Philippine Cinema and Performing Arts (Folk Dances and Music)

[kiretoce]

Thought I'd post this here....

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Take pride in the bamboo organ
By Johanna M. Sampan Monday, February 19, 2007

While many Filipino musicians can skillfully play the flute, trombone, saxophone, trumpet, oboe, horn, clarinet and even the harmonica, these proponents of wind instruments should also take time to learn about the Philippines’ homegrown, and highly unique contribution to this class: the bamboo organ.

The only one in the world, it took years to build this unique instrument. History has it that from 1816 to 1824, Fr. Diego Cera, the first parish priest in Las Piñas, collected pipes as he built his grand design. Sadly, in 1880, a typhoon and an earthquake destroyed the church’s roof, ruining the organ case with fallen stones and water. No one could play the bamboo organ after the calamity until a man by the name of Johannes Klais Orgalbau shipped it to Bonn, Germany, in 1973 for cleaning, tuning and restoration. It took another two years to finish the restoration, and in March 1975 the bamboo organ was shipped back to its true home, and has since, never stopped to make beautiful music.

On November 24, 2003, the National Museum of the Philippines officially declared the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ as a National Cultural Treasure, it being the only 19th-century bamboo organ in the Philippines that is still working.

Today, seeing to the continued maintenance and restoration of the bamboo organ is the major priority of the Bamboo Organ Foundation Inc. The foundation is a nonstock, nonprofit organization established to preserve the historic bamboo organ via fundraisers, the biggest of which is the annual International Bamboo Organ Festival.

Now on its 32nd year, the International Bamboo Organ Festival will be held from February 22 to March 1 at the Saint Joseph’s Church of Las Piñas City.

“For this year, I’ve arranged church songs that we don’t usually hear,” artistic director, Della G. Besa says about the program. “Aside from Baroque music there will also be nontraditional pieces that will be played and sung during the festival. We’ve really worked hard to come up with a beautiful line up that Filipinos and foreigners would enjoy,” she assures.

Noted artists like Rico J. Puno, organist Armando Salarza, soprano Camille L. Molina, guitarists Sixto Roxas and Ruben Reyes, Las Piñas Boys choir, Festival Orchestra and conductor Jonathan Velasco will perform for the event.

Msgr. Albert Venus, president of the Bamboo Organ Foundation Inc., notes, “We want the Filipinos especially the young people to be aware of this priceless treasure that we have in our country. It’s happy yet alarming to see that foreigners are fonder of watching the performance nights. I hope our own countrymen will take their time to see the event for them to appreciate the magnificent bamboo organ.”

[RhapsodyBrat]

kiretoce and Rajah Soliman, you are both right. first, this is a sentiment i share with my father: Pinoys keep rooting for a major win on basketball when they just couldn't face the fact that it might not be the right sport for us. athletes have been reapings awards and honors in other sports and instead of developing these sports, they keep on pining for that elusive award in basketball when it probably won't be ours in any way possible.

and as kiretoce points out, it boils down to how we are educated in music. sadly music isn't given that much notice; yes, we do know who these classical composers are, how to do sharps and flats, etc., but students don't get the chance to explore and practice it. i won't even go into the quality of teaching--that's another issue.

and please, don't call classical music crap. i protest! Lito Camo is the crap. he's the one who ruined OPM.

Originally Posted by laquacherra

in addition, and i guess those who do appreciate classical music would rather listen to pavarotti, bocceli, il divo and josh groban

i actually don't find anything wrong with listening to these artists. i consider them legitimate classical artists. just because they've streamlined their music to fit in with the modern times doesn't make them less of a classical artist. i think it's even better that way, since music gets appreciated by a wider, varied audience.

[kiretoce]

Same here, I don't see anything wrong with retrofitting classical music to be more receptive to the modern listeners' ear. Groups and artists such as Il Divo, Amici Forever, Bond, Josh Groban, Russell Watson, Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church, Andrea Bocelli, Yo-yo Ma, Joshua Bell, etc. all bring classical music to the mainstream in their own ways, and by doing so, they only spread the exposure of the genre. A good example of such is the megahit musical RENT, it's adapted from Puccini's opera La Bohemme, in fact many don't know that all throughout the musical you'll hear strains of Musetta's Waltz.

[laquacherra]

Originally Posted by RhapsodyBrat

i actually don't find anything wrong with listening to these artists. i consider them legitimate classical artists. just because they've streamlined their music to fit in with the modern times doesn't make them less of a classical artist. i think it's even better that way, since music gets appreciated by a wider, varied audience.

oops! sorry if i didn't make myself clear... i didn't mean to demean those artists (il divo, bocelli, josh groban, russell watson etc... er, to be quite honest, i have several of their cds in my iPod - all ripped from my Dad's cds of course ) what i meant was the fact that a lot of us pinoys support foreign "classical" artists instead... case in point - concert tickets for these foreign artists are expensive BUT you see their concerts here really packed

[ishtefh_03]

Originally Posted by RhapsodyBrat

and as kiretoce points out, it boils down to how we are educated in music. sadly music isn't given that much notice; yes, we do know who these classical composers are, how to do sharps and flats, etc., but students don't get the chance to explore and practice it. i won't even go into the quality of teaching--that's another issue.

and please, don't call classical music crap. i protest! Lito Camo is the crap. he's the one who ruined OPM.

im my province which is Pampanga... some schools there have Music Subject ang mostly they teach us Classic Kapampangan Songs... i experienced that during my grade school days, we had a very thick kapampangan song pieces that we have to memorize the song and also the notes and we have to play it using a lyre pa!!! that was fun. i still have those song pieces till now...

