Folk, patriotic songs in Tribu’s independence concert

Have you been to a concert with a repertoire ranging from folk songs such as Ugoy ng Duyan, Ili Ili Tulog Anay, Pen Pen de Sarapen, Bahay Kubo, Leron Leron Sinta, Pamunilawen to Alerta, Katipunan, Canto de Maria Clara adapted from Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa by Andres Bonifacio, Bayan Ko by Lucio San Pedro, and Pilipinas Kong Mahal by Francisco Santiago?

If your answer is no, then it is time for you to buy your ticket for Reminiscences: A Philippine Independence Tribute concert to be staged by Ephesus Teatron Group and Tribu singers on June 11 and 12 a the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza in Makati.

Concert organizers said the tribute will feature “many songs that depict Filipino heroism” and “relive the music and celebrate the heroes and brave people who made this country possible and those who defend our ways of life.”

“The concert also encapsulates the beauty of Philippine folk music,” organizers said.

Here is a short backgrounder on the rarely heard patriotic and revolutionary songs to be showcased in the Tribu concert:

Alerta, Katipunan was the march song used by the Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK). The piece was originally a Spanish march, but later adopted by the Katipunan.

Alerta, Katipunan was the march song used by the Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK). The piece was originally a Spanish march, but later adopted by the Katipunan.

Canto de Maria Clara (The Song of Maria Clara) is from one of the chapters of Rizal’s novel, Noli Me Tangere.  It is a poem that depicts his feelings for his motherland and his premonition of the coming doom.

Pag-ibig sa Tinubuan Lupa, a poem written by Andres Bonifacio, is an exhortation to the Filipino people to join the crusade for Philippine independence.

The tribute concert is on June 11, 2019 (Tuesday), 7 pm and on June 12, 2019 (Wednesday), 3 pm and 7 pm at the Carlos P. Romulo auditorium of the RCBC Plaza.

Reminiscences features a collection of unforgettable patriotic songs of freedom, love, and inspiration to commemorate the 121st anniversary of Philippine Independence, organizers said.

Tribu, a group of fine artists from the musical theater world, is composed of Sweet Samaniego Buchanan, Margarita Roco, Steven Hotchkiss, Terence Guillermo, Red Nuestro, Onyl Torres, with Kim Dominik Sarmiento as pianist.

Pipo Cifra and Sweet Samaniego Buchanan collaborated for a new set of arrangements for the featured songs.

For tickets, please call Ticketworld at 8919999.

‘Mula Sa Buwan’ songwriter William Elvin traces back his indie music roots

Before “Mula Sa Buwan” made him popular, singer-songwriter William Elvin was selling self-produced CDs to anyone willing to listen.

Elvin’s musicality was first noticed by his theater classmates and mentors through these home-recorded albums in the late 2000s. He eventually had opportunities to write several Filipino musicals from 2009 to 2016.

“Social media wasn’t as big then as it is today, so we had to rely on friends and families to sell the few copies that we personally handed over to them,” William said. “Every CD sold, and every positive comment we got felt like hard-earned personal achievements.”

In 2019, Elvin has returned to the do-it-yourself, free-spirited musical approach in his new album “Sacred/Profane/Mundane.”

 “Sacred/ Profane/Mundane” is a collection of original compositions that highlight introspective, emotional, and carefully crafted lyricism; dreamy and whimsical melodies; as well as raw, visceral and intuitive musical arrangements – drawing from various influences such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Filipino alternative pop/rock acts.

Described as “brilliant”, “soulful andmelodic” and “theatrical but authentic,” Elvin’s unique sound is exemplified by the album’s promotional singles:  the country/folk-inspired “(I Will Be) The Happy, Shiny One (For You), “The Last Lovers on Earth” as well as the haunting ballad “Ang Sabi Nila,”,which is now gaining listeners on Spotify and Apple Music.

