The big Himig face-off

For a while there I thought that problems would derail Himig ng Bayan. I thought that the music festival was one event that would provide a big boost for the flagging fortunes of Original Pilipino Music. So I did feel bad when postponements were announced and I wondered about the cause. Will the Himig be another victim to either the ningas cogon or the kanya-kanya qualities of the Filipino? Thankfully though, the festival was only the victim of a shaky start. It finally happened and the very successful grand finals night was held last June 27.

The highlight of the event were the vocals and guitar solo competitions with a P100,000 cash price for each of the winners. This was open to all aspiring music artists in the country. The winners were Jayson Guinit of Dumaguete for the vocals category and Kitkat Delleva, many were surprised to learn she is only 13-years old, in the guitar category. Musical director Mel Villena, who was one of the judges, described Kitkat as “up there with everybody who were equal in skills, despite being only 13.” Her age spelled the difference.

The runners-up brought home P10,000 each in cash and gift packs containing goodies from Tri Dharma. Let us all hope that this will be the beginning of wider recognition for all of them like perhaps getting recording contracts or the opportunity to show off their talents in nationally aired TV shows. The iconic Pinoy rock band The Dawn performed and was cited by the organizers for its support for the project.

A brain child of the Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino and mounted by Alt+Enter Productions, Himig ng Bayan sought to bring musical minds from all over the country to Dumaguete City, in Negros Oriental together in a single event. The aim was to bring Filipino creativity to the fore via a series of activities featuring well-known artists like jamming sessions, workshops and recitals. It was also intended to free undiscovered talents, who once only dreamed of being heard, from obscurity. Of course, adding to the festival’s appeal was the fact that it was held in one of the country’s most beautiful spots.

Councilor Chiquiting Sagarbarria who is the chairman of Dumaguete’s Tourism Board was so fired up by the excellent production that she promised to look into the possibility of making the festival not just national in scope but international in the future. She said, “This quality of production is way beyond that of the smorgasboard concerts that some networks do here on a regular basis.” Representative Josie Limkaichong who attended the closing ceremony was likewise so pleased at the rare display of musical artistry that she vowed support for future Himig festivals.

Meanwhile, here is something about other Pinoy talents, albeit, the imported sort. A new album by Boyce Avenue recently hit the local stores. This is Best Of Acoustic Sessions and it is an exclusive Philippine release. Now, these boys may not be recording for a big name label but that is no problem because Boyce Avenue is a huge Internet sensation. That is also why their visit last February really brought their local fans out to the SM Malls.

Best Of The Acoustic Sessions features mostly covers of current hits considered the best by Boyce Avenue or what we may call their YouTube hits. That means these are the most viewed and listened to tracks by over 75 million users on the Net. Titles included are Bleeding Love, Apologize, With You, Umbrella, Realize, No Air, Hate That I Love You, Disturbia, No One/Tattoo Medley, Viva La Vida, Wonderwall, Because of You, Love Lockdown, Closer, Chasing Cars, What Goes Around, and acoustic versions of their Change Your Mind and Tonight.

Boyce Avenue comes from Sarasota, Florida and is made up of the brothers Daniel, Fabian and Alejandro Manzano, who are of Filipino ancestry but are based in the US. Fans will be happy to find out that the CD comes with a free guitar pick signed by these guys.