Venezuelan musicians pursue world’s largest orchestra record

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Hundreds of violins, violas and double basses sounded at Venezuela’s military academy Saturday, then woodwinds, brass and percussion gradually joined in — and thousands of musicians, mostly children and adolescents, were playing with a single goal: setting the record as the world’s largest orchestra.

The musicians, all connected to the country’s network of youth orchestras, performed a roughly 10-minute Tchaikovsky piece outdoors under the watchful eyes of independent supervisors with the job of verifying that more than 8,097 instruments were playing simultaneously, which would break the current record. The country’s music network, known as “El Sistema,” had hoped to gather 12,000 musicians.

“This means that all these years that I’ve been with the orchestra were worth it, all those hours of rehearsing and all those hours of practicing, which were many,” said Angele Barraoeta, a 15,-year-old viola player who has been part of The System since she was 4 and usually plays with a regional group of about 230 people.

“So many people around you,” she added. “It’s an incredible feeling to be part of something historic. We hope to break the record.”

The Guinness World Records will determine within 10 days whether a record was set. More than 250 supervisors were each assigned a group of musicians to observe during the record attempt. For the musicians to set a record, more than 8,097 had to be tallied playing at the same time during a five-minute period of Tchaikovsky’s “Slavonic March.”

The Venezuelan arm of the accounting firm KPMG will audit the results. Managing partner Ramon Ostos said the existing record belongs to a Russian group that played that country’s national anthem.

The musicians, ranging in age between 12 and 77 and wearing black pants, white shirts and pandemic-mandated face masks, attempted the record during a patriotic, one-hour concert. The repertoire included “Venezuela” by Pablo Herrero and Jose Luis Armenteros, the South American country’s national anthem and Pedro Gutierrez’s “Alma Llanera,” which Venezuelans consider their unofficial anthem.

Each musician was given a numbered bracelet and an assigned seat based on their instrument to facilitate counting. The “Slavonic March” is part of their musical education throughout their time in the youth orchestra network. Still, they began rehearsing it with their regional groups ahead of the concert two months ago.

“If a string breaks, I don’t stop. If the partiture falls, I play by memory,” director Enluis Montes reminded the musicians, whose enthusiasm could be seen as they gently and rhythmically moved in their seats.

The rules they had to follow included not sharing instruments and being directed by a professional. That honor belonged to Andrés David Ascanio Abreu, who was projected onto huge screens so that every musician could see his directions.

“Well, it is a gigantic challenge, of course, a very complicated challenge, but full of great pride, of great passion,” Abreu said. “And today, what we are seeing here is a minimal representation of what we are: We are 1,012,000 children and young people in El Sistema.”

After finishing the “Slavonic March,” the musicians erupted in cheers while lifting their instruments and waving Venezuelan flags.

“The largest orchestra in the world,” they exclaimed.

-Associated Press- 

Chickoy Pura and the story of The Jerks’ anthem 'Rage'

MANILA -- Where does folk music intertwine with punk rock? The twain meet at the intersection of social commentary and mainstream excess making for an explosive concoction. 

And Alfredo “Chickoy” Pura Jr. finds himself smack dab in the middle. 

As a folk musician, Pura channeled his inner Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

As front man for The Jerks including the constant ebbs and flows with different line-ups, they morphed from their New Wave and punk roots to a raunchier sound more akin to The Rolling Stones.

The Jerks were never conventional. They submitted their first songs “Romantic Kill” and “Big Deal” on cassette and were played on DZRJ’s “Pinoy Rock and Rhythm” show that was hosted by DJ Howlin’ Dave in 1981. Those songs, now considered classics, have never been given the vinyl or cassette treatment. 

Instead, their debut album was actually a live recording that was released in 1994. Three years later, they followed that up with a proper self-titled studio debut that featured classics such as “Haligi sa Maynila,” “Sayaw sa Bubog,” “Reklamo ng Reklamo,” and “Rage.”

Last August 9, “Rage” was elevated from classic into anthemic. 

A music video -- spearheaded by Mrk Estandarte of Pasada, Pol Torrente of Plagpul, and Monet Pura, Chickoy’s wife -- featured 35 musicians from the alternative scene performing “Rage” as a form of protest to recent controversial events that have rocked this country. 


Could The Jerks’ anti-fascist song now replace “Bayan Ko” as the new protest anthem? More so now that the singer of that latter song has crossed over to the establishment’s side?

