Mebuyan artist Gauss L. Obenza was nominated by members of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino in the 33rd Gawad Urian for Best Music in Arnel Mardoquio’s movie “Hospital Boat.” Obenza wrote and composed the songs “Ang Kapayapaan” and “Manlilikha”, composed and co-wrote (with Arnel Mardoquio) the songs “Bituin” and “Apoy”, composed music to Don Pagusara’s lyrics of “Lawig”, made a new a capella arrangement of the song “Paglisan” by Popong Landero and Arnel Mardoquio, arranged the traditional Tausug love song “Baleleng” and composed several Mindanaoan instrumental pieces for the musical scoring of the movie.

What follows is the complete list of nominees from Butch Francisco’s article in “The Philippine Star” dated February 27, 2010.

Who are on the 33rd Gawad Urian list?

STAR BYTES By Butch Francisco

(The Philippine Star)

(Updated February 27, 2010 12:00 AM)

The 33rd Gawad Urian will be held on April 29 at the UP Cine Adarna and the members of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) had to go over some 50 films released last year to come up with their list of nominees.

Below are the nominees in the various categories:

Best Sound — Ditoy Aguila (Himpapawid); Mark Locsin (Bakal Boys); Albert Michael Idioma (Kinatay); Albert Michael Idioma and Addiss Tabong (Lola); Mark Laccay (Engkwentro); Andrew Millalos and Mike Idioma, (Last Supper No. 3).

Best Music — Teresa Barrazo (Kinatay); Dan Gil (Last Supper No. 3); Lutgardo Labad (Independencia); Gauss Obenza, (Hospital Boat); Francisbrew Reyes (Dinig Sana Kita); Francis de Veyra (The Arrival).

Best Editing — John Steffan Ballesteros (Colorum); Jay Halili (Biyaheng Lupa); Raymond Red, Dave Hukom and Jay Halili (Himpapawid); Kats Serraon (Kinatay); Kats Serraon (Lola); Orlean Tan, Ralph Crisostomo and Miko Araneta (Engkwentro); Borgy Torre and Ronald Banawa (The Arrival); Veronica Velasco and Pablo Biglang-awa Jr. (Last Supper No. 3).

Best Production Design — Bryan Bajado (Hospital Boat); Deans Habal (Bakal Boys); Brillante Mendoza (Kinatay); Brillante Mendoza (Lola); Danny Red (Himpapawid); Digo Ricio (Independencia); Mic Tatad and Giselle Andres (Last Supper No. 3).

Best Cinematography — Dax Canedo (Hospital Boat); Ruben Dela Cruz (Bakal Boys); Neil Daza (Engkwentro); Odyssey Flores (Kinatay); Odyssey Flores (Lola); Sol Garcia (Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe); Joni Guttierez (Anacbanua); Jeanne Lapoirie (Independencia); Raymond Red (Himpapawid).

Best Supporting Actor — John Arcilla (Himpapawid); Dennis Ascalon (The Arrival); Soliman Cruz (Himpapawid); Milton Dionson (The Arrival); Jose Ma. Javellana (Colorum); John Regala (Kinatay); Jake Roxas (Walang Hanggang Paalam); Ariel Ureta (Kimmy/Dora).

Best Supporting Actress — Gina Alajar (Dukot); Glaiza de Castro (Astig); Jea Lyka Cinco (Hospital Boat); Maria Isabel Lopez (Kinatay); Gina Pareño (Baseco Bakal Boys); Marissa Sue Prado (Himpapawid); Miriam Quiambao (Kimmy/Dora); Dimples Romana (In My Life).

Best Actor — Raul Arellano (Himpapawid); Allen Dizon (Dukot); Dwight Gaston (The Arrival); John Lloyd Cruz (In My Life); Coco Martin (Kinatay); Joey Paras (Last Supper); Felix Roco (Engkwentro); Alfred Vargas (Colorum); Lou Veloso (Colorum); Jacky Woo (Walang Hanggang Paalam).

Best Actress — Irma Adlawan (Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe); Janice de Belen (Last Viewing); Iza Calzado (Dukot); Rustica Carpio (Lola); Eugene Domingo (Kimmy/Dora); Anita Linda (Lola); Che Ramos (Mangatyanan); Rosanna Roces (Wanted Border); Vilma Santos (In My Life); Tessie Tomas (Sanglaan).

Best Screenplay — Linda Casimiro (Lola); Pepe Diokno (Engkwentro); Christopher Gozum (Anacbanua); Armando Lao (Biyaheng Lupa); Armando Lao (Kinatay); Erik Matti (The Arrival); Raymond Red (Himpapawid); Veronica Velasco and Jinky Laurel (Last Supper No. 3); Alvin Yapan (Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe).

Best Director — John Steffan Ballesteros (Colorum); Pepe Diokno (Engkwentro); Ralston Jover (Bakal Boys); Erik Matti (The Arrival); Arnel Mardoquio (Hospital Boat); Brillante Mendoza (Kinatay); Brillante Mendoza (Lola); Raymond Red (Himpapawid); GB Sampedro (Astig); Veronica Velasco (Last Supper No. 3); Alvin Yapan (Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe).

Best Film — The Arrival, Bakal Boys, Colorum, Engkwentro, Himpapawid, Hospital Boat, Kinatay, Lola, Last Supper No. 3, Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe.

Natatanging Gawad Urian — Armida Siguion-Reyna.

