If you think the banduria is mainly for folk "barrio" music... think again! Rondalla ROCKS as far as the band EMANWEL is concerned.
Musically speaking, Emanwel follows no regular style except for the fact they employ a very diverse approach in their instrumentation and they emphasize clarity as opposed to distortion. The ingenious use of Filipino instruments such as the banduria and the octavina to produce contemporary melodies speaks loudly about the band's pride in their musical heritage. Hence they call their brand of sound "RONDALLA ROCK"
Sometime ago, in the raucous campus of UP Diliman, former vocalist Glenn Campos and present vocalist cum banduria player Junn Esteban formed the nucleus of EMANWEL. A little later on, they were joined by violinist Guidong Reyes. Soon after, Ian Garcia took the challenge of the drummer's seat. And former fan and trainee Mark Sumbilla eventually became the bass player. The group was finally completed when Soy Valiente, a long time friend and a guitar techie, eventually committed to journey with the band as a guitarist after his college years.
The mid-90s saw the release of "Isa Sa Atin" under Zap Records. The singles, "Bagong Panahon" and "Pasahero" drew positive response from the recording industry. They were played on radio stations such as NU107 and LA105. The former raced to the top of the NU107's Top Local Alternative Favorites at that time.
After 3 years, EMANWEL recorded their 1st self-produced album entitled "Asin at Ilaw" under 3:16 Records. It showcased songs that celebrated the trials, tribulations and triumphs of life in general. Most of their songs were social commentaries. "Tara", the single, received a nomination as Best Folk Pop at the 1997 Awit Awards.
Their 3rd album entitled "Kusing", partly molded by Mike Pedero of Tracks Recording Studios. and funded by Total Music was released in early 2000. Thematically, it speaks of contrasts between earthly and ethereal possessions. By April of the same year, a song called "Tingnan Mo" was chosen by CBN Asia's In-house Director John Tan and Gerard Locsin for a music video. When the last quarter came, a follow-up music video shoot by the same team took place for the 2nd song "Kahit Na"
The two videos were regularly featured on 1Cubed, and later on a new video from Pitik-Bulag Productions, an inide film & video outfit at that time volunteered to shoot Emanwel's 3rd music video for their song "Hinga". It was directed by Pitik-Bulag's co-owner and Emanwel guitarist/vocalist Junn Esteban.
This 2008, Emanwel is signed up with Gusi Records and their 4th studio album is finally out! "SWAK" is now available at all SM Record Bars.
EMANWEL will be the first featured band of CCBC YAM's 1st Open Mic Night In Christ (OMNIChrist) on October 3, 7:30PM @ The Capitol City Baptist Church, West Avenue, Quezon City. ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
It's an Open Mic Night so feel free to share your own God-given talents!
Please contact Jill @ 0915-985-5557 if you want a performance spot, and for other details.
Support OPM and most of all support Christian OPM!
Let's all redeem music for God's Glory!
Click HERE for Emanwel's gig at The Edge Radio last September 26.
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