Chickoy Pura laughs. He isn’t concerned about plaudits or iconic status. He is more concerned about what has happened to the world we inhabit. 

“As an individual, you have to draw the line when you face this specter of fear,” emphasized Pura. “A lot of what has been going on is insensitive and cruel. We are in the middle of a pandemic and kung ano-ano pa ang ginagawang panggigipit sa tao.”

Then as in now, the song’s lyrics remain poignant if not prophetic. 

“And the names and faces of the tyrants change.
But poverty, pain, and murder remains. 
And the voices of truth are locked up in chains.
Darkness remains, freedom in flames.”

When Pura wrote “Rage,” he wanted to paint a picture of poverty in Manila. In doing so, he quoted the late Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’s famous verse, “But I’ll go not gently into the night. Rage against the dying of the light.”

But the germ of the idea for the song came from a painting his sister-in-law gave him. 

“I was given this painting made by a political detainee,” recounted Pura. “It depicted a dove flying away into the darkness and it quoted Dylan Thomas. I had to look up the poet and the poem and found both powerful. It gave meaning to the song. And yet, in hindsight, I wish I asked for the name of the detainee.”

“Folk and punk rock music are about social issues and I decided to write about the social injustice and human rights violations in the country,” he added. “As for Dylan Thomas’ poem… it was waiting for someone to write it.”

And the song and its music video is every bit as ferocious as the title implies with Pura’s pained voice spitting out every word with exasperation and anger. In between the words and verse, then-bandmate Nitoy Adriano’s discordant guitar licks added an element of danger.

As for the jam remake? It’s equal parts passionate, powerful, a powder keg of emotions let loose.

And the video was a bold statement. It outed every musician who feels the same way about what is going on.

“Well, there are expected trolls,” laughed Pura with a hint of sarcasm. 

This isn’t Pura’s first bit of commentary about these times. In October 2017, he recorded a new song “Sa Madilim na Sulok ng Kasaysayan” along with drummer Ray Marasigan and bassist Buddy Zabala who both appeared on the Rage PH video. The song had this Bo Diddley vibe yet with the trademark Pura grit.

“As a songwriter, I have always addressed the world in which we live in. 'Yung sinusulat ko, kung magmulat ang mata ng tao at makakabuti para sa lahat, then I have done my job.”

For Pura, he can’t wait for this crazy world to go back to its usual axis. He misses the exhilaration of live shows, performing for audiences, and interacting with fellow musicians and fans. “Music for me is, was, and will always be a form of expression. But I also want it to be a vehicle to provide for my family.”

For someone who carried the flag for Original Pilipino Music, and bravely planted into onto Manila’s mean streets, Pura isn’t done. “I have more songs in me,” he proclaimed.

At the intersection where folk and punk rock meet, you’ll still find Chickoy Pura, guitar in one hand, and still raging against the dying of the light.

news.abs-cbn.com

As bars remain closed, bands, musicians left with no gigs, income

MANILA -- Singers who perform regularly in music lounges, bars and other entertainment venues are feeling the impact of the Luzon-wide lockdown, as they are left with no gigs on their schedule and are now practically jobless.

While their weekly calendars normally teemed with regular, nightly performances, special singing engagements in corporate shows or weddings, even out-of-town fiestas before the COVID 19 pandemic, musicians find themselves without any income-generating activities in this lockdown.

In reality, “entertainment is considered non-essential,” lamented Freestyle vocalist and lone female member Ava Santos. “That’s why all our bookings for March, all the way till June, were cancelled. The events industry is greatly impacted, too.”

The month-long lockdown has greatly affected the jobs of entertainers. Freestyle regularly performs at 19 East Bar and Grill in Paranaque City and also at 12 Monkeys in El Pueblo, Ortigas Center. Both venues are presently closed and non-operational. 



“We have instantly become jobless,” said Santos. “Performing is our main source of livelihood and most of our clients have cancelled, if not postponed their bookings. It’s lucky if we could ask for cancellation fees, but that’s not the case for everyone.”

Aside from Santos, Freestyle members include Joshua Desiderio and Mike Luis (vocalists), Gerd Banzon (drummer), Joel Guarin (bassist), Bobby Velasco (musical director and keyboardist) and Gino Aguas (lead guitarist).

The band’s manager, Celeste Pacana, attested the bands are really hard hit. “No work, no pay,” Pacana said. “Worst, they have no benefits. No insurance. That is the problem with the artists. They live by the day. That’s a sad reality. Few prepare for their future or a catastrophe as this [COVID 19].”

