From Mindanao to the Middle East

You all missed a great concert last Wednesday night at Knuth Hall at SF State. This has to be one of the only times I've ever since Knuth packed to its max of 300. There were people sitting in the aisle seats and even in the hallways. I've linked to the pics from that event up top.

Anyway, the show started a little after 7 [which is pretty good for Filipinos] and pretty much went off without a hitch. The Palabuniyan Kulintang Ensemble went first, playing a set of 12 songs, which was followed by the collaboration [from which the concert was named after] of Persian/Kulintang music. After intermission, the Kulintang class played two songs and last was my group, Ating Tao Drum Circle. Ava, Isabel and I played a medley of Maranao songs set to a rhythm called 'Coconut', followed by the 16 Inch Stallion, who played 'Binalig' to our funky hip hop song 'Flip Hop'. Then Master Kalanduyan came out and did 'Sinulog Kangungudan' and 'Tidto' accompanied by our 'Celebration' rhythm, and lastly he ended the set with 'Kapagonor' to our version of Tone Loc's 'Wild Thing'. After it was over, he shook my hand [I was really honored] and the crowd started chanting 'Isa pa, isa pa!' so ended with Kaluntang. In all, it was a great show.

Some pics below.


There's me [on the right] playing Babendil for Bel [on Kulintang] and Gilomonsta [on the bass drum, background.]


16 Inch Stallion [Kulintang] with MsAva [Babendil] me [background] and Master Kalanduyan [in purple.]


Master Kalanduyan's area of expertise is the four hanging gongs called Gandingan. He has won many contests in his village and is considered by many ethnomusicologists and his townsmates to be one of the very best.

I really do hope more of you can make it out next time. Look for Ating Tao Drum Circle in march. There's a good chance we might be playing at the next POMO. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to pay for this one. Don't say I didn't tell you beforehand. This is our heritage people.