Philippine Music bits on Pinoy bands and singers

Naisip ko lang dahil sa reunion concert nila ay baka maraming interesado sa discography ng Eraserheads. Ibig sabihin ng discography ay lahat ng mga records (CD, cassette tape, plaka vinyl) na inilabas kung saan kasama ang isang artista, banda o musikero. Swerte ang BMG Pilipinas sa reunion na ito, sigurado maraming bibili ng back catalog ng Eraserheads, easily 10,000 units sold ito for this year alone lalo na’t ilang beses ipapalabas sa MTV ang first set ng Easerheads reunion concert last August 30, 2008.

Sayang nga at hindi nabuo ang concert, mas tabo sana ang kita ng BMG. Yung producer ng concert ewan kung nakabawi sila, pero dahil sa nakagenerate naman sila ng exclusive content for MTV eh baka sulit at msaya na rin si Francis Lumen.

Mamaya ko na lang i-post yung mga actual info details ng Eheads CDs although eto ang complete list ng mga solo albums of the original Eraserheads lineup:

• PopU!
• UltraElectroMagneticPop
• Circus
• CutterPillow
• Fruitcake
• Banana Type (EP)
• Sticker Happy
• Aloha Milkyway
• Natin99
• Carbon Stereoxide
• Please Transpose (EP)

At get well message pala to ELY BUENDIA, pagaling ka parekoy at pahinga ka muna.

tags: Eraserheads, Eraserheads reunion, Eraserheads concert, Ely Buendia,

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: Love Dela Cruz

It was a rainy Saturday on June 23, 2007 as one hundred and fifty plus bands played simultaneously for the Fete-De la-Musique event in Malate, Manila. This collision of music genre is an event sponsored by the French consulate.

The Fete-De la-Musique originated from the luscious scenery of France, it started out with bands playing concurrently in different stages and giving the fans the ultimate night of their lives. Soon more and more countries joined in the craze and now the Fete-De la-Musique is the most anticipated music extravaganza that can rock an entire nation.

The roads were blocked, as four separate stages took over the small gimikan place of Malate in Manila. Despite the bad weather that took upon the participants, it was astounding to see that everyone was still having fun.

My first stop was the reggae stage; I caught people dancing with and without any umbrellas proving Mother Nature that the youth of today are even more rebellious than before.

To make it more visual here’s the list of performers who were rocking the stages that night, In Nakpil Cor. Ma. Orosa St, we had the World, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Reggae & Ska slash Electronica Stage which was graced by bands like Peryodiko, Taken By Cars, Daydream Cycle, Drip, Makatha, Cosmic Love, Switch, Salindiwa, Milagros Dancehall Collective, The Chongkeys, The Rinka Collective, Bagetsafonik, Paramita, 4mh, Jeepney Joyride, Blue Rats, The Spaceflower Show, Jerome Rico, Sound, Wahijuara, Brass Munky, Bembol Rockers, Coffee Break Island, Swissy, Outerhope, Ang Bandang Shirley, Blazing Bulalakaw, Juan Pablo Dream, Musical Orgasm, Pinikpikan, Spy, Skabeche, Johnny Alegre Affinity and the now making a noise band Sino Sikat?

On the other side of the street where Adriatico St. Cor. Nakpil we find the Hip-Hop and R&B Stage, now this is where I saw how the pinoy hip-hop community was afraid of some rain and wasn’t able to show the fellas on stage the lovin the deserve. The hip-hop artist performing that nigh were Sinag and God’s Will, Nimbusnine, Krazykyle, Slick n Sly Kane with Mista Blaze, Corporate Lo-Fi, Audible, Syke, Pamilia Dimagiba, Chilitees, Out of Body Special, Mobbstarr, Jay Flava, Hi-C, Miscellaneous, Stick Figgaz, The Expansion Team, Urban Outlaws, Artstrong, Dash and Esp, Monique with Metagrove, Ill-J, 2tay, People’s Future, Flipballaz, Aero, Ampon, Los Indios Bravoz, Diwata, Mike’s Apartment, Dcoy+The Franchize and Sunny Blaze, Nathan J, Circulo Pugantes, Mhcrew and Audible.