Music veterans Side A also regularly performs in 19 East and 12 Monkeys. “As performers or professional musicians, we rely on regular bar gigs and special shows or concerts as our main source of livelihood,” said Side A bassist, Ned Esguerra. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a terrible impact on us financially, since we are currently unable to perform regularly. The health concerns are, of course, the main focus, but the income lost affects a great number of us in the entertainment industry.”

Aside from Esguerra, Side A is composed of Naldy Gonzales (band leader, musical director and keyboardist), Ernie Severino (drummer), Yubs Esperat, Jr. (vocalist and acoustic guitarist), Lee Von Cailao (lead guitarist).


MUSIC ROYALTIES, DONATIONS

Stages talent and indie artist Bullet Dumas echoed the sentiments of the band members. “If we have no gigs, we don’t earn anything,” he said. “Maybe you can get royalties from the songs you wrote if you have publishers. Other artists can earn from that. I started Band Camp, where people can download my songs, though no one is downloading now. I just set it up even before for use in my future records.” 

Dumas mentioned certain applications online like Kumu, Patreon and Twitch, where people can just donate money while the artists are streaming themselves. “What gamers are using through Facebook, where people can send ‘stars’ that can be converted through money,” Dumas explained. “These are the little projects you can share with your patrons, who can get exclusive content. I believe the shift to online was inevitable. It just got pushed forward earlier because of what happened.” 

Hans Dimayuga, a contestant on the first season of “The Voice of the Philippines,” acknowledged that he earns from performing regularly in entertainment venues. “Since all performance venues are closed, we don’t have any income now. I think this also extends to all freelancers,” Dimayuga noted.

Before the lockdown was enforced, Dimayuga was a regular at the Grand Bar and El Calle Music Hall at Resorts World Manila. He was also performing weekly at Z Hostel and Casa Bambu, entertainment venues in Poblacion, Makati.

Seven shows from Dimayuga’s schedule were cancelled or postponed. Sadly, not all the producers have assured the artists that the shows will still be restaged in the near future. The producers simply cannot commit to any specific date yet.

“Only the weddings have rescheduled an exact date,” Dimayuga offered. “The corporate events and bar gigs are all TBA (to be announced).”


Dimayuga is thankful he recently received financial assistance from FILSCAP (Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), deposited to his bank account. Apparently, FILSCAP readily did its part to safeguard the well-being of its members amid the pandemic.

Maria Clauja, a singer based in San Pablo City in Laguna, similarly suffered the same fate when she was left jobless by the lockdown. “It became hard for me when all the regular gigs and the events where I was supposed to perform in were cancelled,” Clauja lamented. “My gigs were what brought my budget weekly and even monthly.”

Prior to the enhanced community quarantine, Clauja had four regular bar gigs weekly, where she got paid P800 nightly. She performed regularly at Jaberacks in Candelaria (Quezon), Suki in San Pablo (Laguna) and Gastro Publiko in Lipa (Batangas). She also did “harana” gigs in Laguna every week, by schedule. She had eight weddings, where she was scheduled to sing. 

Revenues for all those performances were practicality lost. And only about 20 percent of the producers have committed to restaging the scheduled engagements.

SAVINGS FOR A RAINY DAY

Freestyle's Santos said the owners of the establishments they performed in were “in communication” with the band earlier. “They were perhaps hopeful that the situation will eventually improve and all will go back to normal. We all are,” she said.

Esguerra, meanwhile, is uncertain about the exact number of shows and events that got cancelled or postponed in Side A’s calendar. “But the more we extend this quarantine period, then more gigs are in danger of being aborted,” he said. 

“I do believe that a lot of producers out there are very decent about these matters. Both sides are willing to find a reasonable solution to all the scheduled events that got messed up.”

Thankfully, some artists have safely stashed up for times like this. “If the quarantine period gets lifted soon, then some of what I saved in the past may just be enough to pull us through until we can get back out there and work,” Esguerra said. “Saving for a rainy day really came in handy, because it’s pouring down hard right now.”

Esguerra now realized how important it is to have emergency funds. “Some of my musician friends raised money for our other musician friends who are seriously hit by this, including those who are sick and those who have small children.”


With no income, Dumas is aware his savings is an important financial anchor at this time. “Some of us are indie artists. If you have savings, that will work for you. If you don’t, alanganin ka. We check up on our other band mates regularly, if they can still support themselves.”

