Tribu

TRIBU traces its roots to the Aliw Award-winning cultural group “Tribung Pinoy” from the 1980s, led by the late Danny Dolor, an ardent advocate of Filipino culture. Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan, a UST Conservatory of Music-trained coloratura soprano, had the opportunity to sing with Tribung Pinoy along with her mentor Prof. Gloria Dizon Coronel.

In 2011, Mr. Dolor received an invitation from the Cultural Center of the Philippines to mount “Harana sa Dapit Hapon.” But reuniting the pioneers of Tribung Pinoy proved to be a challenge so Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan, with a strong aspiration to continue its legacy, formed the vocal ensemble Tribu, with the support of Ephesus Teatron Group. Inc., Tribu’s mother company.

Tribu’s primary repertoire consists of specially arranged immortal Filipino songs ranging from kundiman, folk songs, zarzuelas, and patriotic songs, to well-loved Original Pilipino Music. With Tribu’s powerhouse of accomplished vocalists, its repertoire evolved to a wide range of carefully curated opera arias, art songs, Broadway classics, and timeless melodies from around the world.

After its premier performance at the CCP, Tribu headlined in the following solo concerts: “Timeless musical series” (Venice Luxury Residences, Caruso Ristorante Italiano, Palacio de Manila, Paco Park Presents,) “Reminiscences” (RCBC Theatre,) “Serenade” (Concert at the Park – Luneta), and “Klasical” (Onstage, Greenbelt 1). Tribu also had the opportunity to perform in various events such as “Maubanog Festival Cultural Night” (Mauban, Quezon Province,) “Iconic: Manila Food and Wine Festival” (Admiral Hotel,) “Expo Maritime” (Hotel Sofitel,) “Aliw Awards’ Gabi ng Parangal” (Manila Hotel,) “Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards” (Hilton Hotel,) “AVLCI@17 Ball” (Chardonnay Events Hall by Astoria; “Festival of Lights” (CCP,) and in “Likhang Pamana: Katutubo Haute Couture” (Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Hong Kong;) among others.

The pandemic didn’t deter Tribu from performing and came up with several online shows that are still available on YouTube. In 2023, Tribu released its first album “Klasical Tribu: A Collection of Immortal Filipino Folk Songs.” Tribu’s commitment to excellence has gained national recognition. From Aliw Awards: “Outstanding Choral Group” nominee (2019,) “Outstanding Group Performance in a Concert” nominee (2023,) and “Best Cultural Group” winner (2023). From the Live Entertainment. Arts, and Fashion / Festivals (LEAF) Awards: “Outstanding Vocal Ensemble” winner (2019,) “Outstanding Cultural Group” winner (2019,) “Outstanding Group in a Concert” nominee (2023,) and “Outstanding Vocal Ensemble” winner (2023).