After moving and grooving to the beat of some gangsta music leds head over to the wet streets of Plaza Rajah Sulayman, Roxas Boulevard where the Universal or the Main Stage is located. Here we saw mainstream acts such as Orange and Lemons, Stonefree, Salamin, Cynthia Alexander, Radioactive Sago Project, Up Dharma Down, Mayonnaise, The Dawn, Alibata, Mojolfy, Wake Up Your Seatmate, Snakecharmer, Lala, Kadangyan, Slapshock, The Bloomfields and Erskin. Talk about big shot names, this stage was THE stage.

But let’s not forget what most of these kids were here for. If you like wearing black shirts, Chuck Taylors, skinny jeans (and you’re a guy) and you love the sound the banging and slamming of the drums, well this stage was meant for you.

Located at the Remedios Circle, Remedios St. Cor. Adriatico, is the Rock Stage. This was the box-office stage in the event, here bands like hicosci, Sin, Badburn, Moyg, Intolerant, Hampaslupa, Boy Elroy, Hilera, Greyhoundz, Cog, Valley of Chrome, Kapatid, Join the Club, Resurrected, Typecast, The Ambassadors, Check, Analog, End of Man, Mortal Fear, El Mercurio, Pin Up Girls, Ducks Entertainment, The Wuds, Vox de Murk, Redd Boy, Eternal Now, Severo, Effinboiche, Reklamo, Dirty Stone Yard, Giniling Festival, April Morning Skies, Subscapular and the band formerly known as Cheese now Queso, was playing like there was no rain and tomorrow.

The fans were bumping and maiking their own small moshpits, awaiting the jump of the lead singers.

Despite the harsh weather the Fete-De La-Musique was a success. This sentiment can be shared by those die hard music lovers out there who would endure anything just to listen to great and free music, let’s not forget cheap booze.

Tags: Manila Fete de la Musique, Philippine Music News, Pinoy Bands

The Lumanog name is synonymous with Philippine made acoustic guitars. As far as I can remember, when someone in the family wanted an acoustic guitar the reply is always to “get a Lumanog” coz “it’s the best”.

And since the family hails from Pampanga, everyone knows where the best of the best Lumanog guitars can be found - at the hub of guitar and music instrument shops all bearing the name Lumanog in San Anton, Guagua, Pampanga.

Authentic Lumanog acoustic guitars at ROMY LUMANOG guitar shop in
San Anton town, Guagua, Pampanga. Philippines.

Thus, when it was my turn to get my first acoustic guitar - as soon as we changed Apo Ando’s $100 gift into pesos - we rushed straight to San Anton in Guagua, me and my cousin haggled the hell out of the C.B. Lumanog music shop.

My first acoustic guitar was a classical guitar with nylon strings - it had a spruce top and rosewood fingerboard. This guitar served me well, and I player her a lot, she ushered me into the world of music. 3 months into playing the guitar, I was in the school Banduria - and my Apo was actually able to watch the banduria’s recital with me proudly plucking his gift guitar. Ah, the good old days.

Anyhoo, back to the Lumanog guitar thing. Since I was quite determined to get a local guitar that I can have lying around the house - a guitar I can pick up anytime to just strum out melodies and ideas buzzing in my head - I decided to trek to Sta Mesa Manila and get one.

But heck, I checked out five shops and the quality of the “Lumanog” acoustic guitars there were simply horrendous. These are the plywood type guitars painted blue and red no different to those hawked on the streets. Their best guitars, with the nice wood tops, were not as bad but were not good either - really messy worksmanship on the outside and inside. No Sta. Mesa “Lumanog” acoustic guitars for me.

The perfect opportunity to score an authentic Lumanog guitar presented itself when we headed to Lubao for the annual family reunion. On the way back to Manila, since it was a Sunday and the traffic was heavy, I thought why not pass by San Anton see if the shops are open - and what guitars they have.

CB Lumanog shop was closed (I always bought my acoustic guitars from CB Lumanog - 3 of them), but ROMY Lumanog’s shop was open - and Romy Lumanog himself was in the house.

I immediately asked for their best guitar available. He handed me a cutaway guitar with Langka wood and rosewood fingerboard - the action felt right, the sound was OK, the workmanship was ok (not close to perfect but was ok - clean enough, good enough). He showed me a couple more guitars but I went back to the first one he showed me, so I decided to take it - for P3,000 only ($60-$70)!