The MPP is currently chaired by Dr. Roland Tolentino, dean of the UP College of Mass Communications and among the members are Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, chancellor of the UP Open University; national artist Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera; Dr. Mike Rapatan, professor at the Communication Arts Department of the De La Salle University; Dr. Benilda Santos, director of the Fine Arts Program at the Ateneo de Manila University; Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, UP professor and former artistic director of the CCP; Tito Valiente, professor at the Ateneo de Manila University; journalists Mario Hernando, Lito Zulueta and this writer.

Also nominated was playwright Don Pagusara, for Outstanding Adaptation of Madonna Brava.   Madonna Brava, a collaborative undertaking initiated by TP’s Artistic Director Fernando Josef between TP, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and Mindanao theater artists, was directed by famed Davao director Nestor Horfilla.  Music direction was by Davao songwriter Popong Landero.  Mindanao actors in the play included Pepito Sumayan, Edmon Alfres, Onie Ecuacion, Kaikai Lamanilao, and Marili Fernandez-Ilagan (who was also Production Manager).

Madonna Brava was also nominated for Outstanding Play, Ensemble Performance, Female Lead (Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino), and Male Featured in a Performance (Chrome Cosio).

See the whole list of nominees below in the article forwarded through email by Elmar Ingles.

PHILSTAGE bares 2009 Gawad Buhay nominees, awards rites slated on March 26

Productions and artists of Ballet Philippines (BP), the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), and Repertory Philippines (REP) topped the nominations for thirty categories up for grabs in the 2009 Gawad Buhay : The PHILSTAGE Awards for the Performing Arts.

Now on its second year, Gawad Buhay is the first-ever industry awards conferred upon outstanding individual and group achievements in the performing arts by PHILSTAGE member-companies. It is judged by an independent jury composed of critics, reviewers, educators, artists and aficionados.

With thirteen nominations, BP’s Neo Filipino leads the race followed closely by PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre? and Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto with eleven nominations each. REP’s Portrait of the Artist as Filipino weighed in eight nominations to claim the third berth. Other major contenders include Ballet Manila’s Alamat: Gunaw at Sibol, PETA’s Ismail at Isabel, REP’s Sweeney Todd and Tanghalang Pilipinos’s ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal with seven nominations each.

A dance trilogy that pays homage to the vast riches of the Filipino cultural heritage, BP’s Neo Filipino won citations for outstanding dance production; ensemble performance in a dance production; female lead performance in dance (Candice Adea for Amada); male lead performance in dance (Biag Gaongen for Amada and Ronelson Yadao for Ulaging); female featured performance in dance (Marian Faustino for Amada); male featured performance in dance (Lucky Vicentino for Ulaging); adaptation or translation (Alice Reyes for Amada); choreography for dance production (Alice Reyes for Amada); musical composition (Kalayo for Kati-Taog); costume design (Gino Gonzales for Ulaging); lighting design (Katsch Catoy); and set design (Gino Gonzales for Ulaging).

Tied for second most nominated productions are PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre? and Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto. The former is a psycho-emotional journey into the lives, loves and relationships of three people, while the latter is a musical-comedy about the elections and various iconic characters of an imaginary island-state. REP’s Portrait of the Artist as Filipino is an edited adaptation of National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s classic pre-war tale about two spinster sisters and their struggles to maintain residence in their ancestral home with their aging
artist-father.

The individual categories yielded an exciting mix of nominations pitting veterans versus relatively young bloods. In yet another surprising development, the jury elected to honor lone nominees in outstanding libretto (Vincent De Jesus for PETA’s Juan Tamad), and featured performances in dance (Marian Faustino and Lucky Vicentino for BP’s Neo Filipino).

Fernando Josef, president of PHILSTAGE and artistic director of Tanghalang Pilipino, expressed satisfaction at the high level of artistry and steady patronage that performing arts productions achieved in 2009. “Despite the economic and political crises, Filipino audiences have found the time to support Filipino artistic productions, particularly those that mirror present-day realities,” quipped Josef.

PHILSTAGE is the country’s only organization of professional performing arts companies with a regular season programming of repertory development and performance pedagogy training. Its Board of Directors include PETA’s Melvin Lee, vice president; Ballet Philippines’ Sandy Hontiveros, secretary; Repertory Philippines Gidget Tolentino, treasurer; Actors Actors’ Leonardo Lim, Ballet Manila’s Susan Macuja, Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s Tony Espejo, Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit’s Mitch Valdes, TRUMPET’s Joel Reyes, and PHILSTAGE Executive Director Elmar Beltran Ingles as members.

The 2009 Gawad Buhay jury is composed of Exie Abola, Walter Ang, Gilbert Cadiz, Ronald Elepaño III, Arvin Ello, Ralph Semino Galan. Rolando Inocencio, Glenn Sevilla Mas, Joy Parohinog, Joey Ting, and Basilio Esteban Villaruz. As jury members, they were deputized to watch all productions of PHILSTAGE member-companies throughout 2009 and held deliberations to come up with quarterly citations and the final nominations.

The venue of the awards ceremonies will be announced soon. Below is the complete list of final nominees:

Outstanding Play Production:
REP’s A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, TP’s Madonna Brava ng Mindanao and Mga Mansanas sa Disyerto/Apples from the Desert, and PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?

