Prime Note’s journey from bathroom to world stage

Did you know that some OFWs clandestinely formed a singing group in Saudi Arabia, risking arrest by the police for “illegal assembly”? The irony is that, the group eventually became popular “above ground” and even went on to represent Saudi at a world contest and bring honor to the country. Today, more than a decade after they became a group, Prime Note Ensemble (PNE) is recognized not only in Saudi but in other parts of the world but, again ironically, not (yet!) in the Philippines.

“You should watch them perform and be impressed,” said Jush Andowitt, GMA International consultant for the US, who is managing the group. “You will fall in love with them at first listening.”’

Unfortunately, when I met with Jush and immigration lawyer Jemela in L.A. recently, the PNE didn’t have a concert scheduled.

“Soon,” said Jush. “Promise!”

Here are the present PNE members: Efren Cardoza, Lio Abalos, Jerico Yabut and Jonar Sara, all tenor 1; Yagi Brisenio, Joel Macapas and Hero Emolaga, tenor 2; Medard Obida, Carl Andrada and Neil Ortega, baritone; Dennis Quiambao, Ceus Rama, Frank Ilacio Depakakibo, Jim Oxales and Pian Obida, bass.

You must excuse Jush for being mighty proud of PNE. Only a few weeks before Jemela and I met with him, Jush was applauding the group (last July) for winning three Silvers at the seventh World Choir Games held in Cincinnati, Ohio, in three categories — Pop, Chamber Choir and Scenic Folklore.

“Every time they win,” said Jush, “is like the first time.”

That is, even if the PNE has won several awards before the last one, namely:

In 2006, a Gold Diploma and a Bronze Medal in the Male Chamber Choir category of the fourth World Choir Games in Xiamen, China;

 In 2008, Silver Medal at the fifth World Choir Games in Graz, Austria, where they also received the Gold V Certificate and named Category Winner during the qualifying rounds;

 In April 2010, third place and Audience Favorite at the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival (said to be the premier American showcase for vocal harmony music);

 In May 2011, a Gold (Folklore Category) and two Silvers (Male Chamber/Pop Categories) at the American International Choir Festival in Reno, Nevada;

 In July 2011, Judges Award at the California International Choral Festival & Competition in San Luis Obispo, California;

 In December 2011, guest performer at the Fox Studio 11 L.A. and featured performer at the 52nd Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration in Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, broadcast live on KCET TV; and

 In April 2012, ranked 19th among male choirs of the world at the World Choir Rankings by Musica Mundi.

The group’s journey was kicked off in 2001 when Medard Obida (baritone) decided to form a singing group to perk up their free time. The members have different professions but their common denominator is love of music.

“The PNE was organized not out of whim but out of necessity,” said Jush. “It was their way of beating homesickness and bonding together by, that’s it, making beautiful music together.”

Related Frank Ilacio Depakakibo (bass), “Not one of us has any formal training in music; oido lang talaga, pa-sing-sing lang kami sa bathroom. But all of us have this knack for breaking into a song the moment we get hold of a microphone during karaoke sessions. But we were careful because we could get arrested by the police for ‘illegal assembly’ whenever we met for rehearsal at a rented upper-floor apartment,” adding with a laugh, “mabuti na lang sound-proof, otherwise the neighbors would come banging on the door or the walls.”

From a group of five singing in birthday parties and special Filipino events, the membership grew and grew until it numbered 21 but has dwindled to only 15 (excluding Novem Cabios, the choirmaster/conductor) when the remaining members decided in 2009 to move to California (based in West Covina).

“We felt kind of vindicated when our group was recognized by the Saudi government which we represented at the World Choir Games in China in 2006,” said Frank. “It was Saudi Arabia’s first time to participate in an international chorale competition. We won a Bronze.”

Hello, world stage!

The China stint paved the way to more competitions in other countries, winning honors and accolades along the way, now not only a “pampalipas-ulas” but as a professional group.

After conquering the world, isn’t it about time for the Prime Note Ensemble to share the pleasure of their company with their kababayan back home?

“In due time,” promised Jush. “Sa takdang panahon.”

(Note: Jush Andowitt may be reached at telephone 310-989-4578.)

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