Peace Album Debuts In Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Nung Aljani / 13 Jan) - To maximize its peace campaign in the conflict-ridden island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, the multi-donor Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Peace Advocate Zamboanga (PAZ) tread into another milestone as the two groups launched its "peace album" Saturday in Zamboanga City.

The Davao City-based Orson Sargado, CRS project officer, said the album contains 12 original songs of hip-hop and ethno-inspired compositions that call for tribal harmony and regional unity among the people in this part of the country.

"Guided by the principle that music plays an important role in connecting people, the CRS has conceptualized the idea of coming up with this peace album, which aims at relating the message of peace especially among the young people who are prone to the disturbances being brought by the decades of conflict in Mindanao," Sargado said.

All the songs on the album entitled “Voices for Peace: Echoes of Hope" were performed by different youth sectors – the Muslims, Christians and Indigenous groups – from various parts of Mindanao. They brought different experiences of their struggles and dreams for peace.

"I hope that with this album, I can contribute and able to relay our common call for peace especially to my fellow young Muslims in thispart of the country," said Alfrazkhan Abdurajak, one of the composer.

Abdurajak, a native of Jolo island, said his song entitled "Para Bukas, Ngayon" (For Tomorrow, Today) was simply a wake up call and at the sametime an "inspiration for the youths to rise up to the occasion and take their responsibility in a more harmonious approach."

Local song writer Chester Ross Cabaltera called on the youths to be responsible in all activities they do. “The reality that some young people are being self-centered to their principles, especially their religions,” he said.

Cabaltera said this prompted him and co-composer Darwin Wee to come up with their song "Punda" – a Filipino slang for fundamentalism. Punda, he said, is "a complete reflection of the growing threats of fundamentalism in Mindanao with the youths as prisoners totheir own belief systems. In this song, we also try to present some options for more harmonious treatment towards our relationship with others.”

Wee said: "Music in itself is a powerful language that speaks wisdom to the youth. The peace album ranges it music from the like of soft rock to an inspirational mellows, which made the relaying of its message easy for the audience, he said.

The CRS, Sargado said, believes that gathering young people and come up with a peace album will inspire more their spirit and add voices to the discussion of different peace initiatives.

"We hope that the peace album become a medium to which youth's voices in Mindanao as well as to generate support from all the people of the island to engage more in peace advocacy," he said.

Zamboanga's Music Band, Frio, Is Making Waves In Manila

Zamboanga's pride Frio!

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 12 Oct) – Impressive and talented! These were just some of what their fans say about Frio, a homegrown band composed of 8 friends who decided to make it big in Manila.

Frio was featured Thursday on Myx, the country’s premiere music video channel, where VJ Iya interviewed each of the band members.

Frio is composed of Alain Echem (vocals), Christopher Sison (vocals), Sheila Taup (vocals), Archie Lim (lead guitar), Christian Quiambao (rhythm guitar) Tristan Climaco (keyboards), Raz Itum (bass) and Marvin Salazar (drums).

The group recently released their 10 original compositions and self-titled debut under Alpha Music. Frio’s hit song “Alive” is still in the Top 10 of the music chart and one of most requested song in Manila’s strongly competitive airwaves.

Frio’s website (http://www.yehey.com/promos/frio/default.asp) said the group started as small campus band in Zamboanga City. Formed through high school friendship, the band initially played at school events and special functions.

Soon after, the band started to play at small bars and was eventually noted by a local radio station and was requested to play at campus tours in several local schools.

They also joined and won several band competitions, including a city band championship for the year 2004; and were a runner-up for the SMB Jinggaling Contest Regional Finals.

From then on, Frio was offered regular gigs from local entertainment bars and became known in the city’s music scenery which led it to play as front act for popular artists.

Frio took their music to a higher level by making original compositions, six of which were initially recorded at Cagayan de Oro City in northern Mindanao. Now, the band with the help and support of family and friends, ventured on to Manila to become a part of the local music scene.

“Actually we borrowed money from our friends just to pay for the fare to come here in Manila and we are lucky to sign up with Alpha Records,” said Alain Echem.

Having eight members in the band is not a problem to this talent-laden group. Frio finds it more of an advantage, not to mention having three main vocalists each of which has their own forte. The group believes that it is no the number of the members that really matters.

It’s the contribution and definition of each member’s role to convert dreams into achievements and success that matter most. Frio’s other popular songs “Nasan Ka Na,” “E,” “Himig,” “Breathe,” “Parapa,” “Baby,” “Could Have Been,” “Let Him Go,” and “Why.” (Dearly Ganaden)