Cebuanos 'come together' to pay tribute to The Beatles

The all-time favorite sounds from the legendary "Fab Four" were recently relived and remembered by Cebuanos at Handuraw Events Café.

Crazymonkey Productions hosted the night of music and enjoyment, reminiscing on the British band Beatles' tremendous contribution to the development of the world's music scene. Eric Auza of Crazymonkey Productions said that the tribute to the Beatles started in Manila and that the recent event at Handuraw was simply a realization of what they have been longing to do here in Cebu. Citing that Cebuanos have always been music lovers, if not musicians themselves, Auza added that holding the event was one way to increase the new bands' consciousness of the Beatles' influence on their music.

"This is also a way of helping struggling bands," stressed Auza, who expressed hope that the event in its own way helped in introducing and promoting the BISROCK (Bisaya Rock) genre. Rey Siasar, also from Crazymonkey productions, said that they aim to help re-introduce Cebuano music to Cebu-to the Cebuanos.

There's no denying that Beatles has continuously served as a great inspiration to musicians of different genres today. Pamphlets containing the history and scope of influence of the Beatles were given to the crowd that night. "The Beatles has played a big part in molding the music of today," the material read. The Beatles-Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr-were considered the only band that has sustained their influence on music from different genres and cultures.

This is indeed true, for even those who weren't born yet or were too young to be aware of the extent and height of the Beatles' fame have learned in one way or another of the band's extensive influence. The crowd of that night also remembered how at one point of their lives, the Beatles have touched them. The crowd was comprised of the young and the once young but was unified in believing that the music of the legendary "Fab Four" band will last generations.

The bands and musicians who played during the event were Missing Filemon, Trigger Happy, Armor, Tansinister and Aggressive Audio.

Transinister counted The Beatles and Franz Ferdinand Interpool as influences in their songs that are catchy and upbeat. The group composed of Francis Rivas, Julius Camota, Andrew Rivas, John Jumadla and Karl Sapuga are aiming for more exposure as a band, at the same time working on original compositions. "Dako og natabang ang Beatles. Dako og natabang ang Beatles sa among genre nga among gitukar karon. Without them, no genre will be known," said Francis Rivas, the band's acting manager.

Another Cebuano band influenced by Beatles is Trigger Happy, whose sound is a mix of everything-from rock n' roll, metal to grunge. Adam Misa, Rico Ibon, Renato Tugade, Edward Aguirre and Fred Aguirre of Trigger Happy formed their band in December of last year. They consider the Beatles as the "lord of music" and the "father of all music genres."

The Beatles will forever be remembered not only by these bands, but by every single individual across the world who has been moved and inspired by their music. And Cebuanos have something to look forward to as Crazymonkey Productions plans on making this tribute to the Beatles an annual event.