By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

UPDATE: Editor’s note: Corrected error in last name of event director Leo Rialp.

DID you ever imagine you would find yourself listening to your favorite rock band performing with an orchestra at the Cultural Center of the Philippines?

You may raise an eyebrow but symphonic and rock music will be fused together in a concert for a cause on May 2-4.

Fiesta ng Musikang Filipino, an OPM Chronicle, will feature Pinoy rock bands from different eras, including Juan Dela Cruz, Sugarfree, Sinosikat, Radioactive Sago Project, The Dawn, Up Dharma Down, The Jerks and more.

They will be joined by international violinist Lucia Micarelli and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

Here’s an interview I conducted with Mike Hanopol of the legendary Juan Dela Cruz band.

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KITCHIE NADAL talks about her new album, “Love Letter.” Some of the songs in this 17-track album were done in collaboration with other artists.

Video taken by INQUIRER.net online videographer Janie Christine Octia.

By Candice Montenegro, Contributor
INQUIRER.net

THE INTERNET has proven to be a great way to discover talented amateur acts. All it takes is a great song, a musical instrument and a handy camcorder and you’re well on your way to viral video stardom. Singers like Colbie Caillat and even our very own Charisse Pempengco were both discovered through online-generated buzz.

Marié Digby claimed her spotlight the same way; videos of her singing and playing the guitar in front of her living room couch endeared her to online viewers.

Marié (pronounced ma-ree-AY) Digby is a singer-songwriter who was catapulted into the music limelight, thanks to her homemade videos online. Her rendition of the popular hit “Umbrella” is viewed 20,000 times a day on YouTube and videos of her original compositions are well received by online fans.

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TIESTO Elements of Life World Tour 2008 organizers Stephen Ku, World Wide Womb’s mastermind, and Don Puno, Alchemy owner and president of Feel Good Inc., talk about the big event taking place on April 19. The venue was recently moved to the World Trade Center to accommodate more people.

Video taken by INQUIRER.net online videographer Janie Christine Octia.

By Pocholo Concepcion
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DURAN DURAN bassist John Taylor once tried to go solo. In one of his club gigs, there were 20 people in the audience.

Thursday night at the Araneta Coliseum, Taylor proved he played best with his old band, dubbed the Fab Five at its peak in the mid-1980s. It’s been more than 20 years since and fab might have given way to some flab, especially in the case of front man Simon Le Bon. Still, something must be said about how Duran Duran could give its now middle-aged fans reason to get up and dance — with New Wavish poise.

The fun started on the second song, when Le Bon hinted he was kinda “hungry” — a cue for “Hungry Like the Wolf.” The vocalist, dressed in a dark suit with a slightly loosened tie, sounded in tip-top shape.

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