NEWS| Flames’ Musical Prowess gets Spotlight as SSC Spearheads First Music Fest

NEWS| Flames’ Musical Prowess gets Spotlight as SSC Spearheads First Music Fest

by: Roxan Resuello

With the theme "Music: A melody of hope and joy that fuels the heart and soul.", PHINMA-University of Pangasinan's Supreme Student Council (PHINMA-UPANGSSC) held the first music festival during the Flames OctoberFest Music Encore on October 25-30, 2021.

The event took place at the PHINMA-UPANG SSC’s Official Facebook page, where winners are chosen based on Facebook interactions, including reactions, shares, and views.

Thirty-eight talented students participated in the Song Cover Competition, and nine video entries were posted for the Online Battle of the Bands (OBOTB), respectively.

Song Cover Champ Talks Performance and Musical Upbringing

Freshman Nursing student Einjel Tamilag bags 1st place for the Song Cover Competition. Tamilag impressed the Flames community with his one-person band rendition of Ben&Ben’s “Araw-araw," gaining 15k heart reactions on Phinma-UPANG SSC Facebook page.

In an interview, he says, "This is the song that I've been wanting to sing for the public," after attending the band's live performance during PHINMA-UPang’s Foundation event in 2020.

Tamilag says he spent 14 hours wrapping his performance. “It’s truly difficult for me because I’m already rushing and did everything . . . literally on the spot. I didn’t have any time for preparations because I’ve also been busy on other activities on acads and outside our school.”

His video performance, where he sang and played the guitar and keyboard simultaneously, garnered the most interactions out of all the entries with approximately 15k love reactions, 1k shares, and 127k views to date.

The 18-year-old, who sings for the Music Ministry of Our Lady of Purification in Binmaley, carries a substantial musical background on his plate.

When he was eight, he started playing the guitar and learned to play the piano with the mentorship of his choirmaster. He shares that listening to film and game music scores are part of his musical habits.

“I try to get ideas from them and apply them to make my music as well.” Tamilag has his own Youtube channel where he showcases and uploads his cover videos.

Although he is not a regular gig performer, he mentions that he sometimes gets an invitation to perform alongside a group called “POSITRIBO.”

Melody oh Hopes: PHINMA - University of Pangasinan's Supreme Student Council (PHINMA- Upang SSC) held the first music festival during the Flames OctoberFest Music Encore on October 25-30, 2021

Photo from PHINMA - UPang SSC Facebook page

Ecclesia: Gathering of those Summoned

6-person powerhouse band, Ecclesia, rose as the OBOTB champion with a solid 6-minute performance.

Covering “Umagang Kay Ganda,” “Liwanag sa Dilim,” and the band’s Bass Guitarist and Vocalist, Keanu N. Cruz’s composition called “Sandalan,” their entry gained 5.8k wow reactions, 392 shares, and 66k views.

Other members of the band include Alfonso Louise Limon (Lead and Rhythm Guitarist), Marisol V. Cruz (Vocalist), Louie B. Coronia (Drummer), Andrey Bryice Calabines (Keys, Pad, and Effects), and Edward Clarence B. Quinto.

Ecclesia went on a rigorous 8-day prep time of brainstorming, practicing, and composing.

“First, we thought of many ways on how to execute our “Arreglo” on the piece/songs we played. We rehearsed many times until we mastered each part. We prepared the recording equipment and venues where we shot our entry. We gave our best shot on the final recording.” K. Cruz says.

When asked about the inspiration behind the song “Sandalan,” K. Cruz shares it is about his emotions and experiences with music. He further explained that the message of the song echoes the power that music holds.

“It brings “liwanag at tuwa” in our hearts. Lahat tayo ay napadpad sa kawalan at masasabi kong hindi iyon ganun kadali. May mga bagay na hindi maalis sa isipan, at sa huli, marerealize nating ang musika ay pwede nating maging sandalan.”

The band also shared tips for a powerful performance saying, “Just be yourself and of course, be sure that you are prepared, and you know what you are playing. You must be in-tuned with your bandmates and to the song that you are singing/playing.”

Winners of both categories expressed their gratitude and delight for this music-centered event. Einjel F. Tamilag, notes

“We, the contestants of this OctoberFest Music Encore event, thank all of you for supporting us in this event. Without all your support, I doubt that this event will be a success. You encouraged us to pursue and give our best shot for this event to be a wonderful event for everyone."

In a Facebook post, Ecclesia’s Drummer, Louie B. Coronia, wrote “Salamat din sa UPang sa ganitong event. Music talaga ang stress reliver ko. Thank you po sa opportunity na makasama sa ganitong event.”