Matugtog Kita: Music in the time of COVID-19
by: Geri Matthew Carretero
For months, the COVID-19 pandemic created different nuances of adapting to the “new normal” for individuals, communities, the economy, and the entire public life.
In the Philippines, plastered all over social media is an upsurge of musical creativity by people making music from their balconies and homes defining the “new normal”. From solo acts, musical groups to bands, the potential of making music and having their performances digitally available to the public have spread virally with higher contagion rates than the COVID-19 virus itself.
While the pandemic has wreaked havoc on the musical community, this not only affected the sphere of music all over the globe but the entire art world with many independent artists who earn through small gigs, exhibits, public concerts, tours and festivals who are now currently ruled out jeopardizing their only means of income.
This led many artists and musicians to devote their creative resources to the production of art through visual arts exhibits, and creating musical online content such as music videos, virtual concerts, and organizing donation drives.
In the Philippines, plastered all over social media is an upsurge of musical creativity by people making music from their balconies and homes defining the “new normal”. From solo acts, musical groups to bands, the potential of making music and having their performances digitally available to the public have spread virally with higher contagion rates than the COVID-19 virus itself.
While the pandemic has wreaked havoc on the musical community, this not only affected the sphere of music all over the globe but the entire art world with many independent artists who earn through small gigs, exhibits, public concerts, tours and festivals who are now currently ruled out jeopardizing their only means of income.
This led many artists and musicians to devote their creative resources to the production of art through visual arts exhibits, and creating musical online content such as music videos, virtual concerts, and organizing donation drives.
Sorsogon City: An Emerging Music Hub
In Sorsogon City, the enthusiasm of “Matugtog Kita”, a collaborative project of Sorsoganon musicians launched their first online concert entitled “ISURIYAW TA: Palayaon an Musikang Bikolnon!” on Independence Day, June 12. With the general public taking part which has been truly overwhelming, musicians who performed composed, and crafted innovative Bicolano lyrics, interpreted well-known Bicolano classic hit songs and even released their official music video promoting a call-to-action for musicians and artists to help one another create music that is relevant and meaningful to society.
OPM Icon, Chickoy Pura Jr. of the Jerks delivered his own resonant rendition of the classic Bicolano love song, Sarung Banggi (One Night/One Evening) composed by Potenciano Gregorio Pura, who hails from Bulusan, Sorsogon has penned his share of classics: “Romantic Kill,” “Reklamo nang Reklamo,” “Sayaw sa Bubog,” “Rage” and a handful of others.
Plagpul, on the other hand, sang a playful version of Kudot-Kudotan (The Pinching Game), a Bicolano folk song reminiscing childhood love. Plagpul is a progressive rock band with members from Sorsogon City. Plagpul is also the band behind the viral parodies of Bella Ciao, an Italian protest folk song into Walang ma-Chow and the hit pop song Señorita.
Notable original compositions filled the concert with Vulkitan by Je Sipoy, Yen Llanera and Gary Dioquino; Ted Aldwin Areola’s acoustic version of his original song, Kitang Duwa; Ilusyon by Save It For The Last and Bjorn Salvador’s Tingog kan Balud that talk about places, life and death, relationship, social class, and gender which are heavily embedded in our culture.
Other musicians also performed lyrical rap and spoken word poetry. As most of the musicians who participated were all self-taught and are currently looking for ways or a platform to express themselves to cultivate their talents, the concert reverberated very raw performances in terms of musicality and production but their messages are very clear. They also share this unique bond to be heard and invite others to join them which in a way can be seen as representations of the modern aspects of Sorsoganon way of life and also of their changing attitudes and collective cultural expression through music.
Instead of “performing live”, there are these recorded performances streamed live together with a donation drive and a Q & A session with musicians. Technically, these are not live performances but in the context of the challenges faced by our performers in terms of internet connectivity, face-to-face interaction and the risk of contagion, it is also important to understand the multitude of ways in which music is used, recorded and experienced during livestreaming of performances. These circumstances provide an opportunity for musicians to deal effectively with a threatening situation such as COVID-19 and this might help others involved in production to be better equipped should a similar situation occur in the future.
