I went to UP to watch the Lantern Parade yesterday. I caught the tail end, saw the much-awaited Fine Art’s lanterns and then I found my self with nothing to do. I met up with some people at Mc do, and I lobbied for something else to do instead of going to that over rated perya called Pasiklab along common wealth. I suggested that we go to Conspiracy bar, along Visayas ave. instead. I read about it in the Inquirer. It was curious that artists and even Conrado de Quiros owned that establishment. The bar it self is a whole different story.
Anyway, Bayang Barrios was playing that night. I’ve known about her since my college days but I wasn’t really a fan, since I’m really not into world music. I recently saw her story in the Probe Team in a report by Howie Severino. It was a story of a homecoming. It told her story, including how she hated being a Manobo because the other kids teased her about it, and how music helped her rediscover and embrace her roots. She found healing in her music.
Well the gig was a welcome change of pace, a different sound, and an all-together different experience. All her songs were in Filipino / Tagalog, and it seemed like they emanated from her soul. Definitely not the usual fare you find in other bars. The night was capped by a more mainstream song, "Bilanggo" sung by Bayang's husband Mike Villegas (From Rizal Underground and Color it Red).
Anyway, Bayang Barrios was playing that night. I’ve known about her since my college days but I wasn’t really a fan, since I’m really not into world music. I recently saw her story in the Probe Team in a report by Howie Severino. It was a story of a homecoming. It told her story, including how she hated being a Manobo because the other kids teased her about it, and how music helped her rediscover and embrace her roots. She found healing in her music.
Well the gig was a welcome change of pace, a different sound, and an all-together different experience. All her songs were in Filipino / Tagalog, and it seemed like they emanated from her soul. Definitely not the usual fare you find in other bars. The night was capped by a more mainstream song, "Bilanggo" sung by Bayang's husband Mike Villegas (From Rizal Underground and Color it Red).
Her story is interesting. It shows that there are still people here, who loves this country and its people. You can see that in her music. Her life, struggles, and achievements, is very inspiring. If you have some time I suggest you drop by her website. You can download some of her songs, get the lyrics, and read her story.
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