Btw, this Romy Lumanog acoustic guitar had a GIBSON mark on the headstock! As much as non-Lumanog guys are ripping off the Lumanog name, this real Lumanog is ripping off the Gibson mark, too. Oh well.

The next day I immediately took the guitar to the recording studio in Makati to find out what it sounds like as captured by quality microphones. Hmmm, not bad. Not bad at all. The sound is not big, the resonance leaves a lot ot be desired, but it is not boomy and twangy either - the tone is quite balanced across the strings. Hmmm, seems like this guitar wont just be lying around the house.

So there, something about Lumanog acoustic guitars - hand made in San Anton, Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines.

tags: Philippine guitars, Philippine acoustic guitar, Philippine luthier, Lumanog, Lumanog guitar, Guagua, Pampanga

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

One solid teamwork and sure-fire aspiration geared Zamboanga’s pride, Frio band. From small campus gigs to joining various competitions, the league of eight men (and a gal) enters Pinoy mainstream music with their self-titled album under Alpha Music.

Band members Alain Echem (vocals), Christopher Sison (vocals), Sheila Taup (vocals), Archie Lim (lead guitar), Christian Quiambao (rhythm guitar), Tristan Climaco (keyboards), Raz Itum (bass) and Marvin Salazar (drums) disclosed to Tugtog.com all about their band and album in this exclusive interview.

What’s the story behind the name, Frio?

FRIO is a Chavacano word, which means “cold”. Though the band is never cold in its approach, the word FRIO is easy to recall and tells the people where the band came from.

What is the advantage of having three vocalists?

Alain renders more ballad and love songs; Shiela can do the high pitch; and Christopher is more on alternative and rock music. We fuse these three talents into a single rendition, thereby having a unique approach in our repertoire. Having three vocalists means having more opportunity to “play” different songs and the repertoire. We even released a duet-single entitled “Hiling”, which is included in ABS CBN’s “Sana Maulit Muli” Soundtrack Compilation.

What do you think was the turning point of your career?

Aside from the warm welcome by the people, we were also nominated as a breakthrough artist for 2006 in SOP Music Awards, and (our song) “Alive” landed on top spots of radio and TV countdowns. This means a lot to us, not just for taking it to a higher level, but by realizing that we’re beginning to have significant responsibilities as artists. This is what motivates us to become better artists, as well as individuals.

Any singing regimen, principles or rules you follow as a band?

We follow a “Band First Policy”, in which all matters that concern the band must be prioritized. The vocalists, as well as the rhythm section must always be fit to perform, thus, always having vocalization exercises and three times a week rehearsals No one smokes in the band and drinking, too, is occasional.

We live together in a condo unit and each one is assigned with specific roles. All itineraries must be reported to the band leader. We don’t believe in sheer luck. We always pray as a group before every performance. We perform for the people more than for ourselves.

Tell us about your debut album. What were your expectations while recording the album?

It is our first time to record an album, and also a “first” from a Zamboangueño band. It is just overwhelming for us because we received a very warm reaction from the listeners and those who believe in our music. We have always created a working atmosphere on-and-off studio, and we didn’t expect a lot, we just made sure that we give out our best during recording sessions.

“Alive” is a hit in numerous charts, why do you think it did very well? .

In our opinion, Alive was a hit song because it was really done by the heart, and it struck those who believe in its message.

Any other song special to you from you album?

Other songs in the album that are special to us are Breathe (our first-ever composed single), Himig (composed in just 30 minutes) and E (a melancholic alternative song with a very unusual arrangement – and title).

Who are your most admired artists and why?

We have always admired Filipino artists more than the foreign ones. Bands like Eraserheads, Rivermaya and a whole lot more. Single artists like Gary V, Mike Hanopol and those who endured and made a mark in the music industry also motivated us to aim the same. In the international scene, we admire The Beatles for their sheer creativity, and U2 for their lasting friendship.

What do you think is the status of the Philippine Music Industry?

In our opinion, the Philippine Music Industry is not as “rich and prominent” as it was before, mainly because of piracy. But we’re very much happy to be part of the music scene not because of gold and glory, but because we are able to contribute music to the industry.

What is your message to all your supporters?

We are now about to release more singles, and also produce songs for the second album. We hope and pray for them to always keep the faith. We would like to thank our supporters for believing in us and our music - without them, it would have been very hard to be where we are right now.

