The News Today Online

The Music of Joseph and Karlo

Text by: Wein P. Gadian

Photos: Chris A. Fernandez

The musical works and their composers are usually described as belonging to a specific era: Bach wrote 'Baroque' music, for example, while Chopin was a 'Romantic' composer. These terms serve as a sort of shorthand to tell us that the music shares aspects of style with other pieces written at roughly the same time. These eras of music, however, relate to more than just the sounds of the pieces. They reflect broad changes in society and culture that influenced the way music was written, performed, and heard.

In the Philippines, our music have also evolved inspired by the changes in our culture and society. As depicted in the most dramatic period in 1870 to 1930s when Filipino musicians from different social and economic environments reached a common consciousness of a music as an art form and as a distinct form of human expression.

These Filipino musicians began to express individual as well as collective sentiments, using related, if not common forms. From then our classic Kundiman was introduced in the much modern music like jazz, pop, ballad and the like. More musicians have also experimented in combining our native music to the Modern ones creating a much up beat musical score. Whichever musicians play their work what always matter is the composers interest or preference of music. In Iloilo, two young musicians namely, Joseph Macalanggan (27 year old) and Karlo Balleza (28 year old) created their music in a much more simpler ensemble of combining the classic and the contemporary music.

Ironic Beginnings

For most, music maybe a gift but for these two young men, their love for music was a developed skill. As young boys and having been altar boys at the church, they were already exposed to church music. Growing up in the church would eventually develop their voices but not for Joseph and Karlo. Often they are told not to sing since they could not hit the right note. For other people, this kind of judgment may have discourage them to sing but out of passion for music. And although adjudge as off key singers, Joseph and Karlo tried learning the notes with love.

Now Joseph has perfected his craft in vocals, musical interpretation and voice training. He is also branded as one of the best tenor of the Troubadours. Karlo on the other hand, mastered his skill in his compositions and musical directing.

Joseph's Powerful Voice

Joseph Macalanggan

Joseph started singing and perfected a piece 'Sing to the Lord a New Song' where he realizes he could sing. From then, his constant dedication won him awards and opportunities. In his junior year in high school, he won 2nd Place in the PRISAA contest. After which, he studied as a Freshman in the Conservatory of Music of the University of Sto. Tomas. There he attended various workshops in voice culture like the Bukas Palad Singing Group.

His talent was soon recognized as he transferred in the University of San Agustin (USA) in his Sophomore on the same department (Conservatory of Music). As a student he also joined the university's choir and later became part of the Troubadours. As a member of the Troubadours, he was branded as one of the best tenor in the group.

Inspired by a family of musicians: a violinist and harmonica player grandfather, a grandmother who was soloist (cantora) in the church and his mom who sings well, Joseph enjoyed his music. He has trained various people on voice culture. One of his many trainees was the Children's Pastoral Community of San Joaquin who won first place in a Choral Competion. Others were during the College Choir Competition in CPU, Techno Department Choir in CPU's Choral Competition. He's been a member of Troubadours and also joined in the competitions of Troubadours like the NAMCYA among others. Joseph plays the piano, keyboard and the organ. He currently teaches music in Assumption High School.

Karlo's musical pieces

Karlo Balleza

He may not be known like the composers Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Tan among others but Karlo's work has been commissioned by most Ilonggos in theatre, musical productions and more. As a young lad, he also recognizes music in the Church. Though in high school, he's known by friends to have the gift in visual arts which he later exposed through stage designs. Often he is tasked as propsman and creates backdrops, stage designs and more. Thus, he took up architecture in also in USA for two years but because music was always a passion, he further shifted to the university's Conservatory of Music.

In his years in college he started learning the musical instruments: Guitar, harmonica, piano and violin. With his desire to learn Karlo soon made musical scores, accompaniments, instrumentals and more. As a guitarist, he would strum 'Jesus Joy of Man's Desiring' – he also played his guitar more advance than his friends who have been playing since high school. As a student of the Conservatory, he also joined the Troubadours while composing his music.

Karlo's achievements are in his musical pieces: Longing, 'Kata io hann', an Aramaic word which means 'According to John' is musical play held at the Jaro Cathedral among others. He is currently teaching music at the Iloilo National High School's Performing Arts.

Together in their Music

They say 'Birds of the same feather flock together'which is very true to this two friends since their altar boy years. Now, they are busy in preparing for their Christmas Cantata which will be held in Assumption Iloilo. Karlo's musical score and compositions will be interpreted by Joseph. The concert also features their students.

For them, life is never complete without music and they are also thankful for the inspirations of : Arne Lubasan, Salvacion Jardenil, Gerardo Muyuela, Christine Muyco, Emily Fuentes and more. Joseph and Karlo's life have been blessed with their music. And sharing it to their friends and students to the most they can are the only thing they look forward to. 'For us, musicians don't have to be good in singing, composition or in playing an instrument. What matters is simply understanding and appreciating what music is all about.'