Located on Governor Pack Road is the Kikan Resto Bar generous enough to provide us the location for the two events organized by Vezh Universe Production entitled Sining Kalayaan and Indipendyente Akustika. The artworks on display are from various artists with whom I had the chance to meet during the show such as Tara Natividad, Luisa Galang, Dianalee Dennis and Joyce Mallare.
Tambol Bayan indulged us with their energetic presentation. A performance community founded in Tarlac back in 2012, they aim for world betterment by sharing the passion for music as they encourage the audience to join while chanting and dancing to the rhythmic sound of the Djembe.
I consider myself lucky and my presence here a privilege. You would normally find these musicians at their gigs, playing songs of mainstream and nothing more than mere entertainment. This time, it's different. They will be performing original compositions written and rooted from their own experience, ideals, and beliefs. Something pondered from within the corners of their heart and of their being conveyed in words and illuminated by melody. To watch and listen to them live is what makes it so special. Here are some of them.
Sid and Tzar Umang started to warm up the show as we wait for the guests to arrive.
Lester Barrozo on vocals and guitar with Job Vezh, one of the organizers who's also adept when it comes to playing the flute, djembe, and other stringed instruments.
What I admire about Lester is his patriotism and how we share the same idea that music is one of the ways to immortality. I remember it struck me when he said ''upon his death, the people should be playing the songs he wrote while taking him to his grave''.
Valred Olsim and his cousin, Carlo Elwas with their songs "Ngata" and "Feel". Ngata is a mix of Ibaloi, Kankanaey, and Ilokano dialect. A heartbreaking song about an Ibaloi girl and a Kankanaey boy who lost their love and fell apart, making them wonder if things would have happened differently. Hence, the title ''Ngata''. as in " Nu Ngata" or ''What If'''.
Gibran Espelita and Camille Coronel performed such soft and soothing songs ''Wag Muna'', ''Bitter Sweet'', ''Fades Away'' and an untitled one. I found their harmony comparable to a serenade, suitable to listen to while having a cup of coffee or a stroll in the park.
Benjamin Kim and Laura Jane with their songs Life Goes On, Keep Believing and Napapangiti. I discern strength, positiveness and inspiration in their songs that the titles already speak for themselves.
Leo Natividad (flute) and Adonis Ladera (Djembe) of Origami Pilipinas along with Joy Madumay (vocals) from Abra, with her unforgettable, expressive, hair-raising and heart-piercing performance.
Alvin Libuo Buyagan, one of the performers and a friend of mine with whom I had the pleasure having an interesting and ''out of this world'' conversation that kept us awake until the sun comes up.
The showcase of talent is not limited to the ones mentioned above, as there are other participants virtuoso in their music profession who joined the event. My apologies for not having them included since I failed to have any records of them when my camera ran out of batteries. (Photo credits to Vezh Universe Production)
On the lighter side, the entertaining participation of Baguio Cosplayers dressed as some of the Philippine national heroes like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and Marcelo H. Del Pilar is an added attraction.
The organizers and hosts, Calypso Alaia and Job Vezh who also happened to be my close friends.
Sometimes we would have this notion that so many songs have been written, there's no way one will be able to write something new. Even known singers would often resolve in making covers, remakes or renditions of already existing ones. This occasion, though it's rare, has proven that there are still awesome songs unheard of by many, coming from ''unsung'' music artists worthy of exposure and discovery.
Kikan Resto Bar Baguio City
They serve breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner. They have coffee, juices, shakes, cocktails, beers and liquor. There is a mini library for students and non-smoking/smoking areas are available as well.
How To Get To Kikan Resto Bar
By Car: Make your way to Session Road going up and turn right to Governor Pack road when you reach the area near the Session Road roundabout.
By Taxi: Inform the Taxi Driver to take you to the Baden Powell Hotel along Governor Pack Road.
By Jeepney: There are no Jeepney that directly passes through governor pack road, coming from one of the barangays in Baguio just disembark near Session road or Governor Pack road and walk your way to the Baden Powell Hotel.
Parking: Limited Parking / Street Parking along Governor Pack Road and Session Road.
Source: Lakbay Baguio Directory