[RhapsodyBrat]

Originally Posted by laquacherra

oops! sorry if i didn't make myself clear... i didn't mean to demean those artists (il divo, bocelli, josh groban, russell watson etc... er, to be quite honest, i have several of their cds in my iPod - all ripped from my Dad's cds of course ) what i meant was the fact that a lot of us pinoys support foreign "classical" artists instead... case in point - concert tickets for these foreign artists are expensive BUT you see their concerts here really packed

well, you can't blame them actually. perhaps because our own classical artists aren't that "accessible." from my observation most of the local classical artists only hold their concerts in Manila, at the CCP. I have yet to see a classical artist perform in Araneta Coliseum or in the provinces, and one that is not a charity/benefit concert. i don't think we have any way of getting to know the apart from CCP's programs, and that's not enough.

Originally Posted by ishtefh03

im my province which is Pampanga... some schools there have Music Subject ang mostly they teach us Classic Kapampangan Songs... i experienced that during my grade school days, we had a very thick kapampangan song pieces that we have to memorize the song and also the notes and we have to play it using a lyre pa!!! that was fun. i still have those song pieces till now...

wow, you guys are lucky! glad to know the Kapampangans give a high regard for their traditional music.

i used to be a member of our drum & lyre band back in grade school and high school, although mostly pop pieces were taught to us. i used to be able to play "Chariots of Fire" and "Ati Cu Pung Singsing" but now i've forgotten them.

[ishtefh_03]

Originally Posted by RhapsodyBrat

well, you can't blame them actually. perhaps because our own classical artists aren't that "accessible." from my observation most of the local classical artists only hold their concerts in Manila, at the CCP. I have yet to see a classical artist perform in Araneta Coliseum or in the provinces, and one that is not a charity/benefit concert. i don't think we have any way of getting to know the apart from CCP's programs, and that's not enough.



wow, you guys are lucky! glad to know the Kapampangans give a high regard for their traditional music.

i used to be a member of our drum & lyre band back in grade school and high school, although mostly pop pieces were taught to us. i used to be able to play "Chariots of Fire" and "Ati Cu Pung Singsing" but now i've forgotten them.

yeah, especially now that we have a center for kapampangan studies who's aim is to help us not forget our kapampangan heritage and culture and music is one. We also have our own hymn... "Himno Kapampangan" which i remember way back grade school, our music teacher did the music and we even sing that during flag ceremony, after Lupang hinirang... and now it became the hymn for the whole Pampanga...

[Animo]

NORMAL - Angelo Favis, an Illinois State University associate professor and classical guitarist, has recorded his second CD, "Philippine Treasures: A Collection of Favorite Songs."

Favis and flutist Kimberly M. Risinger will perform a free recital at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at ISU's Kemp Recital Hall at Illinois State University.

Favis' music reflects his native Philippines, and his CD features Filipino folk songs and Spanish-influenced serenades. The CD is available at www.vgorecordings.com or by contacting Favis directly at alfavis@ilstu.edu. or 438-7123.

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/030407...FIE0UO.041.php

[shoegayz]

I think 2006-2007 is the busiest calendar year for classical music in the Philippines- or maybe I was just not as aware of the happenings before. There's so much to watch and explore, so little time.

The most eventful to me last year was when PPO did "Pines of Rome" (Ottorino Respighi). That was like a dream come true. So magical. See, I still can't stop talking about it. Hehehe...

Though I'm not a fan of opera, I regret missing UST's Eugene Onegin, also staged last year. People say it's the best opera ever done in the country- with all the powerhouse cast, stage and production designers, etc. I hope they'll make a re-run soon.

[kyle@1008]

damn, I remember the San Miguel Philharmonic performing in the La salle and Bago coliseums,... and how great it was ...

well anyways, this song I'm fond of, a friend of mine used to sing this to me..

Limang Dipang Tao, sung by Lea Salonga arranged by Ryan Cayabyab...

[sugarboy]

Click : http://www.musikanatin.com/

[oboi]

The last San Miguel Philharmonic Orchesta performance I saw was December 2005 at the Shangri-La Plaza.

My earliest exposure to classical music was with the Kabayao family in Iloilo. Gilopez Kabayao together with his wife Corazaon Pineda-Kabayao and their children would often perform at our school. Also, I briefly attended the same church they are in and I would always see them perform. I did an interview with the Kabayao couple once and they lament how Filipinos are not inclined to classical music. They try to bring classical music to the masses with their foundation. I really appreciate and highly commend them for their effort in doing so.

