WCOPA semi-finalist launches debut album

MANILA, Philippines - Revelation, 2007 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) semi-finalist and Zamboanga’s pride, officially launched its debut album Amor y Sueño (Chabacano for Love and Dream)  at Ratsky’s Tomas Morato, Quezon City. The album is released through Zone 7 of Candid Records Philippines.

Revelation is made up of Zamboangueño siblings Jimboy Calisang (vocalist/keyboardist); Shalmai Calisang (vocalist); Nuel Calisang (bassist); and Isaac Calisang (drummer). Although they started performing in a gospel choir at a young age, the Calisang siblings grew up with different musical styles. They collaborated on the all-original album, a fusion of pop, jazz, R&B, classical and Chabacano musical influences.

Produced by Arnold Jallores and Marlon Silva, Amor y Sueños’ carrier track is Ikaw. It has been enjoying heavy airplay on 90.7 Love Radio, 101.1 Yes FM and 93.9 IFM .

Each song in the 12-track album was written based on personal relationships and recollections of the band members. Shalmai wrote Daddy’s Girl  for her late sister and was a personal favorite of her father. Jimboy penned Peace for Our Motherland as a hymn to Zamboanga. It was performed at WCOPA in Hollywood. Isaac finished Ignore a few hours after his break-up with his girlfriend.

 Before joining WCOPA, Revelation was named Orgullo de Zamboanga (Pride of Zamboanga) in 2006.

Mayor Celso Lobregat has all praises for the band. “The band’s songs Amor and Sueño help reintroduce Chabacano to more people beyond Zamboanga. Singing Chabacano songs is a way of not only preserving but also strengthening the Chabacano language and culture,” he says.

The band joins the roster of mainstream artists that include Buddy Zabala of Eraserheads/The Dawn and Sitti who also hail from Zamboanga.

Catch Revelation in Ormoc City tomorrow, June 17.

For details, call 818-1111 loc. 225 or 0917-8822838.