Top 15 Relevant Filipino Artists in 2015

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Original Pinoy Music artists gathered together this year to support the call to stop Lumad killings.

This December, artists from League of Authors of Public Interest Songs or LAPIS helped in recording “Mindanaw”, a song about Mindanao being an island of treasures – the land, the people, the culture – and the need to defend it from the tyranny of corporate greed and atrocities from the government. The recording features alternating speeches from Bai Bibiyaon Bigkay, the fierce Manobo woman chieftain who was dubbed as the Gabriela Silang of Mindanao. It was written by Tunog Bobongan and arranged by Onie Badiang of the famous Yano and Asin. Among those who collaborated were Gary Granada, Popong Landero, Tres Marias (namely Lolita Carbon, Bayang Barrios and Cookie Chua), Davao artist Maan Chua, Pol Torrente, Brownman Revival, Gloc-9 and BLKD. The collaboration is like a Pinoy version of “We Are The World.” Only this time, it’s about battling the tides of impunity.

LAPIS has organized several concerts, events, recordings and videos for this campaign. Without a doubt, among the most active is the full-blooded Lumad from the Manobo tribe, Bayang Barrios, who is also a LAPIS board member.

Known for his pieces “Ito Na Ang Huling Tula Na Isusulat Ko Para Sa Iyo”, “Mga Basang Unan” and “Naniniwala Ako” and made more famous for his role in the trending teleserye ‘On The Wings of Love’, spoken word artist Juan Miguel Severo transformed the usual jilted lover image into a more meaningful hugot – hugot for the people.

Like many other artists, Juan Miguel was moved by the horrendous killings of our Lumads in Mindanao. During the Manilakbayan of our indigenous peoples, Juan Miguel visited the Kampuhan sa Liwasan a few times and learned about more heartbreaking stories than his own lovelorn poetry.

If that is not enough, he used his talent to issue a sharp message on the APEC, while many were railing about personal inconveniences brought by the summit.

Seventy-four workers were burned alive inside the Kentex slipper factory in Valenzuela City last May. This tragic incident stirred the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) to create in condemnation of the injustice experienced by Filipino workers.

Four months after the tragedy, CAP organized an exhibit called “Justice for Kentex Workers Art Exhibit” as a fundraiser for the 74 victims. CAP showcased artworks created by the families of the victims, the residents near the burnt factory and members of the academe.

CAP’s Neil Doloricon, Aba Lluch Dalena and Lisa Ito facilitated the event.

This woman is definitely a head turner.

In any protest or occasion, Juana Change or Mae Paner is among the darling of the crowd because of her much-awaited costumes or attires that befits the issue of the day. When stepping on the stage, her performance art engages the crowd, agitates and inspires them.

From being an avid campaigner of Noynoy Aquino during his candidacy for president, Juana Change had a change of heart after the pork barrel issue was exposed and directed to him. She wrote in her Facebook account, “I campaigned for PNoy believing na sya na ang magiging daan para sa tunay na pagbabago! Ok fine…MALI AKO!”

Her most striking attire this year would be her BRP Sierra Madre headdress during the commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day where protests were conducted at the Chinese Embassy and the US Embassy.

She is also known for her ‘Kwentaxi’, a book that compiles anecdotes from her taxi ride experiences and conversations with drivers, published online by Coconuts Manila.

A group with unmitigated talent in the visual arts, Ang Gerilya has been a staunch supporter of people’s issues from inception. From t-shirt designs to 15-feet murals, the beguiling works of the group possess a style or stroke that has become familiar to many and that has made history and revolution fashionable. The group continues to make artworks that are socially relevant and at the same time integrates the tenets of Philippine history, especially on icons that show the historical struggle of the Filipinos for genuine freedom and national democracy.

Their most notable artwork for the year would be the backdrop of the #StopLumadKillings backdrop they created for the Manilakbayan 2015.

His place in this list is well-deserved and indubitable.

Marlon was first organized in college under Musicians for Peace whose dictum is to “Propagate people’s music.” He integrated and organized among the lines of the youths, workers and urban poor and created music from their lives full of struggles and hope.

Marlon is the little drummer boy of the bands The Axel Pinpin Propaganda Machine and The Usuals before he decided to go to the countryside to serve the broader masses that toil everyday under the scorching sun and the rotten social system.

May 10 this year, members of the AFP killed Marlon. He was martyred at the age of 27. Yes, he has joined the 27 Club or musicians who died at the age 27 including Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain.