Listen and be enthralled with the music of Frio as they sing songs from the album such as “Nasan Ka Na,” “E,” “Himig,” “Breathe,” “Parapa,” “Baby,” “Could Have Been,” “Let Him Go” and “Why.”

Photo courtesy of Ms. Dearly S. Ganaden of Alpha Music

Tags: Frio Band, Filipino Pinoy Bands, Philippine Music Industry, Philippine Music News

By Jodelen O. Ortiz

Music is in the air we breathe. There are many genres to choose from: classical, country, folk, pop, jazz, rock, grunge, psychedelic, RnB, techno, Americana and many more. In every genre, an artist rules out the others. And an artist become an icon, or to some, a demi-god.

I can be a fan of someone who has just released his first album or an artist who was been dead for decades, some musician who wasn’t heard of by others. One common denominator: I love the artist and his song and that alone mattered, that alone was reason to be his fan or more so, to aspire to be his Number One Fan.

Every music fan has the ultimate dream of meeting with his favorite performing band or artist and witnessing them perform live in concert. Every artist would like to know and meet his Number One Fan and Ultimate Follower - the one who buys every album released, keeps himself updated with the latest news about Mister (or Miss) Favorite Artist and who would surely break a neck or slap he-who-drops-a-negative-comment about the favored musician.

Among college students, there is a very thin line between fanaticism and cultic worship, seriously. In my experience as a Techno student, (Techno is the choice of students in coolly addressing the College of Engineering and Architecture), Black Trenchcoat Mafia does not refer to the group of students who terrorized Columbine High School, in our school it refers to the followers, or rather worshippers, of the rock band Metallica, Black Sabbath, Razorback and other deep-throat rock icons.

They, lovers and defenders of hard rock, wear black from shoes to lipsticks and makeup. Freedom of choice gives them immunity from prejudice.

Around the world, their number grows and quite surely, big enough to keep the careers of their favorite artists. Fans inspire publication and selling of posters, magazines and books about famous artists. Some Number One Fans, keep albums of articles and pictures of their Favorite Artist while some believes the world should know he is Favorite Artist’s Number One Fan by the print in her bag, the wallpaper of tiled artist’s photos, or a website dedicated for such an artist.

I can go on enumerating what extent other aspiring number one fans go and I’ll end up unsatisfied because it would remain lacking – for in the world of aspiring fans there is always a unique way of snatching the distinction from another person. Thank goodness, WikiMusicGuide comes with a solution.

WikiMusicGuide is a free music guide for music fans created by music lovers. It features mainstream and independent artists and bands of all genres. The main page contains a Featured Album / Site, Featured Upcoming / Indie Artist and Featured User / NumberOneFan for the week, all taken from its fast-growing pages. The Top Ten Songs and Top Ten Albums are also updated frequently. A highly visitor-friendly site, WikiMusicGuide also includes Current Events and What’s Popular in the music scene.

The NumberOneFan (NOF) Awards has been officially started on February 23 of this year with the following basic criteria: Make sure the favorite artist’s page is always factual and updated, free of vandalisms and plagiarism. Update includes albums, singles, tracks, personal and career information or biography, all information that are allowed by the Favorite Artist for publication. Copying content from other sites or plagiarism is a no-no and will automatically disqualify the candidate from winning the NOF.

Only those who are chosen by the Admin Board are given the prestigious NOF logo with authorization for use to personal sites and as email signatures, provided they state the name of the artist to whom they are NumberOneFans. Also there can only be one NOF per artist and from their rank, one is chosen to be featured on the WikiMusicGuide homepage every other week.

The first awardees were Kellan and Outofthesky (Charity McKay), NumberOneFans of Fall Out Boy and Madonna, respectively.

Outofthesky, is a 17-year old Southern American WikiGuide who started liking Madonna just last year but did not relent supporting the artist ever since. She watched the “1989″ episode of the VH1 I Love the ’80s series, with one segment dealing with Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” music video and the subsequent controversy with Pepsi and the Roman Catholic Church.

“The actual video was never shown in its entirety, however, so I decided to find it online. I was kind of mesmerized by it, and I ended up watching other Madonna music videos, too. It all just kind of snowballed after that,” she said in a WikiMusicGuide interview. “My favorite song, overall, is “Drowned World/Substitute for Love”, and my favorite album is Like a Prayer.” Outofthesky shows us that the NumberOneFan is not discriminatory in age and duration of fanhood.

