ASI MUSIC TAKES LIPA CITY CENTERSTAGE IN POST-VALENTINE CONCERT OF 1622 - UNANG USBOR
Kusog Sibalenhon, Inc. is pleased to announce the holding of a unique concert, "Higugmaang Rayab-Rayab: An Evening of Asi Music with the 1622: Unang Usbor Band" at 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, 15 February 2009, at the CAP Auditorium in Lipa City.
The concert, the first for 1622: Unang Usbor, is expected to be the biggest social and cultural event for Romblomanons in this bustling commercial and industrial enclave where there is a growing community of Banto-anons, Simaranhons, Sibalenhons and other ethnic Romblomanons.
1622: Unang Usbor is a Banton, Romblon-based musical group that has been drawing crowds for its artistic rendition of traditional Asi music. Its repertoire is completely in Asi, an ethnic language spoken by the Asi peoples who occupy five municipalities of Romblon—Banton, Sibale, Simara, Calatrava and Odiongan, the province's commercial capital.
Famous musical artist Joey Ayala has observed that 1622: Unang Usbor's music has a unique bend, after he listened to some of the band's original compositions, notably Martir, Unang Usbor and Kuto't Baylehan.
"Asi is an ancient tribe with a rich and unique language heritage. It is this heritage that the concert will highlight, through music. The concert's objective is to instill among the Asi Romblomanons pride of their identity, to reawaken their consciousness about their cultural legacy, and to promote Asi music outside of Romblon," said Nicon F. Fameronag, Kusog chair.
Formed in 2007, the group is composed of Jake Faigao (lead guitar/lead vocals); Bong Faigao (bass guitar); Cecille Fetalvero (lead vocals); Tupi Fedelin (rhythm guitar/keyboard); Archie Faigao (drums); and Andres Fababeir (rhythm guitar and sound technician).
The idea of bringing the band to Lipa City was broached to Kusog by Ish Fabicon, a leading light of RDL-CLEAR (Romblon Discussion List-Cultural, Livelihood and
Educational Assistance for Romblon), an Internet-based discussion group of Romblomanons that has been active in socio-economic and cultural activities in the province.
To bring about the concert, Kusog has teamed up with the Asi Studies Center for Culture and the Arts (ASCCA), another Banton-based cultural organization, Kapisanang Banto-anon in Lipa (KABALI), the Banto-anons' largest organization in Lipa, and the Sibale Academy Alumni Association.
Supporters who have expressed interest to provide support to the 1622: Unang Usbor's first appearance in Lipa are Eutiquio Famatigan, George Famadico, Nico Fababaeir—all Banto-anon leaders who have made names in Lipa City.
Kusog is now accepting reservations for tickets to the concert, priced at P300, P200, and P100, and still welcomes sponsors for this exciting social and cultural event. For reservations, please call 556 17 62 or 0917 623 8842. You may also email balitsaw@gmail.com.
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