It is also important to note the Public service announcements they conducted during the event where music has become embedded in our responses to disrupted lives. With music, Matugtog Kita is also able to advocate for a cause- an innovative digital mediation to making, sharing and experiencing performances.
Defying the status quo
It is also worth mentioning that Matugtog Kita came into fruition because in the past few years up to now, music and performance in Sorsogon in terms of public platforms are limited only to a few battle of the bands, elections, town festival gigs and a handful of songwriting competitions dedicated only in entertaining people as a SPECTACLE. Like COVID-19, it is also like a virus that plagued our culture for years and there is this danger for what this spectacle expresses because instead of uplifting creativity and unity among musicians, there is always this priority to compete.
Oftentimes the intention of the organizers is for self-vested interest thus these platforms always become an instrument for corruption and electioneering instead of giving support to artists and musicians.
Tired of the status quo? Perhaps it is now time for artists to unite and stand up against music that only entertains to attract people into our society’s consumerist culture and not really as an essential need for cultural upliftment. It may also be good in the future for Matugtog Kita to partner with community-based art groups in Sorsogon to further educate the people about music by conducting workshops, forums and performances that encourage other sectors such as the youth, women, PWDs, and the like. There is a necessity to involve or extend ourselves in the community to understand the relation of music with the people in the evolving conditions of the Sorsoganon society.
There is therefore a need for Matugtog Kita to also re-educate the audience about the essence of music and its significance to the society particularly to the Sorsoganons. Definitely, music should be safeguarded for the generations yet to come!
In Sorsogon City, the enthusiasm of “Matugtog Kita”, a collaborative project of Sorsoganon musicians launched their first online concert entitled “ISURIYAW TA: Palayaon an Musikang Bikolnon!” on Independence Day, June 12. With the general public taking part which has been truly overwhelming, musicians who performed composed, and crafted innovative Bicolano lyrics, interpreted well-known Bicolano classic hit songs and even released their official music video promoting a call-to-action for musicians and artists to help one another create music that is relevant and meaningful to society.
OPM Icon, Chickoy Pura Jr. of the Jerks delivered his own resonant rendition of the classic Bicolano love song, Sarung Banggi (One Night/One Evening) composed by Potenciano Gregorio Pura, who hails from Bulusan, Sorsogon has penned his share of classics: “Romantic Kill,” “Reklamo nang Reklamo,” “Sayaw sa Bubog,” “Rage” and a handful of others.
Plagpul, on the other hand, sang a playful version of Kudot-Kudotan (The Pinching Game), a Bicolano folk song reminiscing childhood love. Plagpul is a progressive rock band with members from Sorsogon City. Plagpul is also the band behind the viral parodies of Bella Ciao, an Italian protest folk song into Walang ma-Chow and the hit pop song Señorita.
Notable original compositions filled the concert with Vulkitan by Je Sipoy, Yen Llanera and Gary Dioquino; Ted Aldwin Areola’s acoustic version of his original song, Kitang Duwa; Ilusyon by Save It For The Last and Bjorn Salvador’s Tingog kan Balud that talk about places, life and death, relationship, social class, and gender which are heavily embedded in our culture.
Other musicians also performed lyrical rap and spoken word poetry. As most of the musicians who participated were all self-taught and are currently looking for ways or a platform to express themselves to cultivate their talents, the concert reverberated very raw performances in terms of musicality and production but their messages are very clear. They also share this unique bond to be heard and invite others to join them which in a way can be seen as representations of the modern aspects of Sorsoganon way of life and also of their changing attitudes and collective cultural expression through music.
