DAUG

Kalumon rules SM Davao's music festival

THE KALUMON Performing Ensemble, a wildcard in the SM City Davao Music Festival, ruled yesterday’s event with their unique performance that blended the distinct traditional music of featured artist Joey Ayala with other musical genres that include hip-hop, rock, jazz, pop, reggae, and R&B.
“We never expect to win, we just want to present ourselves,” Kalumon director Mario Leofer Lim told TIMES on the victory of the ensemble which he formed in 2002.
Lim said their performance was a labor of tears and blood.
Ten members of the ensemble performed two of Ayala’s songs — Agila and Mindanao — to the delight of the audience and the judges that included music composer Rebel Magdagasang and band manager/event specialist Otek Durante. Taking home the grand prize of P15,000, Kalumon bested six other contenders in the two-hour competition that  started around 5 pm yesterday at the Event Centre of SM City Davao which
In celebration of Araw ng Dabaw, the music festival was organized by SM to honor Davaoeño artist Joey Ayala, a 2000 Datu Bago awardee (the highest honor given to a Davaoeño) for bringing Mindanao music to the consciousness of the Filipino masses.
Kalumon members performing on stage were Carmelo Fulgencio (on vocals and flute), Karen Ross Ramos (on drums, guitar and vocals), Aimee Abregana (on kulintang), Ryle Bryan Equia (on djembe and vocals), Willy Apa (on drums, fagulin and rap vocals), Leogene Repompo (lead guitar), Daneva Durupan (keyboards), Yvonne Cris Mallorca (on kulintang and vocals), Satornino Antalan (on bass drum), and Kenneth Beloy (on bass guitar).
While the ensemble had previously performed the two Ayala songs in their previous gigs, Lim said they changed the musical arrangement so they could incorporate the various musical genres to the distinguished Mindanaoan sounds.
“The Mindanao flavor was clear in our performance... it’s the whole concept,” Lim said.
Kalumon, a leading cultural performing act in Mindanao, was just a wildcard in the competition.
They were late in the submission of their entry, but the group still hoped to participate in the show. Luckily, one of the bands backed-out and they were tapped as a replacement contestant.
“It’s an honor for us to play in a prestigious music festival honoring the great Joey Ayala,” Lim said.
In previous interviews, Lim said Ayala, his music, and his band Bagong Lumad are among the major influences of the ensemble.
Late last month, the Kalumon Ensemble paid tribute to Ayala’s late drummer Noe Tiu as they joined in the charity gig held at Matina Town Square.
Their win on Sunday night was the second time that involved Ayala.
Lim said their first major win as a group of artists was during the First World Music Festival where 30 acts across the country competed at NCCC Mall of Davao in 2005. Joey was one of the judges in the event where they grabbed the grand prize and the best performance.
Kalumon also won the top prizes in the City Hall-sponsored RondalSayaw sa Kalsada and the DasigSayaw sa Kalsada, both held during the 2005 Pasko Fiesta.
As a performing ensemble, Kalumon is not only restricted to music. Lim said they are also into theater, dance and films.
The ensemble currently has 18 solid members, most of them are students.
You can catch the performance of Kalumon Performing Ensemble at Pearl Farm every Tuesday for the Mindanao Night and at the Matina Town Square where they perform twice a month.
“POTENTIAL TO SHINE”
Judge Magdagasang, a Davaoeño composer whose song I Know for Yasmien Kurdi won the Viewer’s Choice For Song of the Year in the SOP Music Award in 2005, said all the participating bands in the music festival have the potential to shine.
Bahaghari which counts Jeff Calixtro of the popular homegrown rock band Pink Mustang won the second spot with P10,000 cash prize. Sunday Session which also counts Jobo Wong of the award-winning Cesta band as member emerged as the third placer with P5,000. Other competing bands which took home P1,000 included C-Shifter, Muzka, Zacharias, and Catharsis. All of the participants performed their versions of Ayala’s songs with their own style. Some of the covered songs include the popular Tabi Po, Karaniwang Tao, Bankerohan, Padayon, Magkabilaan, Walang Huling Paalam, Magkaugnayan, and the recent Classroom 101.
Ayala, himself, was surprised with the performance of all the bands.
“Di ko kaya ang kanilang performance. I can’t perform that way. Di ko kaya ang energy,” Joey said.
He added that the homegrown performers can make fortune with their craft.
“I never realized that my songs could get such (various) treatments,” Joey said. He said hearing his song in different music with altered lyrcis was just “fine.”
While some of the country’s leading bands such as Rivermaya already covered his songs, Joey said he never saw such strong potential as the performance of the Davaoeño acts.
So far, Joey said the SM Music Festival was the very first event that participating artists covered his songs.
“I feel old and immortal.... aged and ageless,” said the Bukidnon-born, Davao-raised Jose Iñigo Homer Lacambra Ayala.
After establishing name in Davao, Ayala moved to Manila with his band Bagong Lumad in 1991.
He sold hundreds of albums, and won several awards from various bodies.