Just this February, I was able to see the performance of the Tanay (?) Orchestra at the Rizal Park Ampitheater.

[tj_brewed]

BisRock What?

BisRock or Bisaya Rock is gaining popularity these days. Considered before as part of the underground music, BisRock music has conquered Cebu, Davao and VizMin airwaves as well as the capital - Metro Manila through popular artists and bands such as Cueshe, The Ambassadors, and Urban Dub.

I was introduced to this genre by someone so dear to me. At first, i said..Bisrock what? I wanted to laugh or giggle coz all i can think of were the old novelty artists such as Max Surban (one of the respected artist in the Philippine music scene) and the like. But when he made me listen to it...then my paradigm changed.

While most of my Cebuano buddies are focused with the developing skyline of Cebu, lemme share the ever evolving music scene of this Queen City of the South. The heart and soul of every skyscraper cities in the world - its people...and their music!

Let this thread be one of the windows of Cebuano / BisRock music to the world. So to Bisrockers outthere...and newbies like me who got info, music vids, and bisrock gigs /pix to share...post em up here!

Here is one of the comments by one of our local Cebuano music blogger - Lorenzo P. Ninal

Rock music is rock music, whatever language is used. But for the Cebuano rakista, a rock song takes on a completely different meaning when the lyrics are Cebuano. To a struggling Cebuano band tired of monopoly of the music scene, the word "bisrock" is a matter of pride, not of form.

from: http://insoymada.googlepages.com/upo...buildsitsmusic


So Philippines....and the world, join me as we get to know and unravel BISROCK!

BisRock Rules!

[tj_brewed]

Some of the BizRock Artists and Gigs

The Ambassadors


Cueshe


BisRock to the Max Concert which was held at Millenium Park / Marcelo Fernan Bridge (LapuLapu City, Mactan Cebu)

[tj_brewed]

Bisrock Artist of the Week --> URBANDUB!

BORN IN CEBU!
After almost two years since their last release, Urbandub now returns with an album that is sure to entertain the very soul of those who have had the true Dubista experience. Urbandub's EMBRACE, a release under EMI Music Philippines, is a far cry from emotional offset that was seen in their last album INFLUENCE.

But to those who do not know the band yet...What is Urban Dub anyway?

Urbandub--The Sound Of The Giant South

from http://bisrock.blogspot.com/2007/03/...ant-south.html

The Sound Of The Giant South is gaining more recognition around the nation like never before. At the forefront of the whole movement is a band that has a record that surpasses most bands than that of the bands that have come out of the Queen City of Cebu. They are none other than Urbandub.

From the very first day that this band was formed (in the year 2000), they were destined to be something more than the ordinary. Forced to be independent due to the lack of support coming from major record companies, Urbandub released their debut album called BIRTH. Off of this album, the hit tracks "Come", "Give" and "Would You Go" launched and took their world by storm. Unique, timely and yet experimental, it was something that entertainment scenes around the Philippines needed: a kick start into the future of original music.

With the release of their sophomore effort, INFLUENCE (Lighter Records), Urbandub took on a new form, changing their sound with a new drummer (From Jed Honrado to Jerros Dolino). It was the sound in this album that clearly defined the steps that Urbandub would start to take. The track "Soul Searching" later won the award as Best Song of the Year in the NU107 Rock Awards 2003. Pushing the sound further, the collection bagged the Album Of The Year Award in the NU107 Rock Awards 2004.

Today, Urbandub now offers yet a third helping of what they are capable of. With the 2005 release of the album EMBRACE, Urbandub has proven that there is hope for the struggling artist. With help from their community and the noise they have created, they were able to grab the attention of EMI Music Philippines. Not one to take chances, the band has kept Lighter Records as their management arm and guide. In line with their ideals, EMI allowed them the creative freedom to record their album on their home soil of Cebu. Added to that, they have been able to maintain their independent principles while taking major steps into the scene that has awaited their new sound.

Urbandub is Gabby Alipe (Vocalist / Guitarist), Lalay Lim (Bassist), John Mendoza (Drummer) and John Dinopol (Lead Guitarist).

Urbandubs career thus far has given much inspiration and support to upcoming acts, most of which fall under the Lighter Records stable such as Faspitch, The Ambassadors, Still, Nuncyspungen (Cagayan) and Point Click Kill (Ilo Ilo). Each of them now aspire to take their own roads in music, paving their own way and modeling some of their steps after the success of Urbandub.

[flesh_is_weak]

cant wait for their new album...

i remember walking all the way from downtown to ayala last sinulog (saturday) just so me and my friends could watch them perform...

[tj_brewed]

i cant post any of their vids..dont know how to

anybody who got their music vids? **** post naman..thnx

[tj_brewed]

here u are

[LordCarnal]

edit

[flesh_is_weak]

endless, a silent whisper (live at rockestra)
urbandub with the manila symphony orchestra