Instead of “performing live”, there are these recorded performances streamed live together with a donation drive and a Q & A session with musicians. Technically, these are not live performances but in the context of the challenges faced by our performers in terms of internet connectivity, face-to-face interaction and the risk of contagion, it is also important to understand the multitude of ways in which music is used, recorded and experienced during livestreaming of performances. These circumstances provide an opportunity for musicians to deal effectively with a threatening situation such as COVID-19 and this might help others involved in production to be better equipped should a similar situation occur in the future.
It is also important to note the Public service announcements they conducted during the event where music has become embedded in our responses to disrupted lives. With music, Matugtog Kita is also able to advocate for a cause- an innovative digital mediation to making, sharing and experiencing performances.
Defying the status quo
It is also worth mentioning that Matugtog Kita came into fruition because in the past few years up to now, music and performance in Sorsogon in terms of public platforms are limited only to a few battle of the bands, elections, town festival gigs and a handful of songwriting competitions dedicated only in entertaining people as a SPECTACLE. Like COVID-19, it is also like a virus that plagued our culture for years and there is this danger for what this spectacle expresses because instead of uplifting creativity and unity among musicians, there is always this priority to compete.
Oftentimes the intention of the organizers is for self-vested interest thus these platforms always become an instrument for corruption and electioneering instead of giving support to artists and musicians.
Tired of the status quo? Perhaps it is now time for artists to unite and stand up against music that only entertains to attract people into our society’s consumerist culture and not really as an essential need for cultural upliftment. It may also be good in the future for Matugtog Kita to partner with community-based art groups in Sorsogon to further educate the people about music by conducting workshops, forums and performances that encourage other sectors such as the youth, women, PWDs, and the like. There is a necessity to involve or extend ourselves in the community to understand the relation of music with the people in the evolving conditions of the Sorsoganon society.
There is therefore a need for Matugtog Kita to also re-educate the audience about the essence of music and its significance to the society particularly to the Sorsoganons. Definitely, music should be safeguarded for the generations yet to come!
COUNTERPOINTS
COUNTERPOINTS
Master of Fine Arts Students’ Exhibit
April 23-May 6, 2019
Entitled "Counterpoints", this exhibit marks the culmination of the artists’ complex visual research and meticulous art production under the guidance and mentorship of the former Dean of the College of Fine Arts in the University of the Philippines, Professor Nestor Olarte Vinluan, a celebrated abstractionist, and a renowned educator.
Counterpoint, from the Latin word punctus contra punctum, meaning “point against point” which traces its roots in music made famous by the likes of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven; refers to the coinciding presence of musical lines which move independently from each other but at the same time harmoniously complement one another when played simultaneously.
In a visual context, this concept of using counterpoint in artworks through visual elements as substitute for musical notes in contrast or interaction with another, creates compositional structure, point of interest and spatial relationship. Thus, artworks by participating artists– Matthew Carretero, Weena Espardinez, Lea Lim, Nomar Miano, Dessa Reyes, and Jenny Suarez– are arranged and placed using counterpoint elements opposite each other diagonally, horizontally and vertically which put emphasis on the importance of collaboration to share their diverse artistic practices with the public and situate their works within the larger discourse in the practice of art today and puts value on many different concepts or even opposing ideas that work in harmony to create balance and unity.
This exhibit also weaves together personal and artistic identity with memory and experience as well as share common ground, extensive creative exploration, unique perspectives, interests, and personal styles of image and meaning-making.
Master of Fine Arts Students’ Exhibit
April 23-May 6, 2019
Entitled "Counterpoints", this exhibit marks the culmination of the artists’ complex visual research and meticulous art production under the guidance and mentorship of the former Dean of the College of Fine Arts in the University of the Philippines, Professor Nestor Olarte Vinluan, a celebrated abstractionist, and a renowned educator.
Counterpoint, from the Latin word punctus contra punctum, meaning “point against point” which traces its roots in music made famous by the likes of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven; refers to the coinciding presence of musical lines which move independently from each other but at the same time harmoniously complement one another when played simultaneously.
