Monthly Archives: October 2010

The Different Stages of Harana (Serenading)

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Administrator

During the filming of Harana the movie in late 2008, I had the opportunity to travel to remote provinces of the Philippines in search of master haranistas – the vanishing breed of expert singers skilled in the art of serenading. … Continue reading →

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Florante’s Guitars

Posted on October 15, 2010 by Administrator

Many have asked (mostly guitarists) what brand of guitar I use. Currently, I’m using a 2002 Fontanilla guitar built by Filipino-American luthier Alan Fontanilla. Although I typically favor the tender tones of the spruce-top guitar, Alan’s cedar-top guitar provides a … Continue reading →

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Concert “Disasters”: Getting Paid – in Quarters!

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Administrator

Scene: Outlying provinces off Cebu, Philippines more than 15 years ago. I was on tour with a pair of ballet dancers, a classical pianist and a local singer named Phrolo. It was a Government Outreach Tour whose noble mission is … Continue reading →

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Concert “Disasters”: Concerto for Guitar … and Lanzones!

Posted on October 10, 2010 by Administrator

Scene: Orchestra pit of the Meralco Theater in Manila many years ago. Opening night of Philippine Repertory’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. It has a small guitar part which I was hired to play. It was a full orchestra … Continue reading →

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What’s Up with My Name?

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Administrator

Hello All. To most Filipinos, the name Florante Aguilar elicits a bit of a giggle. Some of the reactions I heard: 1) Is that for real? 2) Gotta be a stage name 3) Are you an illegitimate son? They are, … Continue reading →

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