Their “roadies” (road managers) or those who help the artists in their gigs and performances, are likewise affected by the lockdown.

“They also don’t have money,” Dumas granted. “That’s tough. We are also raising funds for those guys. As Johnoy (Danao) termed them, they are not ‘alalay,’ but they are those who assist the musicians.”

Even before the lockdown, Dumas recalled events were getting cancelled already. “Gigs were few. There were very few audience in the venues,” he noted. 

Dumas’ shows were cancelled and rescheduled. “I was supposed to have a gig in Siargao for the Holy Week,” he said. “That got cancelled, too. We couldn’t travel because of the lockdown.

“It’s a good practice to ask for a 50 percent down payment, for cancelled shows. When Taal volcano erupted, I also had a show that got cancelled and moved. But that one already gave a down payment. So that will still push through in the future.”

Before his schedule came to a halt, Dumas was seen regularly at Conspiracy Garden Café along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City. That was where he had been performing since 2011. He also performed at 70s Bistro along Anonas Avenue, Route 196 along Katipunan Avenue, 12 Monkeys in Ortigas and Saguijo Bar in Makati.

COST-CUTTING MEASURES

The artists have realized that they have to adapt to cost-cutting measures to cushion the impact of this COVID-19 pandemic. Dimayuga is fortunate he now lives with his parents, which is a big relief for him.

Admittedly, Santos has been looking for things she can do online, since she has no other streams of revenue in this lockdown. At present, she has done cost-cutting measures at home. “Since the world is put to a halt, all the luxuries are eliminated,” Santos said. “We just enjoy however we can at home, eat whatever we have available. We haven’t really sat down and sorted out our finances. When the bills arrive, then we will adjust.”

Esguerra has no other means of “steady” income aside from performing. “Although I do have revenue coming in from other musically related endeavors, but none of them may be considered steady, because the income is never constant and more of a seasonal occurrence.”

He considers himself still “fortunate” that just before Manila went under quarantine, he was able "to secure just enough to get by for the duration that was initially set down by the government.” Still, he imposes cost-cutting personally to cushion the impact of the lockdown. “There really isn’t much of an option given that pretty much everything has closed down,” Esguerra said.

FACEBOOK LIVE

 Clauja is thankful to the help extended by the government not only to her and her family, but to the families of other struggling musicians who also need assistance. She particularly mentioned the five kilograms of rice and canned goods given to the families weekly that they received.

“That’s a big help to the families who had a hard time getting by daily,” Clauja maintained. “I help my parents in our small family business. We earn by delivering yema cake, moist chocolate cake, langka pies and tarts.”

Clauja is also doing live Facebook gigs, where the payments are pinned to her bank accounts. “So that they can also give tips,” she said.

The amount from her other streams of revenues accounts for 20 percent of what she earns. With money allotted to pay for the rent, Clauja said the budget she now have is simply enough for her daily expenses.

“Nag-cost-cutting po talaga kami in our family,” she said. “Kung ang gastos po namin sa food for a day is P500 before the lockdown, ginagawa po namin na P100 daily lang ang mailabas na pera, hanggang maaari. More on veggies ang niluluto po naming, kasi mas mura at healthy. Budgeted po lahat, para tumagal ang P500 sa isa isang linggo.”

Cost-cutting is something that everyone needs to do, Dumas acknowledged, now that everything is indefinite. “We don’t know how long this lockdown will be. Even if it gets lifted soon, people will still have trauma to go out. But after COVID-19 is gone, people will be excited to go out, meet their friends and family. The music industry will benefit from this. Some people are not earning, so when the lockdown gets lifted, they want to earn again. Babawi sila.”

Dumas insisted he is personally “still okay” amid the lockdown. “Although no one is downloading [my songs], I can probably write a song, upload it somewhere and earn from it. Right now, I’m still okay. I know everyone is having a hard time. These are tough times.

“We are doing shows, streaming those shows on Facebook to raise funds for the less fortunate. Even I have been trying to help others. We’re pushing for that. My other artist-friends, we help each other. Good thing, I am under Stages, that’s why I’m not too worried. They are helping me. Anytime I need them, I’ll just let them know. I’m not flat worried. I’m worried for other people.”

For the entire year, Dumas has safely paid for rent in his place in advance. That was a big financial load off his back. “The monthly bills, nakaka-stress,” he said. “I saved up for something. I’m still okay. I have a roof. For food and other necessities, I can still manage.”


