Silent Sanctuary's Antoni Josef Inacay closes out CCP's Special Concert Series

Cellist Anjo Inacay

September 26, 2012, 7:30 PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

CCP Complex
Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Antoni Josef Inacay, cello

Mary Anne Espina, piano

Programme:

Ludwig van Beethoven Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 3 in A major, Op. 69

Claude Debussy Sonata for Cello and Piano

Johannes Brahms Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 in F major, Op. 99

The Special Concert Series over at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) is now down to third and final concert. And I couldn’t believe that I missed the first two featuring pianist Charisse Baldoria and soprano Katrina Saporsantos. But it seems that I can’t afford to miss the last concert happening this September 26, 2012 at 7:30 PM featuring cellist Antoni Josef Inacay or Anjo for short.

I bumped into him recently when he was part of the band that accompanied Bamboo over at Radio Republic. After their performance, we ended up talking about this upcoming concert wherein he’ll be accompanied by pianist Mary Anne Espina. He even said that because of this upcoming solo concert, he will not be joining the Manila Symphony Orchestra for their September 21-22, 2012 performances. He took a leave from the Manila Symphony Orchestra to study in Boston and he has just resumed his principal duties with the orchestra. Anjo also teased me that his other band, Silent Sanctuary, will be coming up with new material soon and that I should watch out for that.

The last time I saw Anjo, he was accompanying Bamboo so it will be a nice change of pace to see him return to his classical roots for his upcoming concert. The programme for this concert include Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 3 in A major, Op. 69, Claude Debussy’s Sonata for Cello and Piano and Johannes Brahms’ Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 in F major, Op. 99.

Ticket price:

P800 Orchestra Center

P600 Orchestra Side

-50% student discount

-20% senior citizen discount

For inquiries:

CCP Box Office 832-3704

TicketWorld 891-9999

Bamboo at Radio Republic’s Live at 2299

Bamboo

I’ve been a fan of Bamboo Mañalac even since he was the frontman of Rivermaya back in the 1990’s. Despite all the things that has happened since then (Bamboo leaving Rivermaya, forming Bamboo, the band and then going solo), I’ve always remained a fan and responded positively with his music. One major turning point for me was when I heard Ryan Cayabyab’s arrangement of Hallelujah for orchestra and chorale and it changed the way I looked at Bamboo’s music again. And it truly made me a happy camper when he opted for a more organic and orchestral sound for No Water, No Moon, his first album as a solo artist which is released by Polyeast Records. One can just imagine what my reaction was when I heard the strings, the brass, the children’s choir, the harmonica and the lush orchestration throughout the album.

I wanted to see Bamboo perform live ever since the album’s release back in November, but the chances have all passed me by. He also had an album signing before and I was just in the same building but didn’t have the chance to attend the signing. I saw him perform one number during the Icons at the Mall of Asia Arena: Masters of OPM concert and again, the Ryan Cayabyab arrangement of Noypi proved that Bamboo’s stuff really translates well with an orchestra. I was very thrilled when I was able to have a quick photo with him after the concert. But that wasn’t enough and I hoped for more.

Thankfully, Radio Republic, the online video streaming station that plays 100% Filipino music came along. I do remember asking them when Bamboo will drop by the station and they told me that it was just a matter of time. That time eventually came when Bamboo became the guest for Radio Republic’s Live at 2299 show and not even a sudden heavy downpour prevented me from getting there. Being drenched was just a small price to pay for something that I’ve waited for a long, long time.

So focused was I on Bamboo that I forgot that he would have his band along with him. I shouldn’t have been surprised seeing Ria Osorio once again considering that she’s the keyboardist and also one of the arrangers of the album. Her fellow arranger Kakoy Legaspi came armed with an acoustic guitar, steel guitar and a rare mandolin. Along with the two were guitarist Chico Gonzales and cellist Anjo Inacay. The band was pared down compared to the usual setup but it worked pretty well with the show. Bamboo performed a one hour set, singing songs from No Water, No Moon like In Shadow, In This Life, Questions and Ikot ng Mundo. After a couple of songs, Bamboo also answered questions that were sent by viewers via twitter. This Bamboo gig for Radio Republic’s Live at 2299 turned out to be an intimate affair which for me is much preferred over concerts at huge arenas (or worse, open grounds) complete with a screaming and possibly unruly crowd. After the performance, I had Bamboo sign a copy of the CD (at long last), have a brief conversation with him and have another photo taken with him without any security people telling me to make it quick.

