Tandang Sora
Popular Pinoy rock bands in the U.S. typically go by such names as Bleud, Grim
Bottle, Rubberband, Bolpens and Daisy Chain. And there's the award-winning
TheSpeaks, of course, considered one of the first Filipino American bands to cross
over the American rock mainstream with their hardcore, Nu rock music.
But Tandang Sora? Why name a band after an old woman who used her sari-sari store
as a refuge for the Katipuneros, a woman who resisted the Spaniards and rebuffed
the Americans, banished to exile and died at the age of 107?
Rudy Lagman (vocals & guitar) of Ft. Washington and his friends Richmond
Ubalde (guitar), Jhesar Dalonos (drums) and Rex Villarivera (bass) thought
it's a cool name, so Tandang Sora stuck. Besides, Rudy says
that at 38 he is the oldest among the four (by about ten years). He is also the
only father (with an 8-year old son) in the group. Not that it matters. Tandang
Sora was already 84 when the Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896. And she
did great things.
Formed only this year, the band will take its maiden bow in a major musical event
as a front act for the legendary Mike Hanopol when his Ang Himig Natin
concert comes to town later this month.
Perhaps Rudy is just following Hanopol's lead, tracing parallels between
the fan and the idol's life histories. When the King of Pinoy Rock
started out in 1974, he named his group the Juan De La Cruz Band a tribute
to his beloved grandmother who strummed the guitar to put the baby Hanopol to
sleep. Had she hummed a suitable Waray lullaby, instead, his life would have turned
out differently. Probably. But the melodious strains of the guitar among
the first things the infant heard proved to be propitious.
Growing up in Urdaneta, Pangasinan as the youngest child, Rudy was similarly blessed
with sisters who played the piano. He remembers his sister Mya tickling the ivory
keys, stirring sounds and sensations in his head. When he turned 11, he talked
his parents into buying him a P75 14-stringed bandurria and joined the school's
rondalla, performing at town fiesta's, radio stations and band competitions.
He became fond of the bandurria-style of strumming that he has adapted it to his
guitar playing.
Arriving in the states at 17, Rudy got interested in drums. He later switched
to guitars and joined his very first band, Ex Mortis, made up mostly of white
musicians. The band broke up after a couple of years following the death of one
of its members. He stopped playing for a while. But his all-consuming passion
has always been to form an all-Pinoy rock band.
Finally, it happened. First, Rudy got his bowling-mate Richmond to agree. Richmond
contacted Jhesar from Virginia Beach. And Rex is what they call a tag-along-bassist-teach-him-he-will-play-for-u-musician.
All four have regular day jobs as sign-makers, computer technicians and service
workers. Two or three nights a week, they practice. They all claim to be influenced
by TheSpeaks and Angie Pepa, among others.
It's lonely to play alone, that's why we play together, says
Jhesar, who grew up in Naic, Cavite. We just want to play Pinoy rock,
adds Richmond who hails from Marikina, Rizal. Rex is from Quezon city.
Tandang Sora will have a chance to showcase its talents again, having performed
at the Philippine Fair and the PFC Picnic. It'll be the first time
most of our friends will hear our music, Rudy says. It's
an opportunity to sing our own songs, entertain an audience and refine our own
musical skills.
Melchora Aquino, aka Tandang Sora, just might be eavesdropping from above
when this group named after her takes center stage at the Golden Dragon from
July 29-31. Like Mike Hanopol and the other three front acts PI Band,
Beer Bellies and Breakdown these Pinoy Rockers will be pounding out
tapestries of rare rock guitar virtuousity, bringing their gifts
of music, history and memories, inspiring many flashbacks and rekindling our
desires to return home and be embraced once again.
These are emotionally wrenching times, given the political turmoil in the
Philippines today. Perhaps, by reconnecting with our deep roots thru sounds
that draw heavily on our mother culture, we will choose not to despair over
seeming hopelessness but be comforted by the enduring values that gave us Tandang
Sora, Mother of Katipunan, and her lasting legacy of courage and commitment
to the Philippine Revolution.
As for Tandang Sora, the band you're part of a brave
new breed of music, thanks mainly to Mike Hanopol, Father of Philippine
Rock Music, who paved the way for the Pinoy Rock Revolution.
The Filipino rocks!
E-mail your comments to jonmele@aol.com
Attachment: Photo of Tandang Sora
Photo Caption: Tandang Sora members, from left, Richmond Ubalde, Rex Villarivera,
Jhesar Dalonos and Rudy Lagman. (photo by M.L.Talavera).
