A FUSION of Filipino and European music filled The Ruins in Poblacion, Makati City last May 7, as foreign and local artists jammed the night away at the Euro-Pinoy Concert 2019.
The concert was in celebration of the founding of the European Union (EU), as well as the bilateral relations between the economic bloc and the Philippines.
Lukáš Sommer, who planed all the way from the Czech Republic, performed with Spanish flamenco guitarist Alex Alcaraz, German DJ Badkiss and Filipino percussionist Jean Paul Zialcita.
Sommer is known for more than 40 materials spanning different kinds of work. Apart from composing music, he is also a sought-after arranger of popular music in various film soundtracks, and has worked with a variety of Czech as well as international agencies.
The Czech musician is famous for his innovative style of classical guitar, which he combines with yoga and meditation.
On the other hand, Alcaraz is a flamenco guitarist born and raised in Granada, Spain. In 2012 he decided to move to the Philippines and since then has been collaborating with flamenco academies in Manila and several Filipino musicians.
Zialcita is a Filipino percussionist who uses an exotic mix of up-cycled objects and local materials combined with elements of Filipino martial arts. He re-imagines the Philippines on the world stage in what he calls the “Age of ‘can do.’”
Half-German and half-Filipina DJ Marie Badkiss is able to conjure a cocktail of flavors from different music genres that keep sets of feet grooving to her beat. Edgy looks and equally mesmerizing music have thrust her as among the hottest female club DJs in Manila, according to WheninManila.com.
Badkiss’s rock-solid reputation for quality music selection transcends genres, trends and generations, which has allowed her to share her outstanding talent with the world. She performs in different clubs in Manila, including Time, Club XX XX, Chotto Matte, Café Curieux, as well as The Belle & Dragon.
Other artists from the Philippines joined the ensemble with their distinctive music. Performers included Kamara, Issa Rodriguez, Rice Lucido, Norvin de los Santos, Bea Lorenzo, Trischa Padilla and Bistibway Percussion Duo.
The concert was presented by the EU Delegation to the Philippines, in partnership with the embassies of the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain and Instituto Cervantes, together with Para sa Sining, the Z Hostel and Don Papa Rum.