Marlon is more than a memory now. His music lives and is beautifully arranged with the people’s epic.

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Drawing inspiration from the everyday struggles of Filipinos for his songs, the prolific composer and rapper has shown constant compassion for the oppressed.

During the campaign to save the life of Mary Jane Veloso from death row in Indonesia, Gloc-9 posted this in his Facebook account: “Sa kailaliman ng lahat kung mayroon tayong maunlad na Bansa o di kayay isang Bansa na nakakapag bigay ng disenteng kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan nito wala nang Pilipinong kailangan pang makipagsapalaran sa malayong lugar para lang sa mga Mahal sa Buhay. Sa kailaliman ng lahat.”

Less than a month later, Gloc-9 would post a video calling for justice for the victims of the Kentex fire tragedy.

In October, he performed in the “Mindanaw” music video for the #StopLumadKillings campaign.

Seems he does not lack the time and heart to be one with the people.

https://www.facebook.com/RapMusicVideos/videos/br.AboIQ8PgoqxNEeDF2v-39qb8GKSxzLUnvLJqV4YExymf6SxP4eqBsmWtLHv_nEhUimpnS2-PFFUznZyFiilxc1X9A22uqgrCPf92aZzXKJtNtlwEfzCCc8DoYfNzckAmlkU/935746529839153/?type=2&opaqueCursor=AbrejGLC8LJmGbCncZ1IrQVpu_xhaHoTKE3EbGoprae0j9QvMXNtPFFUx_sc-xdQxEQfG9kqfRiSSuEbd_zAa2ujsuzF1rYFPg8cG_KIPh6AflXZ_ittcdYyj3rPgYxj-r4wVTHkxhsxu6Fjszc0KhAQcC8K7C1Aj7zPEKi5VkM_zxs-WOkpo_5Sp348rjn8BCSjF-sP15s5DwQ4dz-fcET5eH3Bfpj9eF5mkibZxGRUnD1nS4U9_r2LF2YZppV-G7A0FzBqqStOBOxexVGMtYXtlJ9fBfss5QChZ8mEZq82F4AWxuA5CqZOue7XtNZ_c7TKURNNQNfy3Vhvy3ZFAxuwBR20v9f3l0uHJWq41GqCoaIb_Nj7LmbhqN7pJzbI1v2zOzTIrBTBAVhquECDdYPuic4JLcbZAcv77PuaxE8oWZ17T9KO5FwiArLAxPdk6g_3KvgF60CFbqrd1TQtr33B

From the mainstream scene to the underground.

Despite bashing from rivals during rap battles for his activism, MCs respect this former neophyte offstage. This Sinagbayan member helped other MCs in the Fliptop Battle League become enlightened on corruption, migrants, and nationalism among others. In his battles, BLKD uses his prowess for Filipino wordplay to debate political issues. His fellow rappers acknowledged that he helped change the “eksena”.

In 2015, BLKD was able to release his debut album entitled “Gatilyo,” recorded in collaboration with DJ Umph. The whole album is inspired by Andres Bonifacio and his unfinished revolution that he believed Filipinos must continue.

Be it a rap battle, rally or benefit gig, BLKD is present to “Represent!” the oppressed.

Heneral Luna was a well-celebrated movie that moved not only the audience but also its cast.

John Arcilla, the man behind the protagonist, admitted that the film has so much significance that it scares him. He said that after 120 years, the film is still relevant and that it is still happening. Arcilla is a member of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines and is also an environment advocate.

The cast had to review history and their well-known real-life characters to give life to the historical biopic. The movie would not have been as successful if not for well-played parts that made all the scenes and the lines more believable and heartrending.

Beyond the cursing, bloodshed and moustache, this well-executed film shed light to the blurred parts of our history and rekindled the nation’s sense of patriotism.

If you mix witticism with activism, the product would be Max Santiago.

Visual artist turned Charlie Chaplin turned writer, Max has produced countless artworks distributed online and offline. His memes, posters, t-shirt designs and stickers are a source of humor or agitation (sometimes both at the same time). Too many are they that you may not know that what you may be sharing online or what you may be gawking at a rally may be a work of Max.

His work and reach in social media has made him a target of state forces, particularly the December 2015 harassment case involving him, Prof. Mykel Andrada of Pinoy Weekly and Archie Oclos and his girlfriend who are both visual artists.