Rage against the Dying of the Light (A Tribute to Noe Tio)

by Phillip Somozo

"BYE TSUNO"

THE PASSING away of internationally recognized Davao artist Noe “Tsuno” Tio reminds the local artist community not only of the mortality of earthly existence but the transcendence of the spirit of brotherhood over Death’s power. While he lived, Noe did very well in representing Filipino art and music to the international community. Performing as percussionist for the Bagong Lumad, he rocked audiences in Japan, the United States, Canada, India, and all over the Philippines with rhythmic rage erupting from the depth of his love for country. On stage, his massive build behind the drums, it seemed, was the radiating nucleus of an irrepressible atavism expressing in metered percussive violence, mesmerizing listeners, and awakening their own primitive sense of justice.

His was a rage that translated into speeches and written stories about our developing but aborted cultural past and the continuing oppressive plight of indigenous communities. His dedication to the cause of marginalized peasants, fisherfolk, tribals, and laborers made him live a simple life, uncaring for the wealth that could had been his had he used his unique talents for its pursuit. As tragically as he departed, he left behind two young sons, aged 5 and 7, to the mercy of fate. This was the Davao artist community recognized and took initiative to do something. Last February 23, a concert and art auction, organized by friends, took place in Taboan, Matina Town Square, to raise educational funds for the siblings.9noe1_1

"Kalumon"

One of the artworks sold was one donated by another struggling artist, sculptor Rey F, himself uniquely talented but in dire need of support in completing his children’s education. It is quite impressive that Rey, despite his financial drought, had stepped forward to help Noe’s kids—an act highly exemplary in our society racked by greed and corruption. That Fuentes should give a part of himself for Noe’s descendancy could also be credited to the latter’s virtue of friendliness and sacrifice. Noe, in other words, won the admiration of his fellow artists that even the least among them would willingly dig into the depth of his own scarcity to contribute for his cause.
Speaking of the fund-raising event, the organizers’ altruistic efforts raised P6,000 plus. Not much of an amount for the continued education of the children but, certainly, enough to disclose that some local artists do have the heart and would rise to the occasion to truly help a fallen art comrade. God bless Rey Fuentes, Danny Monterona, and Bong Segovia for their artworks; Popong Landero, Abe Garcia, Jr., Cecil Trino, and Neneng Gomez for the sold books, CDs, DVDs, and Talaandig flutes and necklaces; Gauss, Kalumon, Arangkadagana, Popong Landero (again), and Duoha for the live music; and all those who contributed but whose names have slipped from our knowledge!

"Duoha"

Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa: Mutya ng Dabaw 2008

IN THE first modified search for the New Dabawenya, the top choice was ironically somebody who was not born and raised in Davao.
But 20-year-old Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa vowed she will be residing in Davao City for the rest of her life.
MJ, daughter of Arabian Saud Al-Shabrami and Filipina mother Marites Lastimosa, was crowned as this year’s Mutya ng Davao, under a reformatted scheme in which the contestants must not only be beautiful, witty, and intelligent but also have doable community projects.
She won a cash prize of P50,000, and a P50,000 funding from NCCC Cares for her pet project to educate less fortunate children. MJ also won two special awards – the Gandang Allan Alforque and Globe Texter’s Choice with a total of 5,213 votes.
Oscar Casaysay, Mutya ng Dabaw 2008 chair, said he could not recall any past Mutya ng Dabaw who was born outside the Davao Region. Araw ng Dabaw vice-chair Roger Layson said a three-year residency in Davao is enough to qualify the contestants for the search.
Lastimosa was born in Manila on Nov. 23, 1987, but grew up in Cotabato.
“Kahit hindi ako pinanganak dito, sa puso ko ako’y isang Dabawenya (Even if I was not born here, in my heart I am a Davaoeña),” MJ told reporters after the crowning ceremony last Friday night at the CAP Auditorium.
Mary Jean settled in Davao City four years ago for a scholarship grant.
Currently, MJ is taking up Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Mindanao. She’s a campus beauty queen as she won the Mutya ng UM crown in 2006.
The 5’7” model, also adjudged as one of Davao’s Loveliest, is connected with Glam, the most popular modeling group in Davao. She is residing in Barangay 74-A (Matina Crossing).
Ms. Lastimosa described the New Dabawenya concept of the Mutya search as “a beauty with a purpose.”
MJ said her zealous determination pushed her to shine above the four other strong contenders in the grand coronation.
During the announcement of winners, the Contestant Number 3 was initially declared as the third placer.
But the hosts -- Casaysay and Richard Vilar – immediately admitted the mistake, citing that they mistook number 3 for number 5.
MJ said it was not a big deal, but it gave her the jitter.
While praying to get the top spot, Mary Jean said she was ready to take the runner-up place.
Her strong rival, Vida Maya Ayala Ko, earlier won more special prizes than her. Ko, a top executive of a Davao-based resort, won three prizes including the best in project design which counts for one-fifth of the score.
She, however, bested Ko who was crowned Diwa ng Dabaw. Completing MJ’s court are Sinag ng Dabaw Bridgette Ann Lanzanas (a B.S. Biology Student of Ateneo de Davao Universty); Pag-asa ng Dabaw Aliah Heitz (a human resource officer of a call center company); and Patnubay ng Dabaw Kristabelle Go (a nursing graduate of Ateneo de Davao University).
While her pet project was not adjudged as the best entry, MJ said she is dead serious in her campaign to educate the less fortunate children.
Citing that education is the most precious gift one can receive, the Arabian-Filipina beauty said she is one example of such less fortunate child who strives hard to get proper education with the help of well-meaning individuals.
Abandoned by her parents since she was in grade 1, Mary Jean said she went to school through scholarship.
NO WAY
Some says the Mutya 2008 looks like Alvi July Juanico, the Hiyas ng Kadayawan in 2002 who ventured in showbiz world and became the sexpot Juliana Palermo. Some says she also looks like a morena Halle Berry.
MJ expressed her delight for the comparison.
But following the footstep of Palermo is far from her mind.
“No way,” Mary Jean replied when asked if she would go bold in the movie or in any magazine.
The Mutya 2008 said she wanted to be popular. But she does not need to disrobe to get her point.
“I wanted to be an influential person… someone who has the voice to make a positive change,” Mary Jean J said.
While saying that Mutya ng Dabaw is more prestigious than the currently criticized Binibining Pilipinas, MJ said she is open in joining the national beauty searches such as the Binibining or the Mutya ng Pilipinas.
“If it gives honor to Davao, why not?” Ms. Lastimosa said.
MJ said she likes to compete, and losing should not be something to be ashamed of.
The Mutya ng UM 2006 and Prisaa-Davao queen 2007 was twice defeated in beauty competitions, but that did not stop her to reach her goal.
In the national search for Mutya ng Prisaa (Private School Athletic Association) in 2007, she ended up in second place. Two years earlier, she got the same runner-up spot in the Mutya ng Cotabato.
MJ said she is not keen in moving back to her birth place in Manila. Her elder sister is based in Manila. Her boyfriend is also from Manila.
But she wants her future husband to reside in Davao.
Davao, she said, is much better than Manila.
MJ cited pollution and the quality of living as her reasons for sticking in Davao.
“I see so many opportunities for me to grow in Davao,” said MJ.

ISLA ERA & MOLUCCAS

ISLA ERA and Moluccas will jam with KAMIKAZE on Saturday at Matina Town Square.

Musicbox at SM today

FOURSIDEDCIRCLE

FOUR Davao bands are set to rock Musicbox today (Friday) at the SM City Davao Event Center.
Musicbox is a new show that puts the spotlight on Mindanao's homegrown bands and musicians, the show features a taped performance of the band playing their original works.
The Musicbox at SM will have Davao bands: Foursidedcircle, Grace, Eleven and Diego Maton.
Celebrity Actress Nancy Castiglione will also be making an appearance during the show.
Musicbox show will start at 4.pm.

