"The Heart of a Music is in me and that the Voice is in my Heart"
If we try to look back the time of the music’s past, there's so much stories to tell on how it evolved. There could be no other sources other than various sounds that echoes the open wide and hollows in the world under. Though as how it is of today and how it breaks through to the world, its oeuvre is still quite a mystery. But someone, somewhere must have had thought it first... Whatever it
maybe, miracle or invented, still a million thanks indeed that music exist. And, one thing is
certain, music from the beginning of time is constantly growing, moving,
waving and rock and rolling in the flows of time.
Music is powerful. Too puissant that sometimes manipulate deep emotions surpassing common sense. But understanding
music comes with reason. A reason that only music lover alone knows. It’s profoundly
personal and yet almost impossible to explain. True. Sometimes it defies empathy yet still comes with reason. Nonetheless
it brings pleasure, satisfaction and ecstasy. Be it science or a mere extraordinary
phenomenon, it doesn’t matter. Because the moment we hear the whispering tune and sound
in the wilderness of silence, the melodic “yonderings” flow along in us in every way and possesses us till we passionately fall in love with it. And,
that passion and love remain. Never cease. Never ends - We ask even for more.
There are millions of music
lovers around and it resonate unbounded stories. At times, it inspire us. As to
why Filipinos have so much passion and love to music, one definite answer comes
to mind – Filipinos are musically attached and melodiously inseparable with. It’s
nothing ordinary. Built-in for normal goings because music is anywhere and everywhere.
If you are a Filipino and in the Philippines be in metro or country-side, you
know what I mean. As for its love being abstract and intangible, it’s too ardently
immeasurable to grasp and hold to define its meaning. Even library of normative science
is near impossible to explain it. Though, studies suggests that specific music DNA called PH-13 (click link: Stanford University) run in most (Filipino) singers, it must have sounded so exceptionally special that other
kind (nationality) might feel envy. If it’s true, then Filipinos are really that good. However,
as to this writing, it is best not to go further on the musical genomes inherently
prepared for me and or for us. After all, music knows no boundaries for any
auricles of human kind.
Croon to the tune of forever... |
These days, revolutionized and innovative music gadgets and its "apps" is quite a wide trend for many millennials. It’s almost impossible for anyone who don’t owned one. Phones and androids are already horde with favorite song list to play for a day (or night) while doing busy works and or so.
Seemingly, for most of us, it’s quite difficult to translate our own sense of music into strictly measured musical scores. The music hinge in me playing is only out of passion. It is just one another ordinary story of you to me who only loves music in an ordinary or peculiar way. The half-string difference is, we live in our own two separate worlds of the sound of music… And, as to how music made me half of my whole brings good days of the future past.
Psalm 23 |
Born as Gen-X in year 80's, it
started all in nursery rhymes and children songs in a cartridge record for
stereo sound component. From "Rock-a-By-Baby" to "Jack & Jill" to "Humpty-Dumpty" and lots of many. It was an
epic music of yesterday’s eons for a growing child yearning how to sing them
fondly from the heart. But back then, I grew up to wind-up with stereos or audio sing-along system were it was considered an important electronic appliance
should every household family must possessed. It was a loved treasure. And
back- tracking that cartridge was quite a trend children’s play.
"Music lover before me..." |
"Bonding splurge and spree Videoke" Photo Credit: Brian Quiño |
Nowadays, Video-K are normally
everywhere. From malls to resorts, to bars and to typical restaurants, it is
offered in night or in broad day lights. Singing in public is not restricted, you are even encourage. Bound to sing and to perform (imagine pressure).
The world knows that one of the best choirs can be found in the Philippines. That Philippine Madrigal Singers aka (click link: “MADZ" ) is the epitome of vocal greatness. They are called National Artists for nothing if they don’t possessed the virtuously angelic and beatific voices transcend to heaven and tend to silence the cathedral of eavesdroppers. Their voices can conquer the best choirs in the world.
Choir Group: College days... |
Chorale groups can be found anywhere in every corners of the country. From churches to schools to local towns down to small remote barrios. Choir group exists and organized. culturally-bound, a way of life.
Choir has a special place in my
heart. It became my basic foundation on learning the fundamentals of singing, in a Filipino way. Other than developing my humble vocal skills, it’s were I began to understand, appreciate and value music more the way
I do now. Technically, vocal assignments required in a chorale is not as easy
as like a radio playing the songs. Being passionate of learning how to sing, putting
some extra effort of energy, so much emotion, practice, time, commitment and
dedication are normal going things. Then so we can solely connect our hearts to
unify and synchronize the four voices (tenor, bass, alto and soprano). Though with no fundamental knowledge and formal
training in music about reading musical notes and other musical signs and
symbols, scores and or sort of codes, it all goes down to the trainer and
conductor to tune-in on as to how it should soundly intoned to make sense of to
the musical piece. Voice quality and listening are the main keys after all - We
all do have those.
Above: Choir Group Practice Below: Music Seminar Photo: Prelature St. Mary's in Marawi, "those were the days..." |
But taking you all to the
unorthodox way of singing in a group, the choir I was once belong with from the
humble church was a little bit of unconventional. Without the presence of formal
trainer called “the cantor”, just an acoustic guitars, a classic tambourine and
some jaw harp bamboo-made instrument called “kubing” served as our main instruments
to harmonize with the melody of our songs and chants during celebrations of the
Eucharist. We tend to craft and innovate melodious vocal accompaniments to
create new texture. We dotingly call it “second voice”. In effect, it generates
new form and version from the traditional eucharistic hymns so as long as it does
not tend to taint the music or not to chant it inappropriately and or gravely.
