Return to the native

(Grace Nono is a recording artist/producer of contemporary culture-based Pinoy music. Last year, she released her fifth album "Diwa," a mélange of contemporary music and traditional soundscapes from Kalingas, Manobos and T’bolis. Nono is also involved in the research and promotion of Philippine traditional music and arts.)

In the beginning was the sound. The sound had no name. It also did not have endings or beginnings. The sound emanated from a living room in Pasay, where Pepito Bosch lived. Bosch opened his doors to artists, writers, and other bohemians, as they converged in drum, song, and the exploration of the mind’s alleys.

In the mid ’90s, the purveyors of this sound took on a loose identity as Pinikpikan. A recording was released, entitled "Metronomad." At the center of the pack were artists Diokno Pasilan, Nonoy Alcalde, Joon Claudio and Mike Tupas. Most of them played traditional instruments in non-traditional ways, while maintaining the organic, non-amplified feel. They had since diverged, and now pursue the sound separately.

At the millennium’s end, Pasay veteran Sammy Asuncion returned from his wanderings in France and with Billy Bonnevie, Butch Aldana, Boy Garovillo, Gerry Baguio, Dante Bosch, Tito Martinez, Fritz
Barth, Budeths Casinto, Louie Talan and lone female Carol Bello gave birth to a new Pinikpikan that carried the same identity but exhibited a new vibe and sound. Together, they released "Atas." Two years later, "Obra Encantada" came out. This sound was new as it was ancient - wailing voices and guitars, drums accompanied by trance dancing. A sound best heard with an open heart and mind.

"Kaamulan," after the Bukidnon annual ritual celebration is Pinikpikan’s latest offering. It contains 12 spirited tracks with straightforward arrangements and vibrant energy. The mix is bright and clear, thanks to Louie Talan in whose studio the album was recorded, and to Zach Lucero who mastered it.

Carrier track Kaamulan presents tightly woven percussions. Abrazando and Butanding are lyrical and Carol’s vocals are sensuous. Tito’s kubing in Cosmic Ride verges on the occult, shrouding messages beneath the bamboo’s breath. The grooves in Sarung Banggi and Maayo Man will get the lethargic to his feet. Idasal Mo has a most entrancing chorus. Imna na is an invitational to drink from the dark waters of the subconscious.

It is heartwarming to hear Pinikpikan take cognizance of 21st century themes tackled by other socially relevant artists in their works – environmentalism, cultural survival and human rights.

Pinikpikan’s "Kaamulan" reminds us of the magic of our existence.

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"Kaamulan" is available at Tower Records, M-1 and other leading record stores.