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By Rome Jorge, Lifestyle Editor
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Carol
Bello and Sammy Asuncion
of Pinikpikan at the Sarawak |
In the middle of rainforest in Borneo, hundreds
of people from across the world—from the blond and blue-eyed, to
the ebony-skinned, to the sun-tanned—all became gloriously
mud-brown. Swaying, twirling and stomping in the rain, they churned
the ground they stood upon into a caldron of mud. They joyously
painted one another with chocolate streaks while dancing in ecstatic
dervish-like revelry. And playing Pied Piper to this multitude were
the best world music groups across the globe. None other than our
very own Pinipikan band performed as the awaited finale for the
grand opening night.
The Rainforest World Music Festival has been
held since 1998 at the Sarawak Cultural Village at fringe of the
jungle on the foot of Mount Santubong (derived from Hakka Chinese
dialect san choo bong meaning “kingdom of the wild boar”). Home
to various indigenous peoples that once practiced head-hunting as
well as native species such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys,
pythons and bearded boars, Borneo in Malaysia makes for perfect
venue for international concert on neo-indigenous music.
True to its name—and in the best traditions of
such historical musical events as Woodstock in 1969—the 2008
Rainforest World Music Festival held from July 11 to 13 was
celebrated amid showers and downpours. And just like Woodstock,
Sarawak was all about peace, love and great fun sloshing in a mud
bath. But best of all was the music. Some 22,5000 attended the
three-day event.
From Palestinians fusing Andalusian songs with
Arabic music, to Congolese mixing voodoo chants with sensuous
saxophones, to English comedy and stunt-violin and accordion
performances, it was a truly global musical experience.
Three bands stood out and stoked the most
revelry from the crowds. The Malaysian super band Akasha played
soulful blues using Indian sitars and tabla percussions. They awed
the crowds as their vocalist fused scat singing and rap with
indigenous hymns.
Fadomorse from Portugal provided steaming hot
funk fused with mediaeval Iberian folk and African beats. The
high-energy music got everyone grooving to a positive vibe. Their
fun and quirky style was infectious, delivering an irresistible
feverish high to all.
Best of all was veteran neo-ethnic band
Pinikpikan than fuses various Filipino indigenous traditions, from
Manobo hegalongs to Ifugao gangsas with Carol Bello’s soulful
vocals and Sammy Asuncion’s brawny blues-rock electric guitar. The
all-star ensemble includes no less than Louie Talan on bass, Butch
Rene Tengasantos on drums, and the powerhouse percussion section of
Budeths Casinto, Butch Aldana, Paul Zialcita, Geri Baguio and Boy
Garovillo. Pinikpikan followed the footsteps of musical legends Joey
Ayala and Cynthia Alexander who both played in Rainforest Festival
in 1998 and 2000 respectively.
Pinikpikan drove the crowds into an orgiastic
frenzy as they played their hearts out. Performing the same songs
that have endeared them to their local fans, Pinikpikan instantly
tuned in the Sarawak revelers, shattering language and cultural
barriers. Despite their stature and their experience, Casinto
admits, “It was a different experience, a different high.”
According to Letitia Samuel, corporate affairs
officer for the Sarawak Tourism Board, “The performers were
selected from the applications submitted to us. For this year’s
line-up, they were selected from more than 450 bands. Selection
criteria is that their music must have traditional influence
including traditional instruments.” Future international events
such as this should have more Philippine representation, for tne
benefit of the world and of our own nation.
The three-day Rainforest World Music Festival is
but one of the many attractions in Borneo. Lush jungles made safe
and unique wildlife made accessible as well as museums and other
authentic indigenous experiences await the world music lover. It’s
enough to get you wet all over.
For details, visit
www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com.
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