Libre: Missing Filemon

IF ELTON John did not cancel his gigs in Auckland earlier this week due to “walking pneumonia,” I would have written a review. But it’s alright, as a more historic music event deserves this space: Missing Filemon will be officially awarded as Outstanding Institution for their contribution in the field of arts, specifically music, during the celebration of the 83rd Charter Day of Cebu City on Feb. 24, 2020. The four-man combo consisting of Lorenzo “Insoy” Niñal, Gumer “Remugs” Entero, Eimer “Boymerong” Tabasa and Ronald “Ron-Ron” Capio rightfully deserve this recognition which not only acknowledges their socially-relevant songs, but also, that of promoting, if not championing, the Bisaya language.

There is even a more significant meaning to this award for Missing Filemon. This is the culmination for all the works of the more progressive musicians of Cebu who, through the years, created original music that defied the traditional template of “Matud Nila.”

Let us try to list down the individuals and bands that paved the way: Odds & Ends, Image & Rhymes, Tony & Cacal Blanco, Manny Lapingcao, Pamela Pilapil, Leon Kilat, Salome Oro, Eva de los Santos, A2Z, ETU, Times Two, Abyss, 40-The Band, Raw Belief, BTU, Ledger Line, Monks, Damian Paniki, Roots, Sheila & The Insects, Ambassadors, Smooth Friction, Junior Kilat, Urbandub, Cueshe, Franco and many more.

Let us recall some of the important collectives and movements: Kausahang Musikero sa Sugbo (Kamsu), Nagkahiusang Musikero sa Sugbo (Namsu), Yukbo: Ang Konsiyerto, Band Explosion, New Cebu Music, Local Ground, Showground, Brown Underground Sound (Bugs), In the Raw, Bisdak Orig, Bisrock and Vispop.

Let us remember the DJs and the radio stations: Johnny Kawa & Y101; Ka Pedro & 99.5RT; and Victor Toledo & NU107.

Let us acknowledge the recording studios: Mutya Recording, A. Salonga, Backyard and Musikenisis.

I know these, having been there at the very start. As a composer in the ‘70s whose original Bisaya songs had no chance of exposure. As a DJ in dyLA-FM in the late ‘70s who had so few quality original Bisaya materials to air and later in NU107 and y101. As a concert producer who showcased original Bisaya bands and artists in Yukbo. As an opinion writer who once challenged Johnny Kawa to promote local bands and musicians.

For us who are passionate about modern Cebu music, the award to Missing Filemon is as much as that of Insoy and his bandmates, as it is to all those who dedicated their talents, time and resources toward the acceptance of original music that emanates from the hearts, language and creativity of the talented music artists of Cebu. To Missing Filemon, congratulations! To all original musicians of Cebu, let us carry on.

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