Bamboo at Live at 2299

Lastly, I took the opportunity to let Bamboo have the honor in being the first one to scribble at my little notebook that I brought that night. This little notebook has been with me for some months now and I had no idea what to do with it. One day, I just slapped a Radio Republic sticker on the cover since it was just plain and that’s when it dawned on me. I decided to have local recording artists (OPM artists) write a brief and positive message in its pages. The message could either relate to local music or life in general. So that whenever I feel like I’m losing hope or getting depressed, I just have to read what has been written in the pages to snap me out of my slump. And I think that it’s also a great reminder for me that OPM is truly alive and not dead.

"sunshine in darker times..."

It’s been more than a week since this Bamboo encounter and I’m still grinning from ear to ear whenever I think of it. And this wasn’t even the end of it as Kakoy Legapi’s mandolin also sparked the beginning of something else which I think is very cool indeed. It’s such a great feeling when something that I’ve waited for such a long time eventually happens. And this wouldn’t happen if not for Radio Republic which I think is possibly the most happening place for OPM right now. Many thanks also to Polyeast Records especially to Ethel Cachapero, Tricia Pablo and Mel Katigbak.

No Water, No Moon

Tracks:

1. In Shadow

2. Please

3. Morning Rose

4. Back on My Feet

5. Questions

6. Spin

7. In This Life

8. Down the Line

9. All Hail the Fool

10. The Only Way

11. Just Go

Bonus:

12. Ikot ng Mundo

Aiza Seguerra gets a “little” help for 25th anniversary concert

Aiza Seguerra

Aiza Seguerra’s upcoming concert Bente Singko: Aiza Seguerra Anniversary Concert is fast approaching and I’ve attended two promotional events for this special occasion. Aside from the fact that this concert is in celebration of her remarkable 25 years in the entertainment industry, the other thing that got people talking is the killer line up of guests in this concert. Tito, Vic and Joey, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, The CompanY, ASAP Sessionistas: Juris, Richard Poon, Princess and Nyoy Volante, Gloc-9, Bayang Barrios, Cooky Chua of Color It Redd and Krizza Neri along with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra led by Gerard Salonga are the big time music acts slated to celebrate this milestone in Aiza’s career on September 28, 2012, 8:00 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Cora Rodrigo, Aiza Seguerra and Joed Serrano

Aiza held another press conference at Packo’s Grill and she was joined by producers Joed Serrano and Cora Rodrigo. A lot of the topics discussed in here were mostly a repeat of what transpired during the first meet up (mostly for bloggers) for this concert that I’ve attended. For the second time, I really wanted to ask her music directors for the show, Mike Villegas and Ria Osorio some questions. But sadly, they weren’t present at the conference. But in a nice twist of fate, I managed to see Ria after all later that evening and was able to ask her music related stuff about the concert. And just a few days later, I was able to see one of the guests at the concert, Bayang Barrios who is also the wife of the other music director Mike Villegas.

Ria Orosio (2nd from left) during a recent guesting with Bamboo

I saw Ria once again when she accompanied Bamboo at a recent guesting. Right off the bat, I asked her about Aiza’s upcoming concert. She said that she will be a recluse, working really hard leading into the concert. It’s pretty obvious that she has a lot of orchestrating to do considering that the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra will be accompanying the concert from start to finish. Ria agreed with what Aiza said during the press conference that she wants to be on top of things, knowing every music detail and not diving into work blindly. This tandem works brilliantly as Aiza also said, that for her, music is alive and breathing. And Ria never fails to deliver music that is indeed alive and breathing with her organic sound and lush arrangements.

On the other hand, I saw Bayang Barrios during the Welcome Reception for the US band Act of Congress where she was one of the guest performers. I also took the opportunity to ask her more about the upcoming concert. She said that all of the guests, including her, have a personal connection with Aiza. Her inclusion represents Aiza's wide musical horizons and that she has also managed to work with non-mainstream artists like her. Aiza did credit Mike Villegas for the start of her musical growth. The couple’s influence can also be heard in Aiza’s music as it remains grounded, intimate and very personal.

