Robinsons Malls & Philippine Star’s Soundbites music festival: Sabor Latino shakes it up at Robinsons Soundbites Festival

MANILA, Philippines - You’ve got to be lacking a pulse not to move some part of your body when salsa music kicks in. Whether it’s the bottomless drive of the congas, the ratchet rhythm of maracas and claves, or the insistent melody of the timbales, salsa — or any so-called “latin music” — is made for moving.

Surely that’s what Robinsons Malls had in mind, when they booked the ensemble Sabor Latino for its ongoing Soundbites Festival — getting people on their feet, heading out to the mall. The band is set to headline at Robinsons Magnolia on May 18, 8 p.m. (a special latino night that also includes opening act Reggae Mistress).

Catching up with Sabor Latino (the name simply means “Latin Flavor”), we find that they’ve been around 16 years, founded by longtime percussionist Joseph Aranza. Starting as a percussion-flavored ensemble with original drummer Armando Guevarra, the group first played at Latino-themed restaurant Barbareeba on Jupiter Street, then went on from there to play bigger and bigger gigs. Aranza and Guevarra still head the band, which now includes vocalist/percussionist Mhara Viola, Deseo Concepcion on bass, Erwin Padilla on guitar and Mario Elepaño on keyboards. According to vocalist Mhara, there’s a reason this music has grown so much in popularity in the Philippines: “Once you hear the Latin beat, you can’t stop your feet from stomping. Sabor Latino is not just your ordinary dance band. We offer a good show for everyone — Latin enthusiasts or not, even those who have never seen us before.”

Salsa specifically originates from Cuba, though it takes in African, Mexican and other influences. Aranza — who cites Santana, the Gypsy Kings, Gloria Estafan and the Miami Sound Machine, Amigos Invisibles, La India and Sergio Mendes as influences — has been pounding away on the congas and bongos for decades. “My percussion playing just came out naturally in my youth, with my first band Paztillan — which eventually became FM Band and ultimately Side A!”

He’s long been a session percussionist too, backing up the likes of Kuh Ledesma, Joey Albert, APO Hiking Society, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and several foreign acts. So music is obviously in Aranza’s blood.

The original lineup of Sabor Latino included Emmanuel “Chito” Perez on guitar, Osen Fernandez on keys, Andrew Advincula, Jose Mari Teves and Irene Alano on vocals. Members come and go like old lineups of Menudo. “Sabor Latino is almost 20 years old, ,” Aranza shrugs. “But Latin music will still be around, no matter what hype or other genres come up.”

I ask whether Filipinos love Latin music because of the Spanish influence? After all, flamenco music and dance are also very popular here. “I believe our Spanish ancestry somewhat influences our music, whether it’s fast or slow,” agrees Aranza.

Armed with the beat of salsa, cha-cha, mambo, rhumba, samba, soca, reggae, pop, bachata, Latin, rock, Latin jazz, swing, jive, boogie and others, the group has continuously adapted its music to the taste of listeners. If you just label it “Latin music,” Aranza says, “People might think of it as ‘cultural’ music, something only performed at special events with foreigners, making it seem like a ‘higher’ genre of music.”

But Sabor Latino sidesteps any strict classification: they mix soul, jazz, and other influences into their salsa jam.  “It is important to have Latin music in the local scene, just as it is important to have pop, jazz and classical music.” All one big musical gumbo, in other words.

Speaking of gumbo, the group is happy to be playing at Robinsons, a popular eating and shopping destination. Mhara says: “We are excited to play at Robinsons and give the shoppers a dose of Latin experience à la Sabor Latino.” Aranza agrees: “We hope to bring fun and excitement to all those who love Latino music. Vamos a gozar!”
You be the judge, when Sabor Latino takes to the stage in Robinsons Magnolia. You can sit and politely clap at this “Latin music.” Or you can get on your feet, and start moving those body parts. Either way, you’re going to get a good dose of Latin flavor.