Yano stages grand re-launching tonight

TODAY, Davaoeño artist Eric Gancio will make his first major step for the grand comeback of his famed 90’s Yano band.
At Matina Town Square starting 8 pm, Eric will start the “official nationwide re-launching” of the band responsible for the hits like Tsinelas and Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo.
“It’s now a full blast (campaign) for the national re-launching (of the band),” Gancio said.
Since late last year, Gancio has been performing under the name Yano, a move that keeps the spirit of the band alive.
He made a soft re-launch of the band’s name last December and staged a series of bar tours to re-introduce his music to the local music lovers.
"(We got) overwhelming response,” Gancio said on his tours in the city’s top night bars that included Jive, Pacific Harbor, Rizal Promenade, and Idol Grills. “Most of the shows were sold-out.”
Gancio said he and his new band members -- John Gador on drums and Omar on bass – will soon be conquering Manila.
“Before the release of the fourth album by April or May, we will be going to Manila (for a series of promotion),” Gancio said.
But Gancio said Yano, under his leadership, will still be based in Davao where he wants to grow old.
He said he hopes to contribute more in the Davao music scene.
“I envision the empowerment of homegrown musicians with their original compositions,” he said.
The Davaoeño Gancio grew up in Davao, but spent years in Manila in the 90’s where he met Dong Abay, the other half of Yano, at the University of the Philippines in 1992.
Gancio and Abay – together as Yano -- became a nationwide phenomenon in 1994 right after the release of the single, Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo. They produced more hits like Tsinelas, Trapo, Kumusta Na, Esem, Iskolar Ng Bayan, Senti, among others.
But the Yano was disbanded after the third album was released in 1997 when Abay quit due to fame-induced pressure.
In 2004, Gancio returned to Davao where he started to perform under his real name.
He released one solo album titled Sa Bandang Huli before deciding to revive Yano. Gancio said the clamors of his Davao-based fans prompted him to give another life to the band.

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Tonight's show at MTS also features Davao's own Moluccas and Warrior.

“Mutya ng Dabaw’ coronation tonight

MUTYA ng Dabaw finalists pose to the media after the press forum at City Hall conference room Thursday, a day before the grand coronation tonight at CAP auditorium.

From left to right are Vida Maya Ko, Aliah Heitz, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Kristabelle Go and Bridgette Lanzanas. EDGAR ARRO

 

The search for the new Dabawenya comes to end tonight, March 14, 2008, 7:00 PM at the CAP Auditorium as the Davao City will crown this year’s Mutya ng Dabaw. 
This year’s finalists and their respective advocacies are Vida Maya Ayala Ko (special assistant to the chairman of Eden Nature Park and Resort, with an advocacy on environmental awareness and education for the youth and their participation in community building), Aliah Heitz (a human resource assistant in a call center company, with an advocacy on provision of housing and quality education for orphans), Mary Jean Lastimosa (a B.S. Computer Engineering student of the University of Mindanao, with an advocacy on opportunity for education to the less fortunate children and the environment), Kristabelle Go (a nursing graduate from Ateneo de Davao University, with an advocacy on information dissemination on health, environment and other social issues), and Bridgette Ann Lanzanas (a B.S. Biology student of the Ateneo de Davao University, with an advocacy on empowerment of abused women, out of school youth and children needing special protection).
The Mutya ng Dabaw will be chosen based on the following criteria: Intelligence (25%), Communication Skills (25%), Personality (25%), Talent (15%) and Quality of Proposed Project Design (10%). The winners receive the following prizes (plus matching grant from sponsoring foundation/organization): Mutya ng Dabaw         - P50,000, Diwa ng Dabaw - P35,000, Sinag ng Dabaw – P25,000, Pag-asa ng Dabaw – P15,000, and Patnubay ng Dabaw – P10,000.

As the Mutya ng Dabaw, she will lead the reception team to welcome guests of the city, attend official social and cultural functions of the city, represent the city, when assigned to special events within and outside the city, and perform her proposed community development project within her reign in partnership with an assigned organization of foundation.
The coronation night’s program will feature performances from the the Davao City Boys Choir, Kaliwat Theater Collective, Magallanes Elementary School, Housemates and Crossover dancers, and Star of Davao winner Juliet Bahala.