Outstanding Musical Production:
PETA’s Ismail at Isabel and Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto, and TP’s ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal

Outstanding Dance Production:
BM’s Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw, and BP’s Masterworks and Neo-Filipino

Outstanding Stage Direction:
Jose Mari Avellana (REP’s A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino), Teresa Jamias (TP’s Mga Mansanas sa Disyerto/Apples From the Desert), Maribel Legarda (PETA’s Ismail at Isabel), Phil Noble (PETA’s Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at Ang Limang Milyong Boto), and Nonon Padilla (PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?)

Outstanding Original Script:
Vincent De Jesus (PETA’s Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto), Tony Perez (PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?), and Rody Vera (PETA’s Ismail at Isabel)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Play:
The Casts of TP’s Madonna Brava ng Mindanao and Mga Mansanas sa Disyerto, and PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Play:
Liesl Batucan and Ana Abad Santos (REP’s Portrait of the Artist as Filipino), Ana Abad Santos (TP’s Streetcar Named Desire), Shamaine Centenera Buencamino (TP’s Madonna Brava ng Mindanao), and Sherry Lara (TP’s Mga Mansanas sa Disyerto/Apples From the Desert)

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Play:
Lex Marcos, Juliene Mendoza and Jack Yabut ( all for PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?)

Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Play:
Mailes Kanapi (TP’s Stretcar Named Desire) and Peewee O’Hara (TP’s Mga Mansanas sa Disyerto/Apples from the Desert)

Outstanding Male Featured Performance in a Play:
Chrome Cosio (TP’s Madonna Brava ng Mindanao), Dido Dela Paz (REP’s Portrait of the Artist as Filipino), and Jonathan Tadioan (TP’s Flores Para Los Muertos)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Musical:
The Casts of PETA’s Ismail at Isabel and Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at Ang Limang Milyong Boto, and TP’s ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Musical:
Caisa Borromeo (REP’s I Love You Because), Mechu Lauchengco-Yulo (REP’s Sweeney Todd), and Eula Valdes (TP’s Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal)

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Musical:
Nar Cabico and Joey Paras (TP’s ZsaZsa Zaturnah Ze Muzikal), and Audie Gemora (REP’s Sweeney Todd)

Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Musical:
Liesl Batucan (REP’s Sweeney Todd) and Kyla Rivera (REP’s I Love You Because)

Outstanding Male Featured Performance in a Musical:
Miguel Faustman (REP’s The Fantasticks), and Franco Laurel and Marvin Ong (REP’s Sweeney Todd)

Outstanding Libretto:
Vincent De Jesus (PETA’s Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto)

Outstanding Choreography for Play or Musical:
Carlon Matobato (PETA’s Ismail at Isabel), and Dudz Terana, Phil Noble and Carlon Matobato (PETA’s Juan Tamad)

Outstanding Choreography for Dance Production:
Augustus Damian III’s Evacuation (BP’s Masterworks), Alice Reyes’ Amada (BP’s Neo-Filipino), and Edna Vida’s Ensalada (BP’s Masterworks)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Dance Production:
The Casts of BM’s Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw, and BP’s Masterworks and Neo-Filipino

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in Dance:
Candice Adea (BP’s Neo-Filipino), Lisa Macuja Elizalde (BM’s Don Quxote), and Yanti Marduli (BM’s Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw)

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in Dance:
Francis Cascano (BM’s Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw), and Biag Gaongen and Ronelson Yadao (BP’s Neo-Filipino)

Outstanding Female Featured Performance in Dance:
Marian Faustino (BP’s Neo- Filipino)

Outstanding Male Featured Performance in Dance:
Lucky Vicentino (BP’s Neo Filipino)

Outstanding Adaptation or Translation:
Alice Reyes (BP’s Amada in Neo-Filipino), Daisy Avellana (REP’s Portrait of the Artist as Filipino), Liza Magtoto (TP’s Mga Mansanas sa Disyerto), and Don Pagusara (TP’s Madonna Brava ng Mindanao)

Outstanding Musical Direction:
Jed Balsamo (PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?), Vincent De Jesus (PETA’s Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at Ang Limang Milyong Boto), Vincent De Jesus (TP’s ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal), and Gerard Salonga (REP’s Sweeney Todd)

Outstanding Musical Composition:
Vincent De Jesus (PETA’s Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at Ang Limang Milyong Boto), Vincent De Jesus (TP’s ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal), Kalayo (BP’s Neo-Filipino), and Mebuyan (TP’s Madonna Brava ng Mindanao)

Outstanding Set Design:
Salvador Bernal (PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?), Gino Gonzalez (BP’s Neo Filipino), Jonathan Janolo (BM’s Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw), Boni Juan (PETA’s Ismail at Isabel), Boni Juan (PETA’s Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at Ang Limang Milyong Boto), and Tuxqs Rutaquio (TP’s Streetcar Named Desire/Flores Para Los Muertos)

Outstanding Costume Design:
Michael Angelo Albay (BM’s Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw), Gino Gonzales (BP’s Neo-Filipino), Gino Gonzales (REP’s Sweeney Todd), Boni Juan (PETA’s Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at Ang Limang Milyong Boto)

Outstanding Lighting Design:
Katsch Catoy (BP’s Neo Filipino), Martin Esteva (REP’s Portrait of the Artist as Filipino), Ian Torqueza PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?), Jimmy Villanueva (BM’s Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw), and
Jonjon Villareal (PETA’s Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at Ang Limang Milyong

Outstanding Sound Design:
Lamberto Avellana, Jr. (REP’s Portrait of the Artist as Filipino), Aries Alcayaga PETA’s Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?), Gie Bernardo (PETA’s Ismail at Isabel).

