Standing from left: (Baritone) Onyl Torres, (Tenor) Terence Guillermo and (Tenor) Nazer Salcedo. Seated from left: (Lyric Soprano) Marga Roco, Musical Arranger Pipo Cifra and (Coloratura Soprano) Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan. Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written by
Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista
Celebrated classical singers: (Coloratura Soprano) Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan, (Tenor) Terence Guillermo, (Baritone) Onyl Torres, (Lyric Soprano) Marga Roco, (Tenor) Nazer Salcedo have banded together to form TRIBU a vocal group who have a bent on classical music. Tapping on the wide array of Filipino musical genres such as harana, kundiman, balitaw and danza.
For more details log on to:
https://www.facebook.com/Greenbelt.AyalaMalls/
While under lockdown, they shared performances, comforted each other by being each other’s audience and support group. It just so happens they are established vocalists who have an illustrious resume of concerts and musicals.
Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM.
TRIBU has a much anticipated concert entitled KLASICAL that will be held at ONSTAGE GREENBELT on June 10, 2023 (Saturday) at 7:30 PM. Produced by Ephesus Teatron Group Incorporated, the event coincides with the 125th celebration of Philippine independence. The concert is a rare opportunity to hear traditional Filipino musical genres live.
Although for this edition they may add different segments, numbers from Broadway and the Opera. Guest performers include Pinky Marquez, Miguel Bragaza and Galaw.Co Dance & Theater group.
Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM.
A press launch for the concert was held at Venice Luxury Residences, Venetian Drive St., McKinley Hill, Taguig City, early May. Read Part 1 of the article here which includes the 2 albums launched and profiles of TRIBU members.
(Coloratura Soprano) Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan; Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista
Concert Director Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan
For Klasical, Sweet Samaniego Buchanan wore several hats, or functions as they say. She is the President of Ephesus Group, which produced the show and she serves as the Concert Director.
From left: (Lyric Soprano) Marga Roco, (Coloratura Soprano) Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan, and (Tenor) Terence Guillermo. Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista
As part of TRIBU, Sweet is also one of the performers for the concert. She is a coloratura soprano and a product of UST Conservatory of Music BM-Voice under Professor Gloria D. Coronel. After winning First Place in Kundiman ng Lahi and a scholarship, Sweet has been the lead vocalist of UST Symphony Orchestra, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, AFP Band. And featured guest artist at Concert at the Park and Paco Park Presents.
For more details log on to:
https://smdc.com/
She has played different roles in many musicals from Repertory Philippines, Tribung Pinoy and UST Liturgicon Choral, Papuri, Tanghalang Pilipino. She performed internationally: Venetian Macau, Hongkong, U.K, China, New York, Singapore and Germany.
SWEET SAMANIEGO BUCHANAN, KLASICAL album sleeve. Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM.
Early Years
Sweet was kind enough to grant an interview even after the concert’s press launch at Venice Luxury Residences in McKinley Hill. She was able to talk more extensively about her musical background which began with both of her parents who loved music.
From left: (Lyric Soprano) Marga Roco and (Coloratura Soprano) Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan. Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista
She is the youngest of 9 kids. Her mother Matilde ‘Telly’ Samaniego was a Soprano. Father, Manuel Samaniego came from a family of painters and artists. Growing up in Dapitan street in Sampaloc, Manila, she attended Dr Alejandro Albert Elementary School. According to her, the school may have won in NAMCYA twice (National Music Competition for Young Artists). Although the exact year and categories won escapes her.
Log on to https://www.philippineairlines.com/
Dapitan is also a street, immediately behind the expansive campus of the University of Santo Tomas. Which incidentally has one of the most prestigious programs in Conservatory of Music. So attending UST was a natural fit.
This was also where she met two of her mentors: Gloria Dizon Coronel and Irma Ponce-Enrile Potenciano. Both of them were professors, but became her lifetime mentors and friends.
(Coloratura Soprano) Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan; Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM.