Bayang Barrios

The entertainment industry has rarely been kind to actors who venture into recording music. It is easier for singers to go into acting but more difficult the other way around. But Aiza is one of the few actors who not only found success in the music industry but also has earned the respect of her peers. If one is not convinced about this, he just need to look at the list of her guests for Bente Singko. See you at the concert!

Bente Singko: Aiza Seguerra Anniversary Concert is a production of MediaNation, Inc., Blackbird Music Creations and That’s Ntertainment Productions. The concert is also made possible by ABS-CBN, ASAP Rocks, Eat Bulaga, MYX, Love Radio 90.7, Tambayan 101.9, Barangay 97.1, Yes FM 101.1, Easy Rock 96.3, Crossover 105.1 and Mellow 94.7, Yahoo! Philippines, Philippine Concerts, Manila Concert Scene, PEP, OrangemagazineTV.com, The Telenovela Channel, AstroPlus, Odyssey.net, BusinessWorld and Star Records.

Here is the entry when Aiza met with bloggers to talk about the concert.

Cine Europa 15

Organizers make a toast to Cine Europa 15

For the second year in a row, I was fortunate to be among the invited guests at Cine Europa’s opening night. This year, which is the film festival’s 15^th year, will feature 21 films from member nations of the European Union to be screened over at the Shang Cineplex from September 6-16, 2012. As always, the screenings for this festival generate long lines for admission is free and the movies shown are a breath of fresh air compared to the usual mainstream stuff out there.

Christian Tan, Kim Mirandilla-Ng, Chino David and Aris Solares

The Shangri-La Plaza Atrium was the venue for the cocktails that was held prior to the screening of the opening film Upperdog. Guests were treated to music by tenor Nic Norman Tugaff and a string quartet composed of Christian Tan, Kim Mirandilla-Ng, Chino David and Aris Solares. Several members of the diplomatic corps, officers of various cultural institutions and key figures from the film industry enjoyed the music, food and wine that were served on that evening. As an added treat, everybody was asked to fill out forms that would as entries as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines raffled out a business class ticket to Europe to a lucky guest that evening as well.

Upperdog

The screening of the Norwegian film Upperdog opened Cine Europa 15 marking the first time that Norway participated in the festival. It’s quite fitting that this film was chosen since one of its stars, Hermann Sabado, is Filipino-Norwegian. Unfortunately, Hermann wasn’t present during the opening. If he was able to attend, then it would just be his second time to visit the country.

The movie, written and directed by Sara Johnsen, is an intimate and character driven story that revolves around two Asian half-siblings who got separated as kids when they adopted by a different set of Norwegian parents. The younger sibling, Axel (Hermann Sabado) was adopted by an affluent family and it shows in his spoiled and playboy lifestyle. His older sister, Yanne (Bang Chau) was taken in by a family with a more modest lifestyle and she had spent years wondering where her younger brother was. Their roads cross when Yanne’s friend Maria (Agnieszka Grochowska) ends up working with Axel’s family (and also becoming intimate with him as well). One would think that this would end up in a happy family reunion but things are not simple as that as all of the characters have their respective baggage. Add to the mix Per (Mads Sjøgård Pettersen), a discharged soldier who provides some love spark in Yannes life. Incidentally, Per is indirectly connected with Axel through his former job. Personally, all this connection was too much since it was too convenient and too forced for my taste. What I liked most in this movie was the ending where Axel and Yanne’s families finally having the chance to meet and then left it at that. The audience is left thinking what would happen next and that there’s still another story after that meeting. It was satisfying for me despite its open ending. If one is looking for an epic story, then Upperdog is not a film for them.

From 11 films back in 1998, this edition of Cine Europa boasts of 21 European films fom Austria, Belgium. Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. This edition also marks the debut of the participation of the Philippine Independent Filmmakers Cooperative (IFC) that will further enhance the educational component of the festival.

Cine Europa is organized by the European Union Cultural Group in Manila which gathers together the Embassies and Cultural Institutes of the European Union. Partners of Cine Europa are the Embassies of Norway and Switzerland, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Independent Film Cooperative, the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Arts Council of Cebu and Liceo de Cagayan de Oro.

Cine Europa 15 goes to Ayala Center in Cebu on September 21-24, 2012, Liceo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro on September 27-30, 2012 and in FDCP Cinemateques in Davao, Baguio and Iloilo on October 4-21, 2012.