This month, New Minstrels Remix is releasing its first single, “Hahabol-habol,” under Universal Records Philippines.
Tagged as Asia’s Best Show Band, The New Minstrels (TNM) popularized songs that captivated the audience—performing its music and harmony rendition of different genres from pop, jazz, folk to Broadway.
For music lovers who grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s, these tunes elicit nostalgic moments like the classic sound of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with their familiar melodies and lyrics tugging at our heartstrings.
Nowadays, most songs inspire stories created as scripts for screenplay or playwrights. Interestingly, this is the trend that the audience welcomes. For Filipinos, this concept is suitable, as it gives a clear message to a storyline. Any Pinoy would know how a simple tagline or meme inspires creative minds. These tunes would also feature Filipino parties, whether based in the Philippines or overseas.
But now, you don’t have to reminisce and replay the classic renditions simply.
The New Minstrels REMIX comprises group members across Five Generations. But how did this group come about?
TNM’s Early Years
Tagged as Asia’s Best Show Band, The New Minstrels (TNM) popularized songs that captivated the audience—performing their music and harmony rendition of different genres from pop, jazz, folk to Broadway. But The New Minstrels were known not just for their music but their showmanship. Even with their entry into the music world, they were already ahead of their times in innovation. The New Minstrels had their initial public appearance at a luncheon fashion show called “Sari-Sari” at the Hyatt Regency back in the early ‘70s.
Traversing in between models doing their catwalk can be likened on a bigger scale to today’s Victoria’s Secret iconic shows where music celebrities meet fashion icons. The New Minstrels formally debuted at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines in August 1974.
TNM was the first pop group to perform at the prestigious venue. They stunned the audience with extravagant costumes and riveting performances, belting pop favorites to old standards matched with dazzling choreography. The late Junn Gueverra, the manager of the singing group, knew how to find The New Minstrels’ ideal image, sound, and performance mix.
After the pioneer group’s success in the 1970s, different generations through to the 90s continued to perform to the timeless music of The New Minstrels with the same caliber. Critical to the outstanding performances of every TNM Generation were the artistic training and workshops initiated by Junn Guevarra. To further hone their
exceptional craft over the years, they worked with a whole range of prominent artists: National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, TV Director Johnny Manahan, Musical Director Emy Munji, Choreographers Douglas Nierras, Tony Fabella, and Rex McCleneghan; Vocal Coach/Arranger Babes Conde, Vocal Coach Betsy Basilio, Writer Tats Manahan, and Music Arranger Jun Latonio and Rudy Lozano; Acclaimed Fashion Designers like Inno Sotto, Barge Ramos, Frederick Peralta, Goulee Gorospe, Lito Perez, Junjun Cambe, Danilo Franco, Gerry Katigbak, and of course, the late Ernest Santiago and Cliff Candelaria added elegance yet artistic taste to the world-class image of TNM.
Traditionally, the music of TNM always has a distinct sound, harmony, and a soothing melody that is precise even with their variety of performances as a showband. The group instantly captured the hearts of their audience through their concerts, radio, and TV appearances, regular stints in hotels and bars, both local and international.
Soon after, the group started recording their first of many albums with Villar Records, The First Generation’s now-iconic version of the Kundiman love song, ‘BUHAT,’ became a hit in the 70s. When the group decided to disband, a smooth transition to the Second Generation resulted in a seamless TNM performance and accolades. Second Generation TNM won second place in The 3rd Metro Pop Music Festival with their song ‘IKAW, AKO, TAYO’Y MAG-KAKAPATID.’ Later introducing the Three Generations that carried on the TNM music tradition to the ‘90s.
To this day, the music of TNM is still preserved in the souls of aficionado music lovers. As a celebration of the group’s iconic music traditions, a grand reunion concert was staged in 2006 in Manila. Different members from all 5 Generations were represented, including the Rhythm Section. The various TNM generations sang the much-loved popular songs, from, ‘BUHAT’ and ‘BALUT’ (Gen 1) to ‘IKAW, AKO, TAYO’Y MAG-KAKAPATID’ and ‘SMILE’ (Gen 2), ‘MAGBABALIK PA RIN AKO’ (GEN 3) to ‘GANDA NG MUNDO’ (Gen 5). While very much like a family reunion, the 2006 TNM Ultimate Reunion Concert was a great success and was well received by old and new audiences alike.
The birth of TNM REMIX
Sixteen years to date, after the said concert, they all started to regroup in 2020, as the pandemic hit many of us. The late Bobby Domingo of the 2nd Generation championed the idea with his fellow members when they created a regular sing-meet online. Since other members reside in different parts of the globe, they thought it might be good to invite other members of the different TNM Generations to join. They did, and members from generations in different locations happily agreed.
And with that, the flagship ‘The New Minstrels REMIX’ was born.
The New Minstrels REMIX features Five Generations of TNM singers with grand plans in place. Performing their iconic songs using the same melody but with a new sound and mixed twist.
As we adapt to the new normal, the group still dares to accomplish things despite the hiccups. The group maintains a professional outlook on matters and concerns with a positive mindset. Much as a surprise, despite the current challenge we all face, TNM REMIX members try to contribute and do what has to be delivered right in the comforts of their homes. They do regular online meetings, StoryCon, Weekend Jamming, and Music Recordings. The matter is that they are currently preparing an online concert. However, before releasing the show this 2022, the group has already successfully recorded songs, ready to launch a favorite old-time TNM music masterpiece.
To get their first project off the ground, The New Minstrels REMIX comprises former members Mon Vitan (Gen 1-2), Jess Garcia (Gen 1), and Joseph Olfindo (Gen 2). They now partnered as Co-Producers. Ems Bolanos (Gen 5) and Eileen Dolina Novak (Gen 1) join the Creative Production and Media Section team, respectively.
Their first project is to release a new single that features a REMIX of members from different generations. It offers something unique in each song, with new musical arrangements and interpretations.
The first single to be released is their latest version of “Hahabol-habol,” a piece initially included in the first full Filipino album of TNM called “Buhat sa New Minstrels,” composed by Clod Delfino and Ruben Vega and was published by Villar Records in the 70s. The brilliant sound, arranged by a new breed artist, Edward Mitra, gives it the trendy beat to today’s music. Yet, with the creative and exceptional mind of the Music and Vocal Director, Mr. Ernie Magtuto, a member of the TNM 5th Generation, the resonance of The New Minstrels Remix has been accomplished. The REMIX promise is to present the traditional TNM melody that sounds familiar but with a new ring remarkably defined to its fresh new song.
The single “Hahabol-habol” is distributed by Universal Records Philippines. This January 2022, it will be available for download and streaming on different online music platforms, namely Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes Store, Deezer, Amazon, and the like. The music video is also in the process of its release on their official YouTube Channel the following week.
Every Filipino Artist is proud and inspired to share the unique Pinoy sound. Reaching fellow Filipino kababayans here and abroad through OPM allows the Artists to give hope and joy in their hearts. Moreover, the project aims to present the new sound to the younger Generation and recognize the spirit of old music as integral to Filipino culture.
On its release, “Hahabol-habol,” is one of the exciting things we can look forward to as we start the year. Now, we can listen once again to the new sound real soon and enjoy the new music of The New Minstrels REMIX.
Featured TNM Remix Artist in the single “Hahabol-habol” are: Alynna Velasquez (Gen 5), Rhiza Tolentino (Gen 5), Grace Pimentel (Gen 2), Jinky Somera (Gen 5), Bobit Pablo (Gen 5), Joseph Olfindo (Gen 2), Rene Puno (Gen 1), and Kash Gatuslao (Gen 5).