Tribung Pinoy
Gloria Coronel who herself was a celebrated soprano, instilled a love for the Filipino classics in Sweet. Coronel was a founding member of TRIBUNG PINOY a famous vocal group dedicated to promote the home grown Filipino genres of music such as Kundiman.
Other members of TRIBUNG PINOY include: Lourdes Francisco, lyric soprano; Erlinda Azcuna, mezzo soprano; Renato Almira, tenor; Vladimir Valera, baritone; Constancio Cadelina, basso profundo.
TRIBUNG PINOY aimed to promote and develop traditional Filipino Musical genres like Kundiman, Harana, Balitaw and Danza. Photo from Phil Star: Tribung Pinoy 40th year: Looking back with fondness and sadness, written by Danny Dolor https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2018/09/23/1853739/tribung-pinoy-40th-year-looking-back-fondness-and-sadness
Conceptualized by Danny Dolor, he also set up a Foundation with the same name. Dolor is a Board Member of the Cultural Center of The Philippines. He explained in a Phil Star Column his vision for TRIBUNG PINOY: “The goal was — and still is — to promote, preserve, disseminate traditional classical Filipino music such as harana, kundiman, balitaw, danza.
Atang Dela Rama surrounded by TRIBUNG PINOY; Photo from Phil Star: Tribung Pinoy 40th year: Looking back with fondness and sadness, written by Danny Dolor
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2018/09/23/1853739/tribung-pinoy-40th-year-looking-back-fondness-and-sadness
Providing a bit of history, he continues, “Their first concert (1979) was a tribute to Atang Dela Rama – Natl Artist for Theater and Music. More tribute concerts were mounted for varied artists. Nicanor Abelardo, Constancio de Guzman, Santiago Suarez, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Florentino Collantes, Tito Arevalo, Sylvia La Torre, Levi Celerio, Carmen Rosales, Maria Carpena, Conching Rosal and Rosita de la Vega.” From: Phil Star: Tribung Pinoy 40th year: Looking back with fondness and sadness by Danny Dolor
For more details log on to:
https://www.shangrila-properties.com/
Continuing Influence
Having earned a scholarship by winning Kundiman Ng Lahi Competition, Sweet gained the confidence of Prof. Gloria Coronel. Occasionally would ask her to pinch hit if she or one of the other vocalists were unavailable. It was Sweet’s experience with TRIBUNG PINOY that cemented her love for Kundiman, Harana and other home grown Filipino genres of music. In a way, the repertoire and style of music was the inspiration for establishing TRIBU today.
Standing from left: (Tenor) Terence Guillermo and (Lyric Soprano) Marga Roco.
Seated from left: (Coloratura Soprano) Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan and (Baritone) Onyl Torres. Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM.
For this concert, Klasical repertoire includes songs such as:
Ay, Ay Ay O Pag-ibig (George Hernandez), Katakataka (Santiago S. Suarez), Bakya Mo Neneng (Santiago S. Suarez), Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko (Tito Arevalo). Along with a special arrangement of Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa by Pipo Cifra, also a UST Conservatory of Music alumnus.
For more details log on to:
Preview Official site
https://www.preview.ph/
Preview fb
https://www.facebook.com/previewph.summitmedia
Irma Potenciano
Sometimes it’s the snappy one liners that stay with you as the most memorable lessons. Whenever Irma Potenciano would chide singers she’d say, ‘Wala kang libog!’ (You have no passion) Although it has a more lurid connotation in the Filipino language. Sweet explained, “Mas maganda kumanta pag may experience which is what I learned from her. Artistry develops as you get older.”
Irma Potenciano recorded a Kundiman album with the London Philharmonic Orchestra entitled ‘INIIBIG KITA I love you Philippine Style’ in 1980, Conducted by Redentor Romero.
Irma was no slouch as a vocalist, herself. Released In 1980, she recorded an album with the London Philharmonic Orchestra entitled ‘INIIBIG KITA I love you Philippine Style’. No less than, Kundiman classics were performed by one of the most renowned orchestras in the world.
