As a composer and arranger in the Philippines for over 12 years now, I can confidently say that I have mastered the basic process of composing music. They say that with the advent of the digital age, anyone can now compose music because of readily available home recording tools. While I definitely agree with this statement, yes, anyone can make music, BUT not everyone can make it brilliant and long lasting. Using loops over and over again gets old fast and won’t advance your technique and skill. Not to mention talent, not everyone has this as well.

Diwa’s Home Studio

With that said, I will now discuss three basic steps in creating your own piece of music. Read more.

I’d like to thank my silent (but loyal) readers for bearing with me despite my lack of new posts. But it’s already holiday season here in the Philippines as well so I’ll write new stuff for you.  Anyway, to business. I’ve recently discussed some digital audio workstation softwares for Mac and PC users most recommended by composers and arrangers today.

I will now give you three multi-platform DAWs that are commonly used today. Read more.

Cinema One Originals is another big indie film festival here in the Philippines and I’m fortunate to be part of it once again this year. I’m the composer and arranger of the original film score for two films in the festival, “Si Baning si Maymay at ang Asong si Bobo” (Baning, Maymay and the Dog Named Stupid) and “Himpapawid” (Manila Skies).

I’m very excited to see these films on the big screen already! If you happen to pass by Manila anytime between November 13-17, please do pass by the festival. Check out the Cinema One official website for more details. See you there!

Now here’s the full festival schedule after the jump. Read more.

It’s been a while since my last post. But as a composer and arranger, life has been good to me for the past months and eternally greatful for the projects that keep coming in here. The only downside I guess is that I haven’t had time to make a blog post. Here’s a video compilation of my past and recent selected works freshly made.

There you have it. Also, a shout out to my regular readers, you know who you are. Thank you very much!

The Cinemalaya Film Festival is one of the biggest local film events in the Philippines. It’s like our local version of the Cannes Film Festival where we also celebrate the works of independent film makers. If any of you happen to be in our local shores when the festival happens, here’s a schedule guide for you. By the way, two of the films featured in the festival “24K” directed by Ana Agabin, and “Handumanan” directed by Seymour Sanchez features all-original music scores by myself.

Support independent cinema! Here’s the full schedule after the jump! Read more.

Hello to all my readers. I apologize if I haven’t posted for a long time. I’ve been doing all sorts of projects back here in the Philippines. Here now is a trailer of “24K”, an independent film about a ragtag group of treasure hunters, in search of the legendary Yamashita’s treasure. I did all the original music in the film.

Apologies to non-Filipino speakers, but it’s music I’m showcasing anyway. You can read some more about the film in its official blog and the official website. See the official movie poster after the jump! Read more.

The Philippine version of Playboy magazine recently launched local star and theater artist Aiza Marquez as their covergirl for May 2009. I was fortunate enough to be invited at the launch party at a local hip bar called Zenses, because aside from being a composer and arranger, I also blog about some events.

It was not so long ago though (early 2008), that I worked with Aiza for a local stage musical adaptation of the Anton de-Saint Exupery’s The Little Prince. She was one of the lead actors playing the role of the Rose, in the Little Prince’s home planet. I was the musical arranger for the entire play. Read more.

So you’re buying a violin, but you have no idea how to choose the right one. Let me help you with that. Aside from being a composer and arranger, I’m also a violinist, in fact I hold lessons to select students here in the Philippines.

Now before you jump the gun and buy that shiny red violin, think again. There are a handful of factors which you must carefully consider before purchasing a violin, and physical appearance alone doesn’t quite cut it. I’ve enumerated them for you. I asked my colleague, violinist and blogger Liza to give some of her opinions as well. See the list after the jump! Read more.

Here’s a repost from my old blog. Written back in 2007, this is one of my favorite music articles that’s why I’m publishing it again. I interviewed my friend and one of the best singers and songwriters this country has, Noel Cabangon.

Before Bamboo sung the lines of the song Tatsulok, it was first written and recorded by Buklod with Noel Cabangon. His song Kanlungan became a phenomenal hit after it was featured in a McDonald’s ad. He is one of the most prolific songwriters we have today.

Image courtesy of Clickthecity.com

His songs reflect the Filipino society yesterday, today and tommorow. I give you, Noel Cabangon! Read more.