Asked about other possible means of revenues, Dimayuga couldn’t give any other reply. “My earnings only come from shows and from a couple of F&B establishments I co-own. Music production houses and ad agencies are also closed so we can’t really do any home-based recordings where we can also earn from.

“We’re taking a back seat on all purchases and trying to focus on efficient shopping for basic necessities,” he explained. “The best thing right now is to stay home, stay healthy, take care of our folks and work on our craft.”

Dimayuga remains certain that his colleagues in the entertainment industry can get through this pandemic season financially. At present, they have their savings, whatever little the amount may be. “These are the moments we save up for. We have to be wise with our expenses,” he said.

Without necessarily shelling out financial aid, Esguerra considers himself a huge fan of positive reinforcement and encouragement. “I try to set an example to my friends by keeping calm at all times, despite everything that goes on. Hopefully, that somehow helps them settle down in the face of immense pressure and trials. I also believe in the power of prayer and the importance of praying for others.”

MISS PERFORMING

While “human interaction” proved to be tiring for artists who performed nightly before, Dumas misses doing it now that they are not performing onstage. “Before, it got tiring. After a gig, you would rather stay at home or go to your family and do whatever you want. Now, I miss my friends. I also miss performing. I miss the exchange of energy between the audience and the performer in live gigs.”

Dumas continued: “Now, you don’t feel it while performing in front of your computer or your phone. You see the applause, the likes, the comments. I guess even silence is important. When you know that people are actually listening to what you’re singing, that’s awesome. Pero iba pa rin ang actual response ng tao. Iba if you get really nervous onstage with a live audience in front of you.”


Clauja, meanwhile, thinks the families of her singer-friends are admirably coping well with this pandemic, even if they are hit hard. “Sa tingin ko po, wala naman po masyado nahihirapan,” she said. “Lahat kami ay nakakaraos at okay.”

Dimayuga is aware that some of the other artists are also doing Facebook Live shows, with tips or donation information. “The least we can do is share it,” he said. “Share their music, let them be heard. If we can persuade the bigger artists in our industry to follow suit, that would be monumental.” 

For her part, Clauja said: “When someone offers to help me, I always think about my other musician-friends and my fellow singers. We have received help from others and in turn, we also help them in our own, little way. That is the only way we can also do our share to help. Not really financially."

Granted that this pandemic is unprecedented, but what are the hard lessons learned during this time? “We are realizing that at this time, we can only depend on an artist union/organization and our own artist community for support,” Dimayuga said.

Being healthy and staying healthy are important, Eguerra emphasized. “Work even harder. Save. And always keep a good head on your shoulders to help get you through hard times.


Santos insisted saving up is important, too. “It’s important to save a portion of our income for times like this. This is the ‘you never know what’s going to happen’ part of life.”

Still, everyone keeps the faith the performers will emerge stronger from this crisis. “Having a personal emergency savings fund is the most important thing,” Dimayuga said. “Second is being a member of an artist organization. I’m positive that artist organizations will now take extra steps to prepare for this, like setting up disaster relief funds for its members.”

Dumas maintained online shows can undoubtedly create a platform for the artists. “There are shows where artists perform in benefit gigs through their social media accounts. Artists can still earn from that. Maybe in the future, if the platform really works, artists will get paid already.

“Those who want to help, they can waive their talent fees and just perform. We can ease the tension. It’s nice to see that fellow artists and people appreciate you in this tough time. Thank you for performing for us, Johnoy [Danao] and Ebe [Dancel], we did an online show. All three of us performed. Iba pa rin ang silbi ng music now.”

Dumas admits the online platform is indeed a good avenue for artists and easily accessible, too. “If the platform looks promising, even after the lockdown, it should stay,” he said. “But the downside, people will no longer go to bars and gig venues. People will no longer flock to those venues if they can easily watch the shows on their phones. Iba pa rin ang live shows. Filipinos love music and there’s no such thing as live performances. I am confident that people will still watch live shows.”

Santos remains realistic that it might take a while before people go out to watch shows again. “Now is the time to practice and hone our crafts at home,” she said. “Improve whatever we can given the amount of time given to us. There is funding from the government, but I’m not sure if it has reached the groups yet. There are so many of us in the arts community. Hopefully, soon, there will be a clearer directive.”

“I hope the bars where we perform will offer help in whatever way they can,” Clauja added. “At this time, there were very few who reached out to help us. We are not employed by those establishments. We have no proof even if we perform in those venues every night.