Kundiman ng Luha – Irma Potenciano and London Philharmonic Orchestra
With song selection and musical direction by Redentor L. Romero. Who remains to this day, the lone internationally acclaimed Filipino conductor. Romero was a brilliant violinist and composer who rose through the ranks. He has worked as conductor with the most prestigious orchestras: Moscow Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. And soloists who worked under his baton include: Valery Klimov, Malcom Frager, Janos Starker, Philip Entremont and Vladimir Krainev.
Redentor Romero was the first Internationally recognized Filipino Conductor.
Kundiman Greats
These names: Gloria D. Coronel, Irma Potenciano, Redentor Romero, have a strong case as National Artist Awardees. Based on their body of work, their careers and overall contribution to Filipino music.
For more details log on to:
Nissin ramen PH fb
https://www.facebook.com/nissinyakisoba
The most recent batch of National Artists yielded among them Fides Cuyugan Asencio, incidentally a contemporary of Coronel and Potenciano. It’s not a disrespect to Fides but an even deeper appreciation and reinforcement of the award, for her. At the same time, it also raises the question: why not honor Kundiman greats such as Coronel, Potenciano and Romero?
Left: Gloria Dizon-Coronel and Irma Ponce Enrile-Potenciano were honored at the CCP main theater May 28, 2019. Photo from The Varsitarian
https://varsitarian.net/circle/20190528/bravo-gloria-coronel-and-irma-potenciano-divas-and-maestras-par-excellence
No doubt the National Artist Awards is more known for ‘passing over’ many, many deserving artists. Just in Kundiman alone names like Armida Siguion Reyna and Sylvia La Torre should be shoo ins as National Artists but have not been deemed worthy of the award… yet.
The fastest Juan wins! See how our players at the Juan Click Counter in SM Lanang Davao last April 29-May 1 and SM Seaside Cebu last May 5-7 experienced how easy and quick it is to book a flight and do online check-in using the Cebu Pacific website and app!
So many had fun playing our fun games, and the fastest Juans even got to receive free roundtrip tickets from Cebu Pacific. Want to experience how to fly easy? Sign up for a MyCebuPacific account now and download the Cebu Pacific app.
Fly Easy, going online is key! Log in and book now at https://www.cebupacificair.com/
Sylvia La Torre & Armida Siguion-Reyna
In the realm of cinema there are many Filipino filmmakers honored and celebrated abroad who have not been given the award such as Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz, Raymond Red, Auraeus Solito, even Peque Gallaga.
Ana Maria Perez De Tagle-Kline and Sylvia Latorre;
From https://www.instagram.com/annamariapdt/
For me, it’s especially painful and tragic for Kundiman because, it is our homegrown genre of music. IF you can’t rely on the Philippines to honor Sylvia La Torre, the Queen of Kundiman, then who else will? Sweet agreed saying “Dapat National Artist. Mas maraming kilala si Sylvia. Buong mundo kilala si Sylvia. Kaya sinasabi ‘Mala Sylvia La Torre’ kumanta.”
Sylvia La Torre, The Queen of Kundiman.
Hers is the recognizable voice of kundiman. As she produced countless hits and albums throughout 1940s to the 1980s. Sylvia also happened to be a scholar at UST’s Conservatory of Music (like Sweet).
Sylvia La Torre, Diomedes Maturan, & Bobby Gonzales | Live | 1989
Armida Siguion-Reyna puts a recognizable voice AND face for kundiman, having hosted and produced AAWITAN KITA. This was a popular TV show devoted to Filipino classical music that ran for more than 30 years. Incidentally, the late Armida Siguion-Reyna is the sister of Irma Potenciano and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile.
