok ulit ako sa showbiz kasi nung nawala ako nahirapan din ako. Maiiwan ko ang mga kaibigan ko sa showbiz and I’ll miss performing.”

Boredom was what pushed the young performer to join in a big competition held in Dallas, Texas. Battling with various individuals ranging from six to 40 years old, Billy didn’t only win the overall champion title but also the heart of a judge who was actually a talent manager in New York.

“I joined to be on stage not to have a record deal, hindi naman ako naghahanap ng manager or anything.”

Since then the 25 year-old-lad’s singing career was reactivated. He had many famous singles but his key hit in Europe was the song “Trackin.” It sold 750,000 copies and was certified platinum. The song was a chart-topper in France, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany. His other popular danceable ditties are “Bright Lights” and “Steamy Nights”.

“It (Trackin) was surprising because it wasn’t my favorite. The first time kong narinig sa Europe na nasa radio, wow! Okay I’m performing, it was a great experience.”

In 2003, Billy hailed as International Male Artist of the Year of NRJ Music Awards in Cannes France, beating Robbie Williams, Eminem and Will Smith.

Currently, Billy is back in the country to stage his concert at the Big dome on October 6. He is also hosting M.O.V.E, a reality based dancers search show on GMA 7.

“Ginagawa naming iyong TV Show para isama naming iyong six na mananalo sa concert.”

On the other hand, the singer who starred in “Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist” doesn’t want to give details yet of his upcoming concert as the things is still in progress and to surprise his fans as well.

“I hope you’ll enjoy it. It’s gonna be a lot of fun, that’s one thing.”

Billy is concentrating on his next album “STATUS,” where he collaborated with a new promising artist in America, R&B musician INOJ and Philippines R&B prince Jay-R.

“The album has new songs, more urban with R & B feel and there’s also pop and funk. It’s a high energy album pa rin na full of danceable songs.”

Billy humbly impart that the best trainings he learned came from the Philippines, meaning his excellent dance prowess and singing style.

“If you’re really smart to pursue a career, you’ll take it from the best. Growing up seeing Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, Pops Fernandez, Regine (Velasquez), Jaya and all other performers, you’ll start to learn from them and doon ka matututo.”

“Everybody is on their own in this business so you have to work hard.”

Ecstatic to the his countrymen’s continuous support, Billy feels that despite his long absence the reception of his local audience is getting better and better.

“Every time na bumabalik ako dito, there’s still energy na hindi ko talaga maintindihan pero they’re always there to support me and I really thank God for that.”

With all his success, Billy Crawform never fails to fondly look back at his first home. The former child star who became an international artist is really proud being a Filipino and wants to inspire his kababayan to dream big.

Tags: Billy Crawford, Philippine Music News

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

Not many people are aware of her name but think Moonstar88 and you come up with the name of Acel Bisa Van Ommen, who, together with her band, immortalized the sounds of “Panalangin”, “Sulat,” “Sa Langit,” and of course, “Torete.”

These times, Moonstar88 had ceased to be in the music scene but Acel’s comeback is just getting off the ground. After a long hiatus from the sound stage, Acel is back with a different tune, a different sound and a different melody to her music.

From the edgy and rock music of Moonstar88, Acel has evolved to the type of songs which would soothe and comfort anyone’s heart, owing it to her angelic and soothing voice.

And this time the package is entirely different. The songs, available through Star Records, are individually available in digital format within the year and this is a first for any artist of any kind. Each song is also downloadable and is available for 12 pesos each! Among Acel’s favorite songs in the album are “Pakiusap” and “Laugh and Cry.”

The journey to this stage of her life hasn’t been rosy for Acel. After stepping off the limelight in 2004, Acel has been anxious about several things in her life such as her impending marriage. She was also trying to seek for direction and guidance in her life.

After working temporarily as an administrator at LMP Music, a production company headed by a close friend, the passion in music still fires up within her. She was still able to make songs in those six months she had worked there and whenever she had the time, she would perform for special occasions in front of a live audience.

The heart of music, she claims, is in her audience that cheers for her, and she truly misses performing in front of them. When she realized that she wanted to continue the dream that she left behind, she resigned as administrator and concentrated again on her music.

It was in 2006 when the same recording company brought her back, and immediately placed her on the public interest’s eye again. But this time, her sense and style in music became different. She became keen on giving her crowd the music of her life – the mellow and soothing sounds that was a far cry from the Acel everyone used to know.

After everything that has happened to her life, Acel devotes her music to something close to her heart. The lyrics talk about hope, love and the inner fire that keeps on burning despite certain obstacles and fears.

For more information on Acel Bisa Van Ommen and her music, you can check out her website. You can also check out her songs and download them for free via her built-in player to the website, dutifully designed by her husband Danny van Ommen.

Tags: Moonstar 88, Acel Bisa

By Love Dela Cruz

For all you rock aficionados out there, you very well know that rock has no limits, boundaries or social class. Brace yourself and meet the band that’s been unifying the rich and the poor with their tasteful music and original style– Subscapular.

This Indie band has been together since 2001. “We started way back in high school,” lead guitarist Randy Gatbontonshares. This former Christian band got their name from the scapular, which is a religious necklace. “Pag sinuot mo kasi yung scapular nire-represent mo yung paniniwala mo, ganoon din yung gusto naming mangyari.”

Like other bands, the guys of Subscapular wanted to share their amazing music to the rest of the world and like any other band they weren’t able to retain their original lineup, “Nawalan kami ng drummer kinuha namin si Sam,” who also happens to be the brother of their bassist Elias Saludsong.

The band started out in the underground scene, playing in Saguijo, Mayricks and Freedom Bar. According to their band manager Aspen Sanez, the band’s turning point was when they performed in a gig at Music Museum two years ago, “That was the point where we realized that we could make something out of this, period!”

It was also that same night the band met their manager, “Nung nandoon na si Aspen, doon naming naisip na magseryoso na talaga, saka nagging tight kami dahil kay Aspen,” adds Elias who plays bass.

The Subscapular Sound

Their musical style is defined as experimental but their lyrics is emo, and their manager affirms this, “When you listen to their music it’s not really emo. The lyrics is emo pero yung music is experimental.” With influences like pop, metal and progressive rock Rod Tolentino, the bands vocalist, injects they also admire–“Sa guitar, Lenny Kravitz.”

Despite their diverse influences the band managed to cook up a musical style they all agree on. Randy explains that they value each other and tries to help one another, whether it is the technical or lyrical aspect of a song, “Parang anung bang maganda dito (lyrics), tapos mag add na kaming lahat.”

On a different perspective Aspen notes that, “They have their influences and it really shows how these influences all adds up to the rhythm and the credibility of the band.”

The band is releasing their first album called Telefiction under Kerplunk records, “Ok lahat ng kanta namin, magiging ok sila makaka relate sila sa buhay namin.” Elias also adds that through this album, their fans can really see who they really are, no inhibitions or pretensions just pure raw emotions served with great music.

Be sure to watch out for these guys, for more information about Subscapular visit their my space account.

Tags: Subscapular, Filipino Bands, Philippine Music Industry, Philippine Music News