Filipino band Pantayo performs in Ottawa Feb. 17

Pantayo—a quintet of Filipino musicians jamming songs using traditional Filipino musical instruments such as kulintang and gongs—is all set to perform at the Fourth Stage in Ottawa on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Pantayo is composed of members Eirene Cloma on vocals, bass and guitar; Michelle Cruz on vocals, agong and synth; Joanna Delos Reyes on vocals; Kat Estacio on agong, kulintang, sarunay, synth, drum programming, and auxillary percussion; and Katrin Estacio on kulintang, sarunay, synth, auxillary percussion.

Not only do they play the kulintang, but this band spices things up with vocals, drums, synths, and a whole array of instruments in their music gigs.

Their sound? It’s like a tasty mix of tradition and today’s vibes—throwing in R & B, pop, punk, and electronic grooves. 

According to the Pantayo website, the musicians are “queer Filipinx kulintang gong punks based in Tkaronto, Canada”.

The use of traditional musical instruments—kulintang and gongs—predominantly played in the southernmost areas of the Philippines, gives their sound a very distinct and unique style.

“Pantayo brings a pop flavor to the traditional instrumental music made with gongs. By integrating vocals, guitar, synths and drum machines, the band gives it a modern twist,” the National Arts Centre (NAC) website stated.

“The result is a unique sound, at once gentle and intense, magnetic and rhythmic.”

 

 

One of their songs called “Heto Na” (Here it is) starts off with a fast, steady beat, and a mysterious, almost meditative sound.

At the two minute mark, almost the middle of the song, the song abruptly changes tone with the addition of cheeky vocals.

With lyrics like “pakapalan ng mukha“—roughly translated as having thick skin—and “ang taray ni Lola” (grandma is sassy), Heto Na becomes an anthem, a celebration of the Filipinx spirit.

 

 

The video is made even more interesting with the addition of the Tita Collective members—a Filipinx comedy group—who are “summoned” by the new sound they are hearing.

Another song called “Dreams” is joyous, full of kulintang and gong sounds with a mesmerizing beat and big drums in the background.

 

With their fresh vibes, the use of traditional musical instruments and a talented cast, Pantayo is a Filipino band we can all be proud of.

Pantayo’s performance is part of the BIG BANG Festival in Ottawa.