Watch  Elvin perform live, with fellow musicians Roger Alcantara, Rigil Borromeo, Dana Marquez, and Satur Tiamson, to launch “Sacred/Profane/Mundane” at the Black Box Theater of the PARC Foundation (494 Lt. Artiaga, San Juan, 1500 Metro Manila, Philippines) on June 25, 2019. Tuesday, at 7 pm. Tickets are available at Ticket2Me.net.

Listen to William Elvin’s music and get more updates and information by visiting his official homepage at http://www.williamelvin.com.

Binondo musical returns from July 12

‘Binondo,  a Tsinoy Musical,  returns onstage from July 12, 2019 to explore again how love prevails even in times of racial prejudice and political turmoil.

This is a story of a deep love that transforms the lives of everyone who dares to put their hearts on the line.

Shiela Valderrama-Martinez is Lily, a hopeless romantic; a Filipina who grew up in Chinatown. Unable to finish her college education, Lily is forced to work odd jobs, from a worker in a Chinese factory to a singer at the famous Lotus Club in Binondo. She faithfully visits Ge Lao’s altar (the Chinese God of marriage and love) in the hope of finding her one true love.

Arman Ferrer is Ah Tiong, a mainland Chinese scholar from Beijing University who has earned a Ph.D. in the US. Ah Tiong is pragmatic and does not believe in a great love or destiny and is convinced that love is a duty that must be fulfilled. He has long accepted that his parents have arranged his future marriage.

Before returning to the US, Ah Tiong takes a side trip to the Philippines.

Noel Rayos is Carlos, a local Chinese man whose parents own the factory where Lily and her parents are employed. Carlos grows up with Lily and they become close friends. In college, he becomes an activist and brings Lily to protests and rallies. Carlos also helps Lily get into the Lotus Club, which is owned by a family friend.

Mariella Munji Laurel is Jasmine, a mainland Chinese student from Beijing University who grew up and is paired with Ah Tiong since birth.

Supporting cast

Jim Pebanco, Lorenz Martinez, Kal Kaimo, Rhapsody Li, RiCa Laguardia, Randy Rey (Koro); Ima Castro (Mrs. Dela Rosa); Ashlee Mickaela Factor (Rubi); Dondi Ong (Mr. Chua); Kay Balajadia-Liggayu (Mrs. Chua); Jennifer Villegas dela Cruz (Lourdes); Elizabeth Chua (Mrs. Zhang); Russell James M. Magno (Mr. Zhang); and Jonel Mojica (Ge Lao)

Ensemble

Cheeno Uy Macaraig, Carlos Deriada, Daniel Joseph Cruz, Dusty M. Suarez, Terrence Aviles, Romcel Brinquis, Roy Floren Iringan, Ryan Caraan, Vj Orejotse, Xander Pineda, Janine Tolentino, Julia Joan Chua,  Precious Lourd Allego, Powerdance Douglas Nierras, Froilan A Dabalus, Christaliza Sawada, Jayr Aguvida, Divine Dacles, Ronald D. Policarpio, Katlyn Kate Jacob, and Cheska Quimno.

Artistic Team

The artistic team of Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical, is composed of: Joel Lamangan (direction), Rebecca Chuaunsu (original story), Ricky Lee, Gershom Chua, and Eljay Deldoc (book and lyrics), Von de Guzman (music composition and musical direction), Douglas Nierras (choreography), Joey Nombres (lighting design), Otto Hernandez (production design and technical direction), and Fullhouse Asia Production Studios (production management).

Schedule of performances:  

July 12 at 8 pm

July 13 at 3 pm; 8pm

July 14 at 3pm.

Venue: The Theatre at Solaire

For tickets and more information, log on to:

http://www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 8919999.

http://www.binondomusical2019.com

#BinondoMusical2019

#BinondoATsinoyMusical

#MaritessAlavaYongFoundation

#FullhouseAsia

BINONDO MUSICAL PHOTO