To be chosen to perform at a major event celebrating original Filipino music is special for fast-rising solo act Adjeng. For one, it reflects the respect she has earned from industry movers.
Adjeng is on the roster of artists to appear at Pinoy Playlist, a three-day music festival scheduled from September 29 to October 1 in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. She goes on stage come Day 1, 6:00 p.m. at the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall in Maybank Performing Arts Theater.
“I find this gig extra special because it’s the biggest and most inclusive celebration of OPM (Original Pilipino Music), a platform embracing original melodies, sounds, and rhythms,” said Adjeng who committed herself to putting out her originals.
Used to fronting bands, Adjeng launched her solo career a couple of years back amid a pandemic. Some of her releases include the songs “Rollercoaster,” “More Than A Little,” “Be Kind, Kaya Mo Yan,” and “Must Be Love” — all picked for Spotify’s Fresh Finds and OPM Rising playlists.
“More Than A Little” was even plucked by Japan’s DJ Taro for his Spotify playlist Rhythm and Groove.
A worship leader and advocate/ambassador for mental health, Adjeng feels grateful she was given the opportunity to entertain in a music festival curated by luminaries, namely, national artist Ryan Cayabyab, The CompanY’s main man Moy Ortiz, talent manager-author Noel Ferrer, and BGC Arts Center head Maribel Garcia.
She noted, “To be part of this community of musicians joining this festival reminds me that there is much to do and much to be grateful for.”
The singer-songwriter plans to perform the singles she had released, as well as a composition she co-wrote that reached the finals of a televised songwriting competition. She will be joined by Christopher Buenviaje (guitar), Allan Abdula (drummer), Jan Michael Teodoro (bass), and Abby Clutario (keys).
Adjeng is a Communications Arts graduate who started out working as a content writer by day and performing in bars at night. She did acoustic gigs with AdJunDie, a group also featuring well-reputed session drummer Junjun Regalado and sought-after guitarist Ardie de Guzman.
In 2004, their trio expanded and became Sipol whose lineup also included excellent players Marvin Querido (of Neocolours’ fame), Michael Guevarra, Soc Mina, Junjun Perez, and Toto Sorioso (who also went on to have his own solo career). Later she fronted another band called Wink (still including Regalado, along with Adam Cesante and JC Magsalin).
Both Sipol and Wink were signed by GMA Records (Alt-G).
“I