Music with Meaning According to Pasakanin

Pasakanin is an abbreviation for "PAminaw Sa Among KAnta Intawn." But seemingly contrary to what it stands for-a straightforward appeal for people to turn a willing ear to their music-Pasakanin is gaining fast in fan base many thanks to their songs that both entertain and educate.

Magkahi-usa, Different Shadow, The Pasakanin Song and their now-popular version of Under the Sea are just some of the songs Pasakanin dished out during the recent launch of their pocket concert series, entitled "Sayaw Ta 'Bai," at Handuraw Events Café. According to band manager, Chris Sagun, Pasakanin will try to turn each performance night different from the previous one.

Pasakanin consists of eight members who are either working or studying. They are Kulas Holganza (lead vocals); John Elento (guitars); Jon Ian Sagun (keyboards); Rolando Mata, Jr. (bass guitar); Irvin Jupiter Honoridez (drums); Mitchel Glyn Betonio (vocals); Clark Anthony Archie (percussions and vocals); Clayton Martinez (saxophone); and Rey Pulis (trumpet).

Kulas, John, Jon and Clayton are architecture students from University of San Carlos-Talamban Campus, while Rolando is a mechanical engineering student of the same university. Clark and Rey are studying nursing and criminology, respectively, at the University of Visayas. The remaining two are already through with school-Irvin is a graphic artist and Mitchel is a licensed architect.

Pasakanin started out playing folk music and ballads eight years ago. It was born out of a long-standing desire to play songs, which reflect their being "social realists" finding self-expression through words and rhythms that talk about the current situation and issues confronting the country.

Five years ago, the band shifted to reggae, which was considered a great leap for them since the decision spelled starting over with a whole different genre.

But reggae has flourished in the local scene in recent years, giving Pasakanin the advantage and the chance to be heard by a wider variety of listeners.

"Basta kahibaw lang ka unsa imong tumong sa paghimo og banda, dili ka madali-dali ug kabang-bang (If you only know your real intentions of putting a band, no one can easily put you down," said Pasakanin's lead vocals, Kulas.

Like any other story of a band's beginnings, Pasakanin underwent adjustments and trials-from financial, love life, time management to criticisms hurled at them by other bands. Conflicts rose within and outside the band. Their common love for music and for the band itself has so far overruled such problems. They are hoping now that they could be of continuous help to sustain the explosion of Cebuano music. Above all, they want to send a meaningful message across without missing out on the fun part of performing.

Kulas said, "Mas maayo kung dili nato wala-on ang atong culture, specifically music, kay sa adto na ta sa western music mo-focus. Much better nga atong i-incorporate ang western music sa atong Philippine music para ma-preserve ug mapakita kung unsa kanindot ang atong kaugalingong culture."

Catch Pasakanin at Handuraw Events Café on July 22, August 19, September 23, October 21, November 18 and December 16.