BAYANG BARRIOS HIGHLIGHTS TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND APPAREL

Manobo singer, Bayang Barrios, has once again put traditional music and fashion into the spotlight in her first solo concert, giving the audience a glimpse of artistry and elegance. Barrios dubbed as the “Katutubong D.I.V.A. (Driven, Inspired, Victorious, and Authentic) serenaded a closeknit audience at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez, May 6, with her classic songs and likewise displayed a fashion show of traditional weaves expertly styled and made to form a modern ethic look, worthy to for a diva.

The show gathered a receptive crowd of fans who oohed and ahhed at the galmourous changes in
costume, made of traditional weaves combined modern day aesthesis which are both for everyday use and proudly indigenous. Joining Barrios were Joey Ayala, Gary Granada, Lolita Carbon, Cooky Chua and Poppert Bernadas and a special presentation with her husband, award- winning musician-producer, Mike Villegas, in the show directed by Floy Quintos. Accompanied by the
Naliyagan Band composed of Adrew Barrios, Budeths Casinto, Yan Cruz, Jape Bongat, Abby Clutario, Edwin Vergara and Matt Bravante bringing the beauty of traditional instruments to the stage matched by the distinct sound Barrios can offer.

The two-hour show allowed Barrios sing her hits like “Malayo Man, Malapit din,” “Bagong Umaga,” “Pag Nanalo ang Ginebra,” and Encantadia’s theme song with performances from guests filled with banter. Barrios from Agusan del Sur was part of Ayala’s band ng Bagong Lumad for two decades and then went solo continuing the quest to put traditional music into the mainstream. Barrios won the Metropop Music Festival in 2003 for her song “Malayo Man, Malapit Din” and received the Lorenzo Ruiz Award for Music by the Catholic Mass Media Awards in 1997 for her song “Bayang
Makulay.” The performance of Barrios and her guests has reminded us that original Filipino music and clothes when performed and worn with pride create a dazzling display of artistry, talent and
heritage.

Amianan Balita Ngayon