EVENT:
U.S. and abroad. These collaborations will be prepared or improvised, and some performances will involve live feeds between Chicago and elsewhere.

Among the scheduled projects are: a Chicago-based musician/composer collaborating with a composer from the Philippines, and a Chicago-based musician collaborating with a British visual artist. Venues for CCAF3 include Elastic Sound & Vision Gallery, The Velvet Lounge, Black Rock Pub & Kitchen, Heaven Gallery, Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center, WNUR (Northwestern University), Peter Jones Gallery, 32nd&Urban Gallery, AV-aerie, Café Mestizo, and other locations.

ARTISTS:
Artists involved with CCAF3 work in a wide range of media, including music, painting, video, poetry, dance, and other art forms. CCAF3’s participants will include Lisa Abbatomarco, Tom Abbs, Josh Abrams, Jeff Albert, Jesse Alexander, Fred Anderson, Geejay Arriola, Ian Ash, Chris Avgerin, Dave Awl, George Bailey, Regina Baiocchi, Renée Baker, Steve Barsotti, John Beer, Ben Billington, Jeb Bishop, Chuck Bontrager, David Boykin, Brianna, Alpha Bruton, Jerome Bryerton, Orin Buck, Elizabeth Louise Burch, Julie Caffey, Rob Cambre, Dave Cappello, Vittorio Carli, Alice Hui-Sheng Chang, Chicago Phonography, Insook Choi, Chad Clark, Clean Boys, Barry Cole, Boo Cook, Stephen Crall, Eric Cressley, Noé Cuéllar, Tim Daisy, Leonard de Montbrun, Steve Dalachinsky, Tomás Diaz, Christian Dillingham, Eric Elshtain, Robert Klein Engler, Michael Erzen, Karl A. D. Evangelista, Sally Evans, Marcus Evans, Douglas Ewart, James Falzone, Gregory Frazer, Ray Garman, Carol Genetti, Rachel Thorne Germond, Paul Giallorenzo, Dan Godston, Jon Godston, Judith Goldman, Matthew Golombisky, Elizabeth Harper, Akiko Hatakeyama, Annie Heckman, Kelly Heldt, Jeffrey Helgeson, Christopher Hemann, Caryl Henry Alexander, Alan Emerson Hicks, Kenneth Hillard, Anni Holm, Jason Hoopes, David Harrison Horton, Hamadal Issoufou, Fred Jackson, Rachel Javellana, Jaymee, Edward “Kidd” Jordan, Allan Johnston, Wayne Allen Jones, Aaron Kahn, John Kannenberg, Jennifer Karmin, Kevin Kilroy, Donna Kiser, Dale Konstanz, J. C. Kuhl, Quraysh Ali Lansana, Eric Leonardson, Amanda Lichtenstein, Fred Lonberg-Holm, Debra Lottman, Bill MacKay, Joshua Manchester, Rona Mark, Elizabeth Marino, Dave Marsalek, Jeff Marx, Steve Maxwell Jr., Curtis McKinney, Adam Meora, Rachel Michaels, Mike, Jayve Montgomery, Ira Murfin, Shelley Nation, Bruce Nelson, Charlie Newman, Lindsay Obermeyer, Erin Obradovich, Mayi Ojusua, Donna Pecore, Irene Pérez, Divik Ramesh, Bob Rashkow, Mike Reed, Matthias Regan, Dave Rempis, Eric Glick Rieman, Joe Roarty, Ed Roberson, Dennis Sagel, Larry Sawyer, Seattle Phonographers Union, Karl E. H. Seigfried, Fluffy Singler, Christopher Skebo, Mark Smithivas, Michael Springate, Stagebridge, Staajabu, Laura Evonne Steinman, Lamont B. Steptoe, Katherine Stubbins, Craig Taborn, Hanah Jon Taylor, Susan Taylor, Erin Teegarden, Jamie Topper, Suree Towfighnia, $2 Cockroach, Shoshanna Utchenik, Duane Vorhees, Alex Vittum, Joel Wanek, Ann Ward, Della Watson, Stan West, Matt Weston, Glenn Weyant, Williwaw, Alex Wing, Jodee Winship, Paul Wood, The World Listening Project, Dave X, Sid Yiddish, David Young, Saalik Ziyad, Taalib-Din Ziyad, and others.

ORGANIZERS:
CCAF3 is being organized by the Borderbend Arts Collective, a not for profit organization. Borderbend’s mission is to promote the arts, to create opportunities for artists to explore new directions in and between art forms, and to engage the community. CCAF3 is sponsored by Poets & Writers, ESP-Disk’, and WNUR, and CCAF3 is partnered with The Chicago Independent Radio Project.

CHICAGO ARTISTS MONTH:

Chicago Calling is part of Chicago Artists Month, the thirteenth annual celebration of Chicago’s vibrant visual art community. In October, more than 200 exhibitions of emerging and established artists, openings, demonstrations, tours, open studios and neighborhood art walks take place at galleries, cultural centers and arts buildings throughout the city. For more information, call 312.744.6630 or visit www.chicagoartistsmonth.org. Chicago Artists Month is coordinated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and is sponsored by the Chicago Office of Tourism with additional support from 3Arts.