In a visual context, this concept of using counterpoint in artworks through visual elements as substitute for musical notes in contrast or interaction with another, creates compositional structure, point of interest and spatial relationship. Thus, artworks by participating artists– Matthew Carretero, Weena Espardinez, Lea Lim, Nomar Miano, Dessa Reyes, and Jenny Suarez– are arranged and placed using counterpoint elements opposite each other diagonally, horizontally and vertically which put emphasis on the importance of collaboration to share their diverse artistic practices with the public and situate their works within the larger discourse in the practice of art today and puts value on many different concepts or even opposing ideas that work in harmony to create balance and unity.
This exhibit also weaves together personal and artistic identity with memory and experience as well as share common ground, extensive creative exploration, unique perspectives, interests, and personal styles of image and meaning-making.
Permutations of Place
Art Exhibit Start 101 Gallery, UP Diliman
Permutations of Place, of Geri Matthew Carretero and Ian Fulgar, oscillates between exploration and commentary, on the idea of and of places, of getting to and about places, of the self in place and place in self.
Carretero’s works are dialogues between artist and place. They are grounded on the artist in places of exploration; where places has its own sociocultural dimensions; and, going to and from places are subject to its own peculiarities and challenges. The floor work especially derives from his experiences and comments on the conditions of domestic migration.
Fulgar’s works are conversations on and with the self in places. They are extracts from his experiences as an architect of lived space and all that it entail. They are explorations on ideas of place and their making, of tangibles and their corresponding intangible narratives, of precise methodologies and the refusal to be confined.
Permutations of Place presents two perspectives, contexts and processes on place, ekphrases to each artists’ body of work.
Exhibit runs from December 11 - January 11, 2018.
Desplazado The installation explores the many ways in which notions of voluntary and forced migrations of people are traced, located and negotiated.
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PermutationsPermutations of Place oscillates between exploration and commentary, on the idea of and of places, of getting to and about places, of the self in place and place in self.
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PlaceA sense of place is grounded on the artist in places of exploration; where places has its own sociocultural dimensions; and, going to and from places are subject to its own peculiarities and challenges.
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SCOTT KELBY WORLDWIDE PHOTOWALK IN SORSOGON CITY
SORSOGON CITY- On October 3, 2015 (Saturday), the whole world will be walking again with Scott Kelby, president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and the number one bestselling technology and photography book author, in his 8th Annual Worldwide Photo Walk— the world’s largest global social photography event in the history of photography.
For the 4th time in Sorsogon City, the Sorsogon province will gain international exposure in a worldwide photowalk both by professional and photography enthusiasts from Bicol and Sorsogon in a half day event to capture the culture and beauty of the province through the lens.
Local multimedia artist/photographer Geri Matthew Despi Carretero Art Director of Kurit-Lagting Art Group is the lead convenor of the event in Sorsogon City of this worldwide event. Kurit Lagting is the newest accredited member organization of the Sorsogon Arts Council under the visual Arts discipline.
The said Photowalk will be held in 2 City Barangays including Brgy. Talisay and Brgy. Bitan-o starting at 2:30pm. Meeting place will be in front of St.Louise de Marillac College of Sorsogon.
Only 50 slots are available. To sign-up pls visit: http://kelbyone.com/…/sorsogon-city-bicol-philippines-down…/
where you can join to participate in the Photo Walk which is free and open to anyone who owns a camera – even disposable cameras.
More Photo Walk details are available at: http://kelbyone.com/photowalk/visit the Scott Kelby Photo Walk G+ page.
For More Info Contact:
Jobeth Jerao (Photowalk Coordinator): 09083524118
Kurit Lagting: 09158779491 / 09983446553
SORSOGON CITY- On October 3, 2015 (Saturday), the whole world will be walking again with Scott Kelby, president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and the number one bestselling technology and photography book author, in his 8th Annual Worldwide Photo Walk— the world’s largest global social photography event in the history of photography.
