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From hip hop to poetry to rock band: Cultural convergence
The East Village witnessed a rare fusion of Filipino and Filipino-American artists as they converged last Sunday night for the highly-anticipated "MAKIBAKA!" a cultural showcase and fund-raiser presented by FORWARD (Filipino Organization for Women's Advancement Rights and Dignity).
As cultural onlookers from Manhattan, Queens and Jersey City lined the door at Izzy Bar, a small unassuming bar and music lounge in the heart of the highly Filipino-populated Stuytown, many were curious to see how the diverse choice of performers and visual artists would mesh in one intimate setting.
"Many have attempted to unite the Filipino immigrant youth and the American-born Fil-Ams under one roof, and there has been collaborative success by East Coast organizations such as Arkipelago, FIND, FAHSI, Philippine Forum, Sumisibol and Brown Culture, as well as West Coast productions companies like Pulutan Productions, Synchronicity and Happy Box," stated Gary Labao, lead singer of Kadena, an all-Filipino political punk band that stormed the stage that night.
FORWARD'S "Makibaka" continued that successful endeavor, as evidenced by the mixed Asian and Caucasian audience who also came in big numbers to express solidarity.
Then again who could resist a lineup that included the likes of Emm Gryner, the Filipina-Canadian singer-songwriter now based in New York; and Lourds, the vivacious violinist vocalist recently featured in Filipinas Magazine as "one to watch for."
Not to mention up and coming spoken word artists such as Eloise Lee, Cliff Rivera, Harry Ramos, Rey Agudana, the PanAsian poets collective feedback. The stage was also graced by surprise poets-Julman Tolentino and Kimberly Castro, as well as New Jersey and Queens-based Pinoy rock bands such as Grim Bottle, Hydrant, Corrupted, and solo artist Les Baquiran. Hiphop duo Kontrast, Korean experimental band Xtatica, and traditional Maranao dance/arts troupe Kinding Sindaw also lent their talent and support for the event.
Upstairs at the lounge, patrons were also treated to some eyecandy from our contributing visual artists such as veteran photojournalist Stephen Mercado, MaArte webzine's art director Brian Barenio, budding...