Wednesday, October 8, 8 p.m.
Peter Jones Gallery
1806 W. Culyer Street, 2nd floor
Chicago, IL 60613
www.peterjonesgallery.com, 773.472.6725
$10 suggested donation

1st set
Glenn Weyant (invented instruments), Matt Weston (drums), Michael Erzen (artbot), & Eric Leonardson (springboard)

2nd set:
Renée Baker Project 6
Katherine Stubbins — trombone
Chuck Bontrager — electric violin
Christian Dillingham — bass
Bruce Nelson — vibes & percussion
Chris Avgerin — drums
Renée Baker — violin & viola
This performance involves a collaboration with Geejay Arriola.

3rd set:
Eric Glick Rieman — prepared Rhodes electric piano
Jeff Albert — trombone
Dan Godston — trumpet
Joel Wanek — upright bass

Cesario Padilla of Iligan City bagged the grand prize in the 2009 Kadayawan Festival’s Tunog Mindanaw World Music Festival during the final competition last August 18, Tuesday at the NCCC Mall.

Padilla, who has won various regional and national songwriting contests, beat nine other semi-finalists with his entry “Pagdiriwang”, which he describes as “an invitation to celebrate life by love to all forms of life on Earth”. He won P100,000.

Awards for the first and second runners up went to Marie Anathea “Maan” Chua and Ma. Cecilia “Geejay” Arriola, respectively. Both from Davao, Chua won for her entry “Itadyak”, which talks about the ancient form of worship by the tribes, praising nature, sun, the moon and other elements, and becoming one with them, while Arriola won for her entry “Iisa”, which talks about oneness in the country, in the world amid the wealth of differences and unique creations.

Chua received P50,000 while Arriola received P30,000. The seven other finalists received P20,000 each.

Tunog Mindanaw World Music Festival is an annual pop music composition contest that incorporates significant Mindanawon indigenous and folk music traditions.

The finalists were judged according the following criteria: Musicality (30%), Creativity (30%), Lyrics/Literary Merits (10%), Commercial Appeal (10%), and Music Performance (20%).

–from Mindanao Daily Mirror

http://www.dailymirror.ph/August/pep&events08202009&01.html

This year’s finalists and their respective composers are: “Taluktok Ng Mt. Apo” by Francisco “Frank” Englis, “Dad-A Kos Yuta” by Felipe Velez Abrogar, “Pagdiriwang“ by Cesario Padilla, “Iisa” by Ma. Cecilia “Geejay” Arriola, “Kalikasan” by Danilo Gillesania/Mark Cutad, “Itadyak” by Marie Anathea “Maan” Chua, “Sayaw Ng Pasasalamat” by Rosario “Gauss” Obenza, “Tara Na!” by Ronolfo “Popong” Landero, “Balaanong Kinaiyahan” by Kalumon Performing Ensemble/Mario Leofer Lim, and “Tahanan” by Elenita “Boots” Dumlao.

Criteria for judging are Musicality 50%, Creativity 30%, and Commercial Appeal 20%.

All ten finalists will be performing their entries live during the public performance and final judging on August 18, 2009, 5:00 PM at the NCCC Mall.

- from Kadayawan Official Website http://www.kadayawan.com/?page=news&newsID=38

TWO Kadayawan Fetivals ago, I thought the compositions that made it to the 1st Tunog Mindanao World Music Festival Competition were very impressive.

In that festival held at the NCCC Mall, the music that was distinctly Mindanao but with a lot of polish and zing took centerstage, performed by singers and artists from all over the island.

But the 2nd Tunog Mindanaw is even more impressive, a confirmation that given the proper venue and exposure, Mindanao artists have what it takes to shine and grab the stage.

This observation is backed up by the fact that in the eight finalists to the music festival, four were members of the Mebuyan Peace Project.

Mebuyan, for those not familiar with the group, performs often at the Matina Town Square and had performed in a considerable number of music festivals, bringing Mindanao music to all those who stop to listen.

They are also serious in their art, and are now set to release their second album, “Mga Kwentong Mindanaw”, after the successful launch of their first album, “Mga Kwentong Bata”.

The top prize was grabbed by Mebuyan member Paolo Salvado T. Sisi with his “Mag-Iban Kita”.

Paolo, a physical therapy graduate, is a bassist of the group and is also a member of several Davao bands, including the Seventh Heaven, Kardams, Suave Latin, and Earth Music Foundation.

His upbeat entry “Mag-Iban Kita” was a last-minute entry after being urged by his colleagues Geejay Arriola, Gauss Obenza, Maan Chua, and Marie Cantaoi who have already started working on their compositions for the Tunog Mindanaw.

Second prize went to Geejay’s “Hohoy!”

The heart of Mebuyan Peace Project, Geejay has been writing songs for plays about Mindanao for almost two decades now, starting out with Kaliwat Theater Collective’s Lemafeu sa Habagatan.

Her song-writing art has since brought forth other musicals like Siak sa Duha ka Damgo, Oya, Arakan!, Mindasilang, Panaw, and Salima. Their CD, Mga Kwentong Bata, carries her compositions, as well.

Third placer, “Panawagan”, entranced the audience by its peaceful but powerful composition, lyrics, and rendition. Although “Panawagan” may be lost to some of the younger crowd and adults as well, because it’s more leaned toward the classical rendition, still it managed to stand out and grab the judges’ nod.