“But we need their support. We need their help, especially if this lockdown gets extended. They cannot bring back the lost revenues from those jobs that never materialized. We are on-call artists and musicians. Sadly, we are not regular employees.”

source: news.abs-cbn.com

6 more Filipino musicians in HK infected with COVID-19: officials

HONG KONG - Six more Filipino musicians and a newly-arrived domestic worker have tested positive for COVID-19, Hong Kong health authorities said Tuesday.

All were bandmates and a Filipino patient who was confirmed to be positive on COVID-19 on Monday. 


All but one of the musicians, aged between 26 and 48, had no underlying illness, and no travel history during the incubation and infectious period. 

Hong Kong Health authorities said the band had spent the night in Lan Kwai Fong and went to other places like Insomnia in Central, Centrestage, and Dusk Til Dawn, both in Wanchai.

Authorities, however, said this does not mean the places were where they got the infection from. Health authorities are appealing to those who have come into contact with the recent cases to see a doctor immediately.

The six musicians and a newly-arrived Filipino domestic worker made up the largest recorded number of confirmed cases from the city's Filipino community in a day.

The Philippine Consulate reported that 7 Filipinos tested positive for COVID-19 as of Tuesday. The official tally could rise once the newly reported local cases have been confirmed.

Officials have since classified playing music together at this time was a high-risk activity.

The news was a big blow to the already struggling musician community of Hong Kong due to the months-long anti-government demonstrations over a now-junked extradition bill. 

The Hong Kong Musicians' Union, which currently has 104 active members, majority of Filipinos, said it was "alarming" that more than 60 percent of the musicians in the union have lost their jobs as virus fears spread, forcing many establishments to close either temporarily or for good. Even musicians playing at hotels were not spared.

The seven musicians who recently contracted the diseases are not members of the union.

The government earlier rolled out a HK$30 billion anti-epidemic fund to render support to affected industries and sectors, including a HK$10,000 cash handout to all adult permanent residents in Hong Kong. Details on distribution have yet to be finalized.

"I'm eager to know how to help them. I understand all businesses are closing with what the Hong Kong Government is planning to do. It will totally financially hurt the musicians. What help can they get from the government? These are all people paying taxes," said HKMU chairperson Manuela Dacanay Lo.

Lo said some senior members of the union are part-time musicians and many of them teach at music schools. Applying for social welfare is an option but not all of them may be eligible, Lo said.

"And if they apply now, nako eh baka next year pa yun. They need help now," said Lo.

(They might get it next year. But they need help now.)

As of Tuesday afternoon, Hong Kong has reported 387 cases of COVID-19, including 4 deaths. Some 448 patients are under isolation, while 102 already recovered. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

WATCH: 1000 musicians band together to play Foo Fighters hit

A thousand musicians came together to perform Foo Fighters' 1999 hit "Learn to Fly" in an attempt to woo the Dave Grohl-led band to come and play in Cesena, Italy.

According to the organizers, the group has not been to Romagna since 1997.

"What we did here is a huge, huge miracle," the event's creator Fabio Zaffagnini explained in the video.

"One thousand rockers that came from all over the nation at their own expense, and they just did one song --your song. We ask you, the Foo Fighters, to come play for us," he added.

As of writing, the video had more than 3.5 million views.

Foo Fighters have since caught wind of the stunt and have responded on their Twitter account.

The post translates to: "We will see you soon, Cesena."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Karl Roy's final journey

MANILA, Philippines -- Pinoy rock icon Karl Roy, who passed away early Tuesday morning, March 13, was laid to rest Sunday.

After a mass early this afternoon at Mount Carmel church in New Manila Quezon City, Roy's ashes were brought to the family mausoleum at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina at 5:30 PM.

Friends, fellow musicians, loved ones and fans celebrated Roy's last night at the small chapel of the church where an impromptu tribute concert took place outside.

Music artists including Cynthia Alenxander, Johnny Alegre, Dong Abay, Cookie Chua, Mike Villegas not to mention a "reunited" Kapatid -- Ira Cruz, Nathan Azarcon and J-Hoon Balbuena -- with Razorback frontman and younger brother Kevin Roy, provided the songs and sounds that evening.

Karl Joseph Gregory S. Roy, who fronted alternative rock bands Advent Call, P.O.T and later Kapatid, died from cardiac arrest due to complications brought about by pneumonia. He was 43.

Roy is an iconic figure in the Pinoy rock scene and became one of the purveyors of the emerging alternative music scene in the '90s.

source: interaksyon.com