For the 4th time in Sorsogon City, the Sorsogon province will gain international exposure in a worldwide photowalk both by professional and photography enthusiasts from Bicol and Sorsogon in a half day event to capture the culture and beauty of the province through the lens.
Local multimedia artist/photographer Geri Matthew Despi Carretero Art Director of Kurit-Lagting Art Group is the lead convenor of the event in Sorsogon City of this worldwide event. Kurit Lagting is the newest accredited member organization of the Sorsogon Arts Council under the visual Arts discipline.
The said Photowalk will be held in 2 City Barangays including Brgy. Talisay and Brgy. Bitan-o starting at 2:30pm. Meeting place will be in front of St.Louise de Marillac College of Sorsogon.
Only 50 slots are available. To sign-up pls visit: http://kelbyone.com/…/sorsogon-city-bicol-philippines-down…/
where you can join to participate in the Photo Walk which is free and open to anyone who owns a camera – even disposable cameras.
More Photo Walk details are available at: http://kelbyone.com/photowalk/visit the Scott Kelby Photo Walk G+ page.
For More Info Contact:
Jobeth Jerao (Photowalk Coordinator): 09083524118
Kurit Lagting: 09158779491 / 09983446553
Every November 20, Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP), a child focused non-governmental organization, celebrates with many other countries the international day of children’s rights. At present, GNIP operates in the following community development project areas: 1.) Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon 2.) Hagonoy, Bulacan 3.) Rodriguez, Rizal
4.) Tingloy,Batangas 5.) Gigmoto, Catanduanes 6.) Laak, Compostela Valley.
This celebration is in response to a 1954 resolution of the United Nations General Assembly that recommends every country to initiate a Universal Children’s Day as a day to focus on children’s well-being. The day also marks the anniversary of the assembly’s adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
One of the ways that GNIP devotes itself to making a difference in the lives of children is by making the public aware about children’s rights. For this year’s child rights day celebration, GNIP is conducting a photowalk, among other activities. The photowalk will revolve around the theme “I Live, Inform, Educate: Karapatan para sa kabataan” or I LIKE, GNIP’s brand for child rights day celebration. Simply put, the activity aims to gather potential advocates who can capture random situations with their cameras in a given area and within a specified time frame, and use the photographs to inform and educate the society about the rights of the children.
The photowalk is open to professional and amateur photographers and hobbyists of all ages. Only 50 participants will get listed through a pre-registration on Facebook that started last October 14 and will end on November 8. Official registration will be done on the day of the walk, which is on November 23, 2013 at 2:00 in the afternoon. The walk will be held within the Quezon Memorial Circle led by Mr. Romeo “Romy” Mariano, a veteran photojournalist and the current chief photographer of Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, who gained prominence as a photographer because of his powerful images of EDSA Revolution during the Marcos regime.*
(The officer-in-charge for this event is Kurit-Lagting and Quimlat Multimedia's Art Director, Mr. Geri Matthew Carretero who is also currently working as the Publications Officer of Good Neighbors International Philippines Public Relations Team, Operations Department)
*Press release from Ms. Lalaine Alfaro of Good Neighbors International Philippines Public Relations Team.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=588287641234062&set=a.588287267900766.1073741851.164383173624513&&theater
4.) Tingloy,Batangas 5.) Gigmoto, Catanduanes 6.) Laak, Compostela Valley.
This celebration is in response to a 1954 resolution of the United Nations General Assembly that recommends every country to initiate a Universal Children’s Day as a day to focus on children’s well-being. The day also marks the anniversary of the assembly’s adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
One of the ways that GNIP devotes itself to making a difference in the lives of children is by making the public aware about children’s rights. For this year’s child rights day celebration, GNIP is conducting a photowalk, among other activities. The photowalk will revolve around the theme “I Live, Inform, Educate: Karapatan para sa kabataan” or I LIKE, GNIP’s brand for child rights day celebration. Simply put, the activity aims to gather potential advocates who can capture random situations with their cameras in a given area and within a specified time frame, and use the photographs to inform and educate the society about the rights of the children.