Written by Francisco A. Englis, regarded as a guru by a lot of Mindanao musicians, his piece was performed by the Gruppo Musica Mundi.

Englis is founder of Gruppo Musica Mundi and is director and conductor of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Octava Choral Society since 1978. As if to attest to the distinct music he came up with for this festival, Englis has masters of art in ethnomusicology from Kent State University in Ohio, USA.

Among the finalists were three Mebuyan members: Gauss Obenza with her “Hugyaw”, Maan Chua with her “Uswag Mindanawon”, and Marie Cantaoi with her “Pagkakaisang Tinig”.

Gauss started her music career with Kulturang Atin Foundation Inc. (Kafi) in 1987 and was also familiar face in folk houses in Davao City during those times. Aside from Mebuyan, Gauss also helped set up the Bagaylan Women Quartet, Seventh heaven, and 4Elements, and has been in the forefront of International Women’s Day concerts in Davao.

Aside from Kafi, Gauss also became part of Kaliwat Theatre Collective, and the Kathara Theatre Collective.

Marie, a graduate of fine arts at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao composes, plays the guitar and percussions, and is into theater and film productions.

While, Maan, a composer and vocalist, has played the lead in Earth Music Foundation’s “Salima”, a musical play about a child of war in Mindanao.
Maan has won as Best Solo Artist in Musika del Sur’s 2007 Music Awards, and also won first place in the Mindanao Commission for Women’s Global Cooling Songwriting Competition.

Rounding up the finalists were Pio L. Pataganao with his “Baton Baton Diwata”, Edwin Eway Priete with his “Musanay”, Gemmalyn Panes with her “Kadayawan: Awit Pasalamat” and Romeo M. Rosalita with his “Kadayawan Na”.

Pio and Edwin complete the trio from out of town who made it to the finals.

A Manobo from Bukidnon, Pio is a regular performer and competitor in various Mindanao music festivals where he weaves indigenous instruments with guitar, bass and drums, while Edwin is a composer, singer, arranger, and producer from San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

Peace is a candle in the dark.  That’s what artists do—light candles in the dark.  In these times of war and desperation, the only thing that makes any sense is art (and babies, for their yet untarnished spirit).  Despite the horrific violence going on around us, we, being artists, never stop celebrating.

So when Kadayawan Festival organized “Tunog Mindanaw (Mindanao Sound)—World Music Festival Competition,” I and my co-band members at Mebuyan saw it as an opportunity not only to fill up a second music album, or to win either cash or prestige or both, but an occasion to share our creative wealth at a time when our country needs it most.

Creating and sharing the wealth

I, Gauss Obenza, Maan Chua, and Maree Contaoi decided to join the competition even as we found out about it only one week before the deadline.  Gauss immediately organized a weekend overnight stay at the Ayala family’s beach resort in Samal Island.  Armed with guitars, pens, notebooks, a laptop, recording devices, a great friendship and God’s gift of music, we started writing our songs in the morning.  Before we left for Davao City the next day we already had four songs.

The next day, we all went to the Ayala studio (where we rehearse every week) to begin recording.  We asked co-band member Paolo Sisi to listen to our songs, and lay in some bass works, while convincing him to submit an entry.  “There is still time,” we told him.  The next day—five days before deadline—Paolo came to the studio with a study of “MAG-IBAN KITA.”

Maan Chua renders the soft ska "Uswag Mindanawon"

Through the days that followed, we all feverishly began recording, re-recording, burning our brains over arrangements, and throwing comments, criticisms, and suggestions across the studio amidst laughter, and stories of sleeplessness, child-rearing, and dreams.  Maan had to learn sound engineering work so Gauss (our official sound engineer) could rest; Maree learned how to assist; and I would like to think I was the official “critic”—I criticized, and criticized.  Haha!

We all had our thumbmarks in each other’s songs, lending our artistry as backup voices, co-arrangers, percussionists, and critics.  Gauss gave my song its title–”HOHOY!”—jokingly at first, but it stuck because I couldn’t think of a prettier one.

And of course, our two other co-band members Chico Zambrano and Lolong Gonzaga joined in in  the creative exchange.

“Prince” Encarnacion, bassist and Gauss’ co-band member at Seventh Heaven insisted that we all should consider not performing in each other’s song during the competition concert.  Paolo’s musician friends thought the same.  So did Mike.  It was a suggestion we all took very well and agreed to on the condition that if anyone of us didn’t make it to the finals, those who didn’t make it would play with those who made it.  We practically swore that to each other.

As it turned out, it was a promise that we didn’t have to make—we all made it to the finals!

Gauss set the festive mood with her song "Hugyaw"

Musicians a-bustling

“Mao na ni ron!” (This is it!) All five of us scrambled to find the musicians who would play with us.  A flurry of text messages hit the air: Do you know any bassist?  I need two rappers.  Who would play the kulintang for you?  Is it alright if Kristy plays for the both of us? Do you have a drummer? Can he play the guitar for me, too?  How much do we pay the musicians?  How much do we contribute for exhausting Mike’s studio?  Now THAT—the unartistic side of the production, the money part—was agreed upon as a collective.

In the end, several music artists were cris-crossing among the five of us.  Members of reggae and R&B bands and neo-ethnic music groups were mobilized.  Mike’s beloved studio worked up a heat—musicians from everywhere came and went, and prepared to fly.  Meanwhile, Paolo and Maan decided to reduce traffic at the studio and took their rehearsals elsewhere.