“Araw ng Dabaw”, Museo Dabawenyo open today

The 71st Araw ng Dabaw will have its formal opening today, 14 March 2008, Friday, 10:00 AM at the Quezon Park (infront of City Hall).
The ceremonies will commence with a prayer song by the Davao Boys Choir and the UIC Chorale, followed by the Prayers of Harmony by Datu George Mandahay (representing the indigenous tribes), Allem Jamal Munib (representing the Muslim communities) and Reverend Apollo Quiboloy (representing the Christian communities). 
71st Araw ng Dabaw co-chair Ed Bangayan will deliver his message of thanks to the supporters and the people behind this year’s celebration.
The program will then segue to the theatrical performances starting with the “DAWOW, DAVUH…DABAW!”, a look back at the history of Davao City, which will be participated by the City Councilors, City Government officials, Mutya ng Dabaw 2008 finalists, Davao Community Band, Kaliwat Theater Collective, Kathara Dance Theater Collective, representatives from the indigenous peoples, Muslim and Christian communities, deputy mayors, , DCNHS SPA students, Magallanes Elementary School, Madayaw Cultural Ensemble, Magallanes Community Dance Group, Davao City Police Anti-Riot Squad, Atty. Kaloy Zarate, Glenn Aque and Kai Durst.
After the showcase of Davao’s history, Dabawenyo artists Popong Landero will lead the singing of “Bahaghari Tayo”, the official anthem of this year’s celebration. This will be followed by the State of Davao Address to be participated by the Hiyas sa Kadayawan along with various personalities from the government and private sectors and the “Binhi sa Kasaysayan Alang Kang Rody” by Palanca awardee Don Pagusara.          
City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will then deliver his festival message and the declaration of the opening of the 71st Araw ng Dabaw. After which, the celebration’s theme will be unveiled by Bangayan and 71st Araw ng Dabaw vice-chair and City Councilor Susan Isabel Reta.
As a finale to the ceremonies, 71 balloons will be released by the City Councilors, 71st Araw ng Dabaw Executive Committee and the State of Davao Address representatives, while singing “Tayo’y Dabawenyo”.
After the opening ceremonies, invited guests will then be ushered to a promenade to the Museo Dabawenyo for preview and blessing at 12:00 NN. Mayor Duterte will unveil the museum marker and deliver his message of imploration while Davao City Auxillary Bishop George Remando will lead in the blessing of the building.
This year’s Araw ng Dabaw theme is “Kasaysayan Balikan, Ihanda Kinabukasan”, aptly so as the city pays tribute to the legacies and the best practices of their ancestors as the Dabawenyos today pave the way for a better, more secure and brighter future for the next generation. (ctoo/ircgarcia)

DAVAO'S ENRIQUE MONTRE BAND PEFORMS IN MAKATI

Davao's Enrique Montre will play tonight
(Friday) at SID SPORTS BAR in Makati City.
The 7-piece all-male band, composed of
new members from Manila & Davaoeno is
headed by Eric Diao, formerly known as
Eric Montre of Kaulo Records.
Enrique Montre is set to release a CD on
May.
The band's RnB song KAY TAMIS is now making a
noise in some radio stations.

MORE GIG SKEDS

DO you have gigs that showcase Davao
talents? Then so, let us know. Email
daug_davao@yahoo.com for the details.
This is a project in coordination with
the Davao Artists United for Good (DAUG)
and Samahan ng mga Musikeros sa Davao,
Inc (SAMADHI).

YANO national re-launching
March 14, 8pm
Matina Town Square
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Panagtigum sa Musika, Pinta ug Dagum
March 12
Madrazo Compound Open Space
Ponciano Reyes St.
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KAIBAN DAVAO: Konsyertos 16
March 13 to 16
Madrazo Compound Open Space
Ponciano Reyes St.
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Nokia Independent Artist Club Event
March 14, 8pm
Kai's Bar, Friday
Jack's Ridge, Shrine Hills
featuring: Tabularaza, Picturefilled, The Ambassadors, Urbandub
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Metal March
March 16, 7:30pm
Food Access Resto Grill,
back of Netfront Cafe,
C.M. Recto Ave.,
featuring: Spiral Thunder, Decapitator, Lapida, Ancient Horns, Orum, Kwarenta
Diyas, Lunop, Sinful Attempt, Karimlan, Exor, Manical
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Defacing Reality
March 26, 8pm
Durian Bar, Madrazo Compound,
Ponciano Reyes St.
featuring: Pride is Our Downfall, ArsPotica, Rey Rey Rey, Chronic Impalement, Erictile Dysfunction, Corpse Breeder, Human Mastication
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Embalmed Alive
March 29
Durian Bar, Madrazo Compound,
Ponciano Reyes St.
featuring: Kundinar, Abbadon, Impakto, Cadaveric Mind, Corpse Breeder, Lunop, Paraphernalia, Lamay, Guttural Putridity