The photowalk is open to professional and amateur photographers and hobbyists of all ages. Only 50 participants will get listed through a pre-registration on Facebook that started last October 14 and will end on November 8. Official registration will be done on the day of the walk, which is on November 23, 2013 at 2:00 in the afternoon. The walk will be held within the Quezon Memorial Circle led by Mr. Romeo “Romy” Mariano, a veteran photojournalist and the current chief photographer of Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, who gained prominence as a photographer because of his powerful images of EDSA Revolution during the Marcos regime.*
(The officer-in-charge for this event is Kurit-Lagting and Quimlat Multimedia's Art Director, Mr. Geri Matthew Carretero who is also currently working as the Publications Officer of Good Neighbors International Philippines Public Relations Team, Operations Department)
*Press release from Ms. Lalaine Alfaro of Good Neighbors International Philippines Public Relations Team.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=588287641234062&set=a.588287267900766.1073741851.164383173624513&&theater
SCOTT KELBY WORLDWIDE PHOTOWALK IN SORSOGON CITY
SORSOGON CITY- On October 5,2013 (Saturday), the whole world will be walking again with Scott Kelby, president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and the number one bestselling technology and photography book author, in his Sixth Annual Worldwide Photo Walk— the world’s largest global social photography event in the history of photography.
For the 2nd time in Sorsogon City, the Sorsogon province will gain international exposure in a worldwide photowalk both by professional and photography enthusiasts from Bicol and Sorsogon in a half day event to capture the culture and beauty of the province through the lens.
Local multimedia artist/photographer Geri Matthew Despi Carretero Art Director of Kurit-Lagting Art Group is the lead convenor of the event in Sorsogon City of this worldwide event. Kurit Lagting is the newest accredited member organization of the Sorsogon Arts Council under the visual Arts discipline.
The said Photowalk will be held at the Sorsogon City Public Market towards 3 City Barangays including Brgy. Sirangan, Brgy. Talisay and Brgy. Bitan-o starting at 2:30pm. Carretero was also the leader of the walk last year in line with the celebration of Kasanggayahan Festival 2012.
Only 50 slots are available. To sign-up pls visit: http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/sorsogon-city-bicol-philippines-sorsogon-public-market/ where you can join to participate in the Photo Walk which is free and open to anyone who owns a camera – even disposable cameras.
More Photo Walk details are available at: http://worldwidephotowalk.com/or visit the Scott Kelby Photo Walk G+ page.
For More Info Contact:
Geri Matthew Carretero
Kurit-Lagting
09158779491
www.gmcarretero.weebly.com
For the 2nd time in Sorsogon City, the Sorsogon province will gain international exposure in a worldwide photowalk both by professional and photography enthusiasts from Bicol and Sorsogon in a half day event to capture the culture and beauty of the province through the lens.
Local multimedia artist/photographer Geri Matthew Despi Carretero Art Director of Kurit-Lagting Art Group is the lead convenor of the event in Sorsogon City of this worldwide event. Kurit Lagting is the newest accredited member organization of the Sorsogon Arts Council under the visual Arts discipline.
The said Photowalk will be held at the Sorsogon City Public Market towards 3 City Barangays including Brgy. Sirangan, Brgy. Talisay and Brgy. Bitan-o starting at 2:30pm. Carretero was also the leader of the walk last year in line with the celebration of Kasanggayahan Festival 2012.
Only 50 slots are available. To sign-up pls visit: http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/sorsogon-city-bicol-philippines-sorsogon-public-market/ where you can join to participate in the Photo Walk which is free and open to anyone who owns a camera – even disposable cameras.
More Photo Walk details are available at: http://worldwidephotowalk.com/or visit the Scott Kelby Photo Walk G+ page.
For More Info Contact:
Geri Matthew Carretero
Kurit-Lagting
09158779491
www.gmcarretero.weebly.com