Don’t be surprised when one of these days, “Isabella” would be included in the featured songs of the Department of Tourism’s Playlist on Spotify.
In February this year, DOT launched the “Sounds More Fun in the Philippines” Playlist, a compilation of specially selected Filipino music that will welcome listeners back to the Philippine destinations they love, and let them relive those epic travel memories. (Follow DOT’s official Spotify account, Tourism Philippines.)
The initial playlist features songs which aim to set the soundtrack of one’s stories—like the Cordillera Calm playlist that provides laidback OPM tunes to warm the bones like a strong cup of Cordillera coffee; or the Boracay Beach Bar playlist that surrounds one with beach vibes perfect for grooving; or the Manila Night Lights that brings listeners back to the eras of disco, dance rock, and neo soul, reliving those dazzling nights when the city truly comes alive.
“These tunes will allow listeners to evoke the getaways, secret spots, and homes away from home that every traveler can find somewhere across the 7,641 islands of the Philippines,” said Tourism Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat during the launch.
Through this, the DOT intends to provide the feeling that, wherever you are, the fun is never far away. The songs and artists featured in these playlists are Pinoys as well as international artists and bands with Filipino roots.
“ISABELLA” by Jhames Joe Infante featuring Harlon Agsaoay (aka Norma Love) of Tanya Markova.
The Facebook page of San Mateo, Isabela, acknowledges the song as “Isang awit sa pagbibigay pugay sa kinagisnang probinsiya” with the artists as pride of Isabela.
Aptly titled, Isabella with double L to give emphasis on Bella (beauty), the song is a collaboration between musician cousins and true-bloodied Isabelans Jhames Jo Infante and Harlon Agsaoay. Isabella was released on Spotify this April.
“It’s both a love song and a homage to our beloved hometown, Isabela province. Every time Harlon and I talked, we always had to tell stories about our families and places where we grew up, and how it made us long for those moments. Ever since the pandemic hit us, we never got a chance to go back to our province for a couple of years and counting. Hence, we thought of making a song about how we really feel about Isabela. Even though we both experience the fun and culture of other cities and countries, nothing beats the memories of the place that made us,” James shared during a recent zoom conference.
James added that his team is currently in talks with the DOT to make it part of the agency’s tourism campaign especially now after the pandemic that the country is encouraging local and foreign traveling.
Jhames and Harlon who just reconnected recently and worked on Isabella while apart during the pandemic share the same interest in music. As young high school students, music became an integral part of their growing up years. They even patronize the same music store in Isabela where they buy cassette tapes and visit a local radio station to request to play their favorite songs.
Growing up, Jhames have listened to classics like Engelbert Humperdinck and Beatles. He also listened to Michael Jackson, to Rivermaya, Eraserheads, Francis M, Linkin Park, Metallica, and Parokya ni Edgar, among others.
While he loves music and performing, Jhames had a back-up plan. He, along with band members, used to join contests and had the chance to perform with big-named bands back then. But in 2017, Jhames told himself that if they lose, music will have to take the backseat in favor of a more stable career. He finally put his architectural course into good use in Singapore in 2010 and has worked full time since then. But his passion for music did not diminish a bit, he said.
Harlon, on other hand, had his early influences from Juan Dela Cruz, Sampaguita, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam, among others. But he also loves the music of the Eraserheads and Rivermaya. His parents wanted him to become a lawyer so he finished his pre-Law course but his love for music and performing prevailed. While working, he would save money so he could make music demos until he became a part of the band Tanya Markova.
Tanya Markova, Harlon said, started as “trip, trip lang” in 2006. It is now highly recognizable due to their face paint and costumes, with each member having an onstage persona.
The cousins recognize the importance of social media to get more people to know about their music and he hopes their friends in Isabela will get the chance to listen to their tribute song to their hometown. “Before we really spent money to produce demos. Ngayon pwede kahit walang studio. Today we have great technology today. Mas madali mag-release ng kanta,” Jhames said. After Isabella, he said he will release his song, then another song with Harlon via Spotify.
Harlon agrees that many new artists are coming and OPM music gained ground during the pandemic because of social media. He sees the need to adapt to new avenues to gain more engagement and have their music reach a wider audience through various social media platforms. His band has a vlog and they are able to interact with their listeners. He said he’s glad that there are many working opportunities now. His other band, Mystic & Magic, performs for VP Leni Robredo presidential campaigns. “It’s all work. Tugtog lang kami. It’s nice sharing music for the millennials,” he said.
Both Jhames and Harlon share the desire to perform their song Isabella live in their hometown when the situation permits. Meanwhile, Jhames makes his presence felt in the home front by guesting in the Letters and Music program of NET 25.
Isabella is now out on all streaming platforms. To stream, click: https://spoti.fi/3qQv9ZQ