Talahib People’s Music

Origin: Manila, Philippines
Genres: World Music, Rock
Years active: 2000 – present
Labels: Independent

Talahib People’s Music is a world music rock band from the Philippines formed in July 2000 and is perhaps one of the leading world music group in the Philippines. The band members come from different disciplines of arts.

First founded as a folk quartet, the band came together in July 2000 singing covers of local politically progressive songs – the grassroots; hence, Talahib. Over time, they’ve come into their own, paying homage to the Filipino heritage with a medley of native instruments, homegrown music and a bevy of bona fide performances. Fast forward 16 years later: Coming into the spotlight, their provocative lyricism coupled with breathtaking beat bring audiences across the nation and the world to their feet.

The band has been around for more than a decade. It has a wide streak of performances and exhibitions on annual music festivals, broadcast and mainstream media, and open and public performances.

Talahib: Mga Awit ng Pag-Ibig at Digmaan

Talahib crafted an 11-track album entitled, “Talahib: Mga Awit ng Pag-Ibig at Digmaan” (Songs of Love and War), inspired by their indigenous roots and influences of blues, dance, reggae and rock music. This album is the heartbeat of the people. It is filled with social commentaries, reflections on life, musings on systemic corruption and repatriation. Most importantly, it aims to represent an unrelenting call of love, unity and hope. It aspires to raise the positivism of Filipino consciousness, to teach self-reliance and, of course, to celebrate the blessings of life.

Last 2013, Talahib People’s Music traveled, performed and participated at the Images Festival at Aalborg City and at P-Noise Festival at Copenhagen in Denmark from August 30, 2013 to September 9, 2013, to represent the Philippines.

Members:

Arvy Rojas – vocals
Bonjo Agustin – vocals, acoustic guitar
Burn Belacho – lead guitar, hegalong/kuglung, flute
LJ Pasion – bass guitar
Max Celada – percussion
Domeng Molina – percussion
Jones De Vera- percussion
Darrel Roberto – drums

Past members:

Janis Ann Añonuevo – vocals
Noel Taylo – vocals, percussion
Mrk Estandarte – bass guitar

Currently, Talahib performs regularly around Manila in bars like Thebar@1951 (Adriatico, Malate Manila), Conspiracy Bar and Café (Visayas Avenue, Quezon City), and Kamarilya Café (Sikatuna, Quezon City).