As part of BusinessMirror’s campaign to promote everyone’s safety and well-being during the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have invited established and independent artists to perform at least one song in their own homes while urging everyone to stay indoors.
Currently based in Helsinki, Finland, Arthur Cunanan started playing guitar at the age of 10 and was already the lead guitarist of a showband in a floating casino by the time he was 16.
Arthur was part of the Holy Crearion band that won the grand prize of the Pasiklaband competition in 1980. Right around the same time, his band became a monthly finalist for the Rock Explo contest of then popular noontime show, Student Canteen.
He did the rounds of Shakey’s Pizza Parlors in Metro Manila before moving to Olongapo for a lengthy stint at 100 Percent Rock club. He later up with Bert Lapuz and his big band orchestra that entertained the US troops stationed at Subic Bay.
But it wasn’t until 1986 when Arthur finally found his niche in Europe as he found himself playing in hotels, restaurants, cruise ships and exclusive venues in Finland, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Holland and France.
In 1990, Arthur formed the band Mariposa while doing session work for Finnish musicians. Eight years later, he officially became the lead guitarist for famous Finnish star Frederik. In succeeding years, Arthur continued to do session work for other Finnish artists and in 2009, even participated in the Finnish eliminations of the prestigious Eurovision contest.
Gracing this edition of SoundStrip Live & in Quarantine, Arthur is dedicating his rock ballad, “Don’t Say Goodbye’,” a song about “hope for everlasting love,” to all the frontlIners and health workers.
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