Guess who won the grand prize? L-R: Paolo Sisi and Geejay Arriola

In the morning of the competition, during the sound check that started way behind schedule, I discovered that I was surrounded by a cozy circle of musicians where practically everyone knew everyone else.  The always-smiling Davao-based Agusanon artist Edwin Priete gathered 21 musicians some of us at Mebuyan knew personally.  Cagayan de Oro-based Manobo artist Pio Pataganao was a familiar face—a regular “fixture“ in festivals.  (And if I may add, his colorfully-dressed dreadlocked band is a quiet and gentle presence—a visually delightful and refreshing sight.) And Paolo knew several of those who played for Gemmalyn Panes and Romeo Rosalita.

I saw dear colleague Frank Englis walk by and embraced him.  Frank is an award-winning veteran choir master and songwriter from far Iligan City from whom Gauss learned how to read musical notes.  Later that night, at the backstage, Frank and I talked about the awesomeness of the gathering, and the possibilities of Davao organizing music festivals where musicians had time to interact through workshops and showcases.  Paolo, who didn’t know who Frank was till competition night said he and Frank talked about the same things and said he instantly aligned with Frank’s spirit.  Frank would later win third prize for his magical “PANAWAGAN.”

l-r: Frank Englis, Gauss Obenza, Paolo Sisi, Maan Chua Geejay Arriola (beside Paolo), Romeo Rosalita

Celebration

Paolo wisely made sure the event—well, at least his song—was going to be video-documented.  The next day, he quickly uploaded the video on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOdVCbL0wQ4)

The video has two parts. The first part shows Paolo’s song MAG-IBAN KITA being performed, and the second part is the announcement of the winners.  In the first part, you will actually see my hands clapping in the foreground, cheering for Paolo.  In the second, when the top three winners are asked to go downstage, you will see three women jumping up and down or flailing their hands and bodies in joy—those are Maan, Maree and Gauss—ecstatic that two of their bandmates actually made it to the top three.  And when my name is announced as second prize winner, you will see me jumping up and down for joy—because Paolo won.  I was so ecstatic I almost forgot to receive the plaque and the cash prize from tourism luminary Art Boncato who smiled and said, “O, baka makalimutan mo ang cash prize mo.”(“You might forget your cash prize.”)

WINNERS ALL: Mebuyan musicians with Davao Tourism Association President Angel Puentespina. L-R: Maree Contaoi, Paolo Sisi, Gauss Obenza, Angel Puentespina, Maan Chua, Geejay Arriola.

The next day, when Mebuyan band members (minus Maree who couldn’t make it) had a pizza celebration at the studio, we were still enveloped in the fairy dust of euphoria that refused to settle down.  We were bubbling with stories about what happened the night before.  And once again, Mike’s studio—vessel of stories, bearer of hopes, and witness of friendships—stood in solemn pride quietly listening and perhaps patiently waiting for the next major musical gathering.

Weeks before the night of the finals, Paolo told his mother about how we went about helping each other enrich our music pieces.  Yolanda Sisi replied something to this effect: “Yours is a competition of artistry, not a competition of artists.”

How serendipitous that fellow artist-writer Mozart Pastrano in Cagayan de Oro wrote these words below at about the same time that Davao musicians gathered in song:

Today, we re-awaken to a Mindanao once again embroiled in war, but we also re-awaken to a Mindanao peopled with unwavering determination for breaking new ground… especially in the sublime arena of culture and the arts.

We need to re-awaken to the arts because it is through the arts that we share stories and experiences that represent the fabric and fiber of our society, pass on societal values, explore new and engaging territories (and thereby expand our intellectual horizons, enrich our imagination, and strengthen our emotional moorings), and ultimately claim our significant space in the heritage of the future.

And from far Iligan, IPAG theater director Tibo Fernandez sends a text message:  “Work continues for IPAG.  We won’t be cowed by imaginary or real threats nor will we give space for terrorism to flourish.  We will continue to advocate for the peace process.”

l-r: (back) Maree Contaoi, GAuss Obenza, Maan Chua (front) Pio Pataganao, Edwin Priete, Paolo Sisi, Angel Puentespina, Geejay Arriola, Frank Englis, Gemmalyn Panes, Romeo Rosalita

Finally, I end this write-up with a kudos to all the musicians who supported us in our musical journey especially to Chico Zambrano and Lolong Gonzaga, our Mebuyan co-band members who helped direct the rehearsals and provided more artistic input as the competition date drew near.  And the mix-and-match group of some of Davao’s finest musicians:  Sonny Encarnacion, Carding Ferraren, Che-che Unson, Janice Uy, Raffy Donato, Mark Asiong, Joel Carbajosa, Wilson Nason, Eric “Toto” Hisoler, July Onas, Perry Ileto, Craig Francis, Lloyd Arizola, Andrew P. Brigoli, Gerry Cortez, Daron Hill Pagkaliwagan, Benzayb Canton IV, Sam Madarang, Raymon Organiza, Rafael Ayala, Chaim Arriola, Thaddeus delos Reyes, Ice Angeles, Jessalyn Mae dela Cruz, Chriatiane Jayzel dela Cruz, and the Kalumon Performing Ensemble composed of Kristy Austero-Lim, Mario Lim, Meloy Fulgencio, Karen Ross Ramos, Ana Katrina Ramos, Rosamae Villicillo, Willie Apa, Jr., John Kenneth Beloy, Beverly Joy Solina, and Yvonne Kris Malloca.