(Throwback) - Practice Session: Choir Group, Youth Ministry |
Besides bonding galore, the fondest moment of being part of the choir ministry were during the yuletide
seasons: house to house “Christmas caroling” in the community. Songs and music
were more fun and full of spirit. We can rock and roll the songs in full swing
with all our hearts. With the guitars strumming, we can all connect. That’s how
passionate we were. There’s more Christmas in all the months of “ber”. It’s only
in the Philippines! This is one of the reasons music is everywhere in the
Philippines. Because singing in wide open along the streets is not forbidden.
Reloaded Rewind Serenade |
For some, it’s business. Making money out of serenading. For singers, especially those professionals, I concur of having that great satisfaction and fulfillment inside after rendering a song or entertaining the guests and listeners. It's about the pride and joy that it felt being admired and appreciated with your vocal prowess. That's got to be the feeling...
Strumming my heart with my finger |
On a personal level, singing has
been the preferred medium of my expression (lot of Filipinos do the same). I have my human relation with the harmony of the music I live to know. I’m
totally inseparable to it as it became part of my system through out my daily routine; in
every mornings, in doing household chores, in kitchen when cooking, in bathroom
when bathing, singing while with my adorable dogs playing, and in evening before sleeping, yes I’m a human -MP3. And when I’m free and alone, singing has been a friend to
lean on. With the guitar on my side plus whimsical songs running in my head, it’s
more fun to harmonize. Indeed singing warmth and lightens the feeling. Yes, it
gives comfort when life feel troubled and strain. Can bring serenity and calmness
in the mood especially songs that allow our searching soul to transport back to the
past. How I am so attached with music is a proof of my deep relationship with my own sound of music. Because of music, sometimes, I translate my emotions into collective words that deeply resides and inhabits within me.
Ever
since,
music
has been my first love,
my first
best friend,
my dear
life, dearest to my heart,
a lover
when loveless
a healer
when heart is ailing in sadness
A rock
‘n rollin when life is dark and somber
Nothing
beats the feeling of joy when songs dwell within the soul
It adds
color when voice floats to adorn
It gives
more life and jubilation when it rhymes to the tune.
Even the
voice can no longer intone within the throne,
Blood
scram throughout my throat,
And only
one thing is left and that is the love to listen,
Two-thin
drums but only one is persistent.
But
never should I be tired of listening unto,
Even if
the voice is no longer be heard too,
In the
end, music is always a friend, a lover, a life saver.
–bchuy-
–bchuy-
Cropped Photo: Battle of Band Competition - "Music Knows No Age" Link Video: Gramp's on Keyboards |
While joining a singing search for finding the best lungs of steel is
the bread and butter for many Filipinos, “Battle of the Bands” is the blood
life amongst the best talents and musicians in the metro or in the countryside
who wants to follow the infamous steps of EraserHeads, Parokya ni Edgar,
RiverMaya, Kamikaze, Sida-A and lots of many local bands. Or foreign legendary
superstar bands in the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Journey, Firehouse, Metallica,
Nirvana, Linkin’ Park and more. I have not experienced such any battle
competitions though I’d been part of a group band then, but “Battle of the
Bands” is one of my favorites to witness with. You got to see the real talents,
the intensity, diversity and at times the hardcore entertainers and musicians’.
No age limit and does not discriminate. In proper battles, you’ll get to see
the commitment, you feel the emotions of the performers from both the singers
and the band instrumentalists. So damn good freakin’ real and authentic. Timing
is everything and coordination is indispensable. The whole thing must be
synchronized and soundly fused. Maybe it’s a clash of who will victorious and claim to stand
the last who sounds the best. But, the main goal is the showcase of great
musical talents flaring-up entertainment value.
Battle of the Bands Full-Reloaded |
"Rock out load!" |
Compared to other countries, Filipino local music bands have limited
resources on devices, gadgets and other electronic contraptions especially in
small cities or towns (I guess). But what made Pinoy bands astoundingly different is their great love, their incomparable huge passion, and full blown commitment to the music piece being performed. That's their broad secret weapon up on its sleeves. You’ll get to be amazed and surprised
by such promising underground bents. As spectator, the adrenaline is exceptionally high rushing all over! While swarming with the waves of the "jammers", it’s definitely a riot head banging and Rock and Rollin’ battle
party. For sure, a full-blown real clash of talents. Electrifying! This is another Pinoy's musical flavor that hasn’t known to most. Yet, it’s another big thing a Filipino
have that sets apart from others for being really good in music.
"Tama na 'yan inuman na..." |
This so-called “jamming” session is integrally rooted long ages from
our forefathers in rural folks. Likely after a long arduous and strenuous day of
labor in the farms and or fields, farmers alike would gather around to relax, drinking local wine called “tuba”(fermented coconut juice) and sing out to their best with the guitar’s
accompaniment - an old school way to bond and unwind.
Nowadays, we fondly presage it as "jam-jam" or “chill-chill”. Besides harmony, the
rapport created by music unruffled with musically inclined friends lift up
the collective mood and liven the little party crew. Jam-packed with music, our
sense of closeness and togetherness is preserve. Intact, we remain.
Always
got new Friends made of music and they made me feel I’m home,
I think
the heart and life of Music is forever bound in each on every inch of me and you,
Thank
you for the joyful experience and the wonderful journey full of jingles and
songs,
Songs
that connect our hearts down to the very core of our souls.
Every
voice, beat, strum and pluck creates melody and harmony to every pitch perfect note
that floats.
Let our
love of music defy the odds to every step of the way amidst battle we solely
face and fought.
–bchuy-
For Filipinos, music becomes integral part of life. We love music in all genre. And, I am one of the many living proofs among
the plethora of songsters and cornucopia of music lovers. After all, the world
of music sing in us, lives in me.
... and the last song will always be forever in me -bchuy-