SOL AT LUNA 2024: Ang Liwanag ng Musika
By: Cesca Suarez
As the light shined for the everlasting beauty of melodies, Sol at Luna opened its doors to the sound of music last November 21 to November 22, 2024 at the St. Paul Activity Center for Excellence (SPACE).
Sol at Luna 2024 officially began with its first sub-event, Isa, Dalawa Tugtog: Sinag ng Gintong Bilog last November 21 — wherein Paulinian bands representing each batch showcased their immense passion and talent for music through amazing performances.
“Sa grasya ni Santa Cecilia, ang Santong Patron ng Musika, ang ginintuang puso ng Paulinong musikero ay, tila liwanag ng araw sapagkat, kahit ito’y lumubog, ito ay babangon muli.” Julia Buted, the CFM-I President and an overall head of the event, stated in her opening remarks. She expressed that the stage is where talents can truly shine the brightest.
The performances were divided into two divisions: the Junior and Senior division.
The Junior division had three performances and began with SZNZ, a band representing the Neophytes. They performed an iconic song from the 1990s, “Huwag Kang Matakot” by Eraserheads, as well as their original composition titled “Dance in the Sun.”
The succeeding performance was a cover of “Estranghero” by Cup of Joe sung by Distortion, a band representing the Rookies, followed shortly after by their original composition called “Ngiti.” Concluding the Junior division was Marahuyo, a band representing the Freshmen, with a song cover of “Buwan” by Juan Karlos and their original composition entitled “Darama.”
The Senior division commenced soon after a short break — beginning with Cinque, representing the Sophomores. Traveling back to the early 2000s, they performed a cover of “Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” by Kitchie Nadal and their original composition called “Muse.”
Entering the world of Pinoy Rock — Ira Paralian, representing the Juniors, performed “Nosi ba Lasi” by Sampaguita and their original composition “Silakbo.”
Drawing the Senior division to a close, Curvyspines, representing the Seniors, introduced the audience to Pinoy Indie — performing “Tadhana” by Up Dharma Down, along with an original composition titled “Nagmamahal, Luna.”
The giving of tokens to the judges followed shortly after. Ms. Sheila Pedrajas, Sir Kent Capistrano, and Sir Hans Magno congratulated the competing bands and the Center for Music for a successful event. They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be a judge for Isa, Dalawa, Tugtog!
Ending the event with a bang, Yusilo, an invited band performer, brought the heat onstage with their performance. They performed several of their original songs — earning a loud applause from the audience.
Ultimately, Lai Opeña, the CFM-I Secretary and an overall head of the event, formally concluded the program with her closing remarks. “Upang muling buhayin ang sigla ng musika at pakikipagbanda sa ating komunidad sa SPCP, ang proyektong ito ay inaalay ng Center for Music.” Opeña expressed wholeheartedly. She conveyed the desire to shed light upon musical culture in SPCP and congratulated the participants and production team for their dedication to the event.
SZNZ, Distortion, Marahuyo, Cinque, Ira Paralian, and Curvyspines did not fail to show everyone the diversity and uniqueness of Filipino music through their passion and talent onstage. Truly, the long lasting legacy of Paulinian band culture lives on.
The effulgence of melodies carried on as Sol at Luna’s second sub-event, Awit Paulinian: Ngiting Gasuklay, commenced the day after; which fatefully happened to be the feast day of the patron of musicians — St. Cecilia.
Zel Lovendino, the CFM-C President and an overall head, formally started the event with her opening remarks. “Tayo ay magdiriwang para sa mga musikero habang araw ng kapistahan ni Santa Cecilia, ang patron ng musika, na hanggang gabi, kumikislap at nagniningning na may ngiting gasuklay!” they expressed in their speech.
The performances were again split into two divisions: the Junior and Senior division.
The Junior division participants were as follows:
- Deni Tesorero, representing the Neophytes
- Isabella Ramos, representing the Rookies
- Wyneth Belvis, representing the Freshmen
The introduction of judges happened shortly after. Sir Francis Dayao, Ms. Marianne Miguel, and Ms. Pixie Labrador all gave a short appreciation message for being given the opportunity to be a judge.
The performances then resumed with the Senior division. The participants were as follows:
- Sophia San Pedro, representing the Sophomores
- Mary Lacsina, representing the Juniors
- Ariana Pernia, representing the Seniors
The participants’ mellow and expressive voices had truly captivated the crowd, earning them a loud applause.
Marielle Baleza, a singer-songwriter and SPCP Alumni, then performed a few songs onstage; these of which include “we can’t be friends” by Ariana Grande, “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish, and an original composition called “Baka Naman.”
Soon after, the winners for both Isa, Dalawa, Tugtog and Awit Paulinian were announced. The awards were as follows:
Isa Dalawa Tugtog:
- People’s Choice Award — Ira Paralian, representing the Juniors
- 2nd Runner Up — Cinque, representing the Sophomores
- 1st Runner Up — Marahuyo, representing the Freshmen
- Grand Champion — Curvyspines, representing the Seniors
Awit Paulinian:
- People’s Choice Award — Sophia San Pedro, representing the Sophomores
- Junior Division — Wyneth Belvis, representing the Freshmen
- Senior Division — Ariana Pernia, representing the Seniors
Down to Sol at Luna’s last performance, Geiko — an invited guest performer and known OPM artist — performed several of their original songs including their new release, “Nang Tahimik” and the name of the event itself, “Sol at Luna.”
Lastly, Vix Quintos — the CFM-C Vice President and an overall head — concluded the event with her closing remarks, “Ang Sol at Luna ay umiikot sa konsepto ng pag-asa sa gitna ng kawalan nito, tulad ng kung paano dinadala ng araw ang umaga, at ng mga bituin na nagliliwanag sa kalangitan ng gabi.” She further expounded on the story behind Sol at Luna’s theme.
“Ang tema na ito ay naglalayong ipakita ang katatagan ng mga musikero sa mga oras na pakiramdam nila’y nawawala ang kanilang kislap, ngunit determinadong buhayin ang kanilang mga puso para sa sining na nagdudulot sa kanila ng kagalakan.”
Whether part of the audience, production team, or performers — it is profoundly thrilling to drown yourself in the sound of melodies. May the stars align for the magic of music once more. Until again, Sol at Luna!