As Paolo fittingly writes in his winning song: “Mag-iban kita ngani sa Mindanao!”

Links:

Listen to the Mebuyan entries to “Tunog Mindanaw (Mindanao Sound)-World Music Festival Competition”

Paolo’s youtube upload

Reluctant composer rules Tunog Mindanao contest

Tunog Mindanaw Bares Finalists

IT WAS a tough competition but one has to emerge as the grand champion.

A reluctant Davao-based songwriter bagged the top prize in the 2nd Tunog Mindanao, a pop music composition that incorporates Mindanaoan flavor, with his song Mag-Iban Kita which calls people to unite.

Emerging composer Paolo Salvador Sisi and his performing group took home the P100,000 cash prize.

With Paolo on bass, the Dinabaw-language song about unity was performed by Raffy Donato, Mark Asiong, Joel Carbajosa, Wilson Nason, Jessalyn Mae dela Cruz,Christiane Jayzel dela Cruz, Ana Katrina Ramos and singer Janice Uy during the main presentation Wednesday night at the carpark of NCCC Mall.

“Mag-Iban Kita” bested nine other entries, including four others from Paolo’s Mebuyan band mates.

Fellow Mebuyan band member Geejay Arriola scored the second place with “Hohoy,” while US-trained musician Francisco Englis emerged as the third placer with “Panawagan.”

Three other members of the highly-recognized Mebuyan band – Maan Chua, Maree Contaoi, and Gauss Obenza – were in the top 10 with their respective compositions.

Davao City Tourism Office head Rizal Giovanni “Bong” Aportadera Jr., one of the judges, said all the entries were “very good.” “Nag-daug lang sa commercial value,” he admitted (The commercial value of Paolo’s song made him win).

Bong said all the song entries have almost similar musicality and the grades were almost equal. But Paolo’s catchy ditty stood as the best among the rest.

Paolo said “Mag-Iban Kita” (a Dinabaw word for Let’s Unite) is his first solo composition. He previously co-wrote a song titled Sa Davao Natu with members of his other band, 7th Heaven.

Aside from Mebuyan and 7th Heaven, the good-looking 34-year-old Paolo is the bass player of other Davao’s popular bands like Kardams, J&J Quartet, and Suave Latino.

Paolo was the official bassist in the Awit Tanghalan of ABS-CBN with host Pilita Corales, and percussionist in back-up band for Apo Hiking Society Live in Davao.

He has recorded with international artist Bruce Conte of Tower of Power and was bassist for Mike Hanopol and international artist Steve Kuban.

ENCOURAGED

Paolo told TIMES that he was only encouraged by his fellow Mebuyan bandmates, particularly Maree Contaoi, to write a song for the competition. Now, he said he might consider writing more songs in the future.

Initially, he was hesitant to join the Tunog competition since his experience in songwriting was not that developed yet. While he is into teaching various musical instruments to students of Conpinco School of Davao, Paolo’s concentration is on playing bass.

But perhaps due to the positive peer pressure from Mebuyan ladies, Paolo said he was forced to write his song.

Each of the five members of the Mebuyan band individually wrote and submitted their respective songs. All the entries were accepted in the finals.
Paolo said that he listened to the composition of his fellow Mebuyan members – all the four ladies are already seasoned songwriters having won several songwriting competitions in the city in their individual rights – and got some pointers.

He admitted that other Mebuyan members contributed to his song which he wrote in just three days due to time constraint.

The winner said he fused soprano and mandolin sounds with the other available commercial and indigenous musical instruments. “I assumed that nobody will utilize such style in fusing with indigenous sound,” Paolo said.
He also said that he minimized the lyrics as possible and have more melody in the three-minute song. “To make it catchy and easy to memorize, the lyric should be short,” he said on his song.

Paolo said there is no serious competition among the participating members of Mebuyan which started as the all-woman music and theater group named Mebuyan Peace Project in Davao.

“Perhaps, it’s (Tunog Mindanao) just a friendly competition,” he said.

Paolo is the latest addition to the supposedly all-girl peace project. When the peace ensemble decided to have a group to concentrate in the live and recoding performances more than a year ago, Paolo was added to the list. Since then, Mebuyan has released one album which talks about children.

NO FAVORITISM

Paolo lamented the accusation that there was a favoritism in the competition since all the Mebuyan entries made it to the finals. Popong Landero, one of the organizers of the City Hall-organized songwriting composition for this year’s edition and also one of the judges in Wednesday’s night finale, has been accused of having close ties with Mebuyan.

At least two members of Mebuyan are with Popong’s own band, PLO.
Paolo admitted he played with Popong in several occasions, and even in the last Tunog competition held in 2006 where they ended as the second placer.

“Popong is credible enough,” Paolo said adding that those accusations were baseless. “I’m sure he would not let me win the competition just because he knows me.”

For his part, Popong admitted his association with Mebuyan. But he said it was just usual since they share the same advocacy in propagating contemporary Mindanaoan music.

Popong, considered as one of the forefathers of cultural music in Davao, said he considers Mebuyan and other emerging individuals who are into writing and performing Mindanaoan music as his children.

“I would not allow that (favoritism),” Popong said, adding that the competition was open to the public.

Popong said he envisioned to make Tunog an annual event to sustain the growth of Mindanaoan music.