Kellan6, born Kellan, likes Fall Out Boy because of the band’s complex drumming, great vocals, and above all, the genius lyrics, written by Pete Wentz. He has created and has been regularly updating the FOB artist page and six album pages.

What WikiMusicGuide has provided is the criteria for choosing NumberOneFans who express their support to artists online. It does not determine who among the general public is the Number One Fan, especially those who do not use the internet or the web. In this case, the gauge would be very basic and simple: Who knows the complete biography of his favorite artist? Who knows all the albums and songs of his favorite artist? Who knows the completed, present and upcoming events and activities of such artist? In short, who knows his favorite artist by his whole heart?

As with WikiMusicGuide, it promises to surprise the music fans. Its ultimate goal is to channel NumberOneFans to their Favorite Artists.

By the way, did I mention that WikiMusicGuide is Filipino-owned and majority of its editors are Filipinos? Surprise. It is a brainchild of Bienvenido David III who is presently based in Connecticut. Definitely, a site we Filipinos could be proud of.

Tags: Philippine Music News, Philippine Music Industry, Filipino Music Fans, Philippine Music Guide

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Eric Santos was once an aspiring singer who eventually earned his throne as the Philippines’ Prince of Pop for indeed, ever since he won in the first ever “Star in a Million” talent show, his supremacy as a balladeer rules.

Aftr just one year, he accepted several awards for his performances such as Best New Male Artist (Aliw Awards), Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist (Awit Awards) and Best New Male TV Personality (Star Awards for TV) after winning from the prestigous contest in 2004. From his outstanding rendition of “This is the Moment” he went all the way to recording chart toppers. “Pagbigyang Muli”, “Di Ko Kaya” and “Kung Akin ang Mundo” are a few of lovers’ favorite themes.

Hailed as the certified platinum artist, he captured the hearts of the many by being the voice behind famous show anthems of radio station DWWRR (ABS-CBN’s FM radio station) singing a duet with Heart Evangelista, and the “Search for the Star in a Million” theme with his co-champions Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista and Sarah Geronimo.

He also became the favorite to sing the themes for many top-grossing Filipino films.

The prince was also able to collaborate with industry royalties. Like in the revival of “Parting Time, he worked with R n B Princess Kyla. Total Performer Vina Morales sang with him on “Come what May” while Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez, joined him on the hit “Bakit ba Iniibig Ka?”

The former dentistry student went on to star in his own successful concerts like the “Night of the Champions” series with Christian, Mark, Sarah, Frenchie Dy and Rachelle Ann Go; “The Prince of Pop and the Comedy Concert Queen” where he bested his limitation as a balladeer while performing with ace comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas. Recently, his concert with real life sweetheart Rufa Mae Quinto titled “When Erik Met Rufa the Repeat… to the Max!” drew huge crowd during the Valentine concert season.

Erik shared that his passion fro singing comes from the heart. “Ang gusto ko sa isang singer ay mapusong kumanta. Maraming singer na magagaling pero iilan lang iyong who can sing from the heart,” says the young balladeer who looks up to Martin Nievera.

Performing in front of huge crowd cast Erik to euphoria especially when he is out of the country. “Masaya ako when I’m out of the country. Kasi nakakarating ako sa mga gusto kong mapuntahan. Ang sarap mag-perform sa Filipino audience sa abroad,” he said.

Being part of the Philippine entertainment limelight, Erik was aware of the intrigue surrounding him and his group in A.S.A.P, The Champions. One those was the comparison of Christian’s achievements versus his triumphs. Incidentally, Christian was his co-finalist in “Star in Million.”

“ I’ll just do my job, lagi naman ako, sa bawat performance ko, I do my best, “ Erik said.

Having romantic relationship with Rufa Mae is another source of intrique. His detractors are saying that h’se just using the sexy actress to further his career.

“I really have to adjust to showbiz life, kung baga hindi kasi normal. Kapag showbiz kasi may mga taong nakikialam or nai-involve,” Erik lamented.

Although according to Erik, he’s never irritated with the press or people who question their relationship. After all, showbiz success wouldn’t complete be without rumors that can add spice to a star’s flourinshing career.

Tags: Erik Santos, Philippine Music Artists, Star In A Million, Filipino 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 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

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.