Armida Siguion Reyna portrait provided by Leon Gallery from Armida’s personal collection. Photo from ANC story
The art collection Armida Siguion-Reyna left behind https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/art/08/29/21/the-art-collection-armida-siguion-reyna-left-behind
BOTH Sylvia and Armida are actresses and singers very dear to Filipinos hearts having a long list of cinema and TV credits to their names. Both have also passed away Armida age 88 (Feb 11, 2019) and Sylvia age 89 (Dec 1, 2022).
Armida Siguion Reyna and Fernando Poe Jr.; Photo from ANC story
The art collection Armida Siguion-Reyna left behind https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/art/08/29/21/the-art-collection-armida-siguion-reyna-left-behind
Armida Ponce Enrile Siguion-Reyna Gawad CCP para sa Sining Pagtataguyod sa Kultura
Blaming the Process
There’s an oft repeated response from the NCCA, National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Whenever they are confronted with the question WHY a known, loved, clearly deserving artist has not been given the National Artist Award, they blame the process.
The process is taking too long. The process has not considered this or that name.
From left: Eddie San Jose, Pugok and Sylvia Latorre in the film YANTOK MINDORO (1960)
BUT if the process has proven to be inadequate and slow, maybe, just maybe, it should be overhauled. It should be changed to become MORE responsive, to be more relevant. SO the needs of the artists and the people can be better served. Instead of defending an oppressive process, they should rethink it.
Sylvia La Torre pumanaw na sa edad na 89 | TV Patrol
Armida Siguion Reyna; Photo from ANC story
The art collection Armida Siguion-Reyna left behind https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/art/08/29/21/the-art-collection-armida-siguion-reyna-left-behind
(20)
The World Tonight: Armida Siguion-Reyna passes away
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , https://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
Musical Arranger Pipo Cifra; Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista
For more details log on to GCash fb:
https://www.facebook.com/gcashofficial/
From left: (Tenor) Terence Guillermo and (Tenor) Nazer Salcedo. Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista (22)
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , https://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
For more details log on to:
https://www.facebook.com/C2CoolandClean
From left: Armida Siguion Reyna and Charito Solis.
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , https://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
From left: (Tenor) Terence Guillermo, (Tenor) Nazer Salcedo and Musical Arranger Pipo Cifra. Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista
Download the Watsons app: bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp or visit bit.ly/WatsonsPHOnline to shop online with Express Delivery.
(Coloratura Soprano) Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan; Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista (25)
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , https://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
Mario Montenegro and Armida Siguion Reyna in DUNG AW, a Lino Brocka film where she played Gabriela Silang released (1975). Photo from ANC story: When Armida Met Lino. https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/movies/02/17/19/when-armida-met-lino
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , https://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
From left: (Coloratura Soprano) Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan, (Tenor) Terence Guillermo and (Tenor) Nazer Salcedo. Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista
For more details log on to:
https://www.facebook.com/Greenbelt.AyalaMalls/
Dolphy and Armida Siguion Reyna; Photo from ANC story
The art collection Armida Siguion-Reyna left behind https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/art/08/29/21/the-art-collection-armida-siguion-reyna-left-behind
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , https://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
Klasical TRIBU Album Acknowledgements; Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. (29)
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , https://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
From left: Eddie Garcia, Robert Arevalo, Armida Siguion Reyna and Gloria Romero in a Joel Lamangan film FUSCHIA (2009).
Sylvia La Torre, The Queen of Kundiman.
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , https://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
From left: (Tenor) Nazer Salcedo and Musical Arranger Pipo Cifra. Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista
Irma Potenciano recorded a Kundiman album with the London Philharmonic Orchestra entitled ‘INIIBIG KITA I love you Philippine Style’ in 1980, Conducted by Redentor Romero.
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , https://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
From left: (Tenor) Terence Guillermo and (Tenor) Nazer Salcedo. Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM. Photo by Jude Bautista
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , https://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
Klasical TRIBU Album Sleeve; Catch Kundiman & Harana music in KLASICAL Concert by TRIBU at Onstage Greenbelt1, June 10, 2023 (Saturday) 730PM