FROM left: Cooky Chua, Lolita Carbon and Bayang Barrios. Photo by Leo M. Sabangan II
Cooky Chua and I are soul sisters. I fondly call her “Norah Jones” because she can give the Grammy awardee a run for her money. Aside from her iconic (25-year-old) band, Color It Red, Cooky has joined forces with equally acclaimed singer/songwriters Lolita Carbon (of the legendary folk band Asin) and Bayang Barrios (who was with Joey Ayala’s Ang Bagong Lumad). Together, they comprise Tres Marias.
Considering all the awards they have accumulated as individual artists over the decades, they are a formidable trio.
The launch of their debut album (under Curve Entertainment Inc.) on March 8 at Conspiracy Garden Café was a jam-packed event. It coincided with International Women’s Day— which was but fitting, since the three are advocates of Filipino women empowerment crusades.
Two other Original Pilipino Music (OPM) pillars, Noel Cabangon and Gary Granada, were around to give Tres Marias full support. The crowd went wild when they jammed with the chanteuses.
Tres Marias gives a new spin to classic hits “Bakit ba Ganyan,” “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo,” “Ayoko na Sa’yo” and “Sana.” Listening to their album, which includes their first recording as a group, “Wika,” is a welcome breather from all the noise pollution of pseudo-singers who can’t carry a tune but sell out concerts and albums on the basis of hype alone. Tres Marias is all substance, no fluff.
How has OPM changed?
Cooky: Nag-evolve na ang mga kanta. Ang daming magagaling na bata.
Lolita: Loaded na ng talents kahit noon pa; hanggang ngayon, buhay na buhay. But kulang pa rin talaga sa support.
Bayang: OPM has always been alive, but it really needs support, especially from the government. More OPM airplay should be legislated. Good thing, there’s Facebook and YouTube now, where artists can instantly promote their music.
How did you pick the songs in your album?
Cooky: We really liked Gary Granada’s song and wanted to do something by him. He pushed for Tres Marias to have an album. Our solo numbers are personal favorites.
Bayang: I have my own repertoire as a solo artist. For this album, we picked songs familiar to the younger generation, so they will get to know us. One of my favorites, Rey Valera’s “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo,” reminds me of OFWs.
What can you say about celebs who venture into singing even if they are tone-deaf, relying solely on their popularity to sell albums?
Cooky: To each his own, live and let live. We all have our own places in this world. I respect that.
Lolita: They come and go.
Bayang: It bothers me a lot. Nakakalungkot na ang masang Pilipino ay tinatanggap na lang ’yan, but that’s what gives them entertainment. Kanya-kanyang trip na lang, although I hope we can soon change our values. Media can play a big part in this.
Gawad Tanglaw season
I am more than proud to be a Gawad Tanglaw Hall of Famer (entertainment columnist category). I will forever be grateful to GT, especially to Jaime Ang and Flaviano Lirio.
My Gawad Tanglaw medals and trophies serve as my daily adrenaline shot amid the chaotic show biz circus.
It’s that time of the year again when esteemed members of the academe give recognition to artists from all forms of media. Awarding rites are set today at 4:30 p.m. at Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Calamba City, Laguna province.
Long live Gawad Tanglaw! (Bow.)
Personal
Damo guid na salamat to Susan Romero of my haven in Iloilo province, Amigo Terrace Hotel, for always making me feel welcome. Total bliss surrounds me when I stay there. Super duper thanks to my amiga Engel Loring and Cedric for the red-carpet treatment in the coolest hangout in Bachoy Country, Flow Superclub.
Also to my dependable friends Allan and Ning Tajanlangit, Nath Pugales, Jing Villavert, and my fab Ilonggo sis Pauline Banusing for overfeeding me in her yummy restos, Freska, Al Dente and Steps of Rome.
Thank you, Jet Jiz of Happy Kitchen, Jude Solar, Marz Ledesma, John Castigador, Zedrick Zeneres, IFM Iloilo’s Rodolfo Alacapa, Troy Lomboy and Bruno Cejes, GMA Radio Iloilo’s Jo Gelangerin and Barangay 107.1 Bacolod’s Papa Dino Vasquez and Ator. I keep coming back to Iloilo because of friends like them who have turned into family. Tuod na ya!