This consummate visual artist is first and foremost an activist.

Aldrein Silanga, the Popular Struggle Committee Director of BAYAN NCR, is the indefatigable man behind the gigantic effigies we have seen paraded and burned in big protest rallies. Sometimes, one would think he could single-handedly finish any work must you tell him how, when and why a political cause asks for it.

He also painted on canvass the larger-than-life portrait of Ka Parago for the commander’s tribute in Metro Manila and the portrait of political prisoner Winona Birondo for the Portrayal benefit exhibit.

This community radio anchor who hails from Davao City is the writer and composer of several songs that has been parallel to the #StopLumadKillings campaign. His voice and presence was made more familiar by countless performances in protest rallies and gatherings of people’s organizations.

For Manilakbayan ng Mindanao, he performed Pangiyak (composed by Roweno Rosales Caballes, Bing Lang and Danny Fabella), an evocative and catchy song with compendious matter of the Lumads’ plight and struggles. Other songs on Mindanao he wrote or performed were D’yandi, Talaingod, and Paskong Wala Nang Digmaan (composed by Levy Abad, Jr.).

Human rights group Karapatan mounted an exhibit that gives face to today’s unsung heroes that the state has considered its enemy. Political prisoners were interpreted by visual artists through mostly wall-bound portraiture.

Among the artists who contributed were Dhan Louie Bautista, Rustum Casia, Maan De Loyola, Bheng Densing, Emil Mercado, Rensi Managase, Ding Royales, Aleli Drew Ayroso, Daniw Santiago, Arnie Jarabillo, Yasmin Almonte, Gwen Bautista, James Hermogenes, Cristina Ponce, Neil Doloricon, Lorraine Bermejo, Eden Ocampo, Jamica Lois Bonifacio, Manix Abrera, Boy Dominguez, Mylene Factora, Crisanto de Leon, Egai Fernandez, Renan Ortiz, Jesus Santiago, Melvin Pollero, Bryan Pollero, Oji Valencia, Adelson Genito, Jason Valenzuela, Ericson Acosta, Sim Tolentino, Buen Abrigo, Iggy Rodriguez, Jade Alfonso, Racquel de Loyola, Yani Ela, Aldrein Silanga, Tom Estrera III, Stephen Prestado, Rose Bucud, Ranma Ramones, Max Santiago, Enrico Maniago, Charlene Bayani, Glenda May Abad, Gerilya, Tinsley Garanchon, Pedro Bucud, Doris Rodriguez, Vivian Nocum Limpin, Linangan ng Kulturang Pilipino, Rowena Bayon and Francis Diaz.

Over 40 portraits were mounted in July at Maximillan Gallery, Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Socrates ‘Soc’ Jose directed videos of artists portraying political prisoners. The artists delivered a monologue of political prisoners relating their capture by the military, their background and their beliefs. Boom Latorre from Sari and Kiri Dalena’s “The Guerilla Is a Poet” portrayed Arlene Panea; Mara Lopez, daughter of beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez, portrayed Rhea Pareja; while Browman Revival’s vocalist Dino Concepcion portrayed Voltaire Guray.

Two things: 1) No, you’re not in a showbiz portal and; 2) yes, you’re still reading Manila Today.

Popoy swept us off our feet post-romcom and drama fare when he was interviewed for his controversial Metro Manila Film Festival entry (MMFF) “Honor Thy Father.” Going beyond the issue of disqualification of his film from the ‘Best Picture’ award in MMFF, the award-winning actor said, “we deserve a better nation.”

The actor starred and co-produced the well-made film telling of the plight of the people who become the underdogs in society, of those who had to resort to antisocial means in order to survive.

“If you ask me, hindi ako happy Filipino citizen kung ang pag-uusapan ay kung naibibigay ang service na karapat-dapat sa atin,” John Lloyd said.

While having resorted to cynicism in the past, John Lloyd’s perspective changed due to a friend’s advice.

“Sabi niya, mahirap naman mawalan ng pag-asa as long as merong mga taong nakikibaka para umunlad ang bansa. Kung may mga taong hindi nawawalan ng pag-asa, nakakahiya naman na kung pati ako susuko,” the young actor said.

Even Lloydie believes in #MayPagasa. So should you.

We hope this serves as an inspiration for artists everywhere to create for the people, to uplift the people with their craft. And may there be more art that are inspiring and uplifting than there are those that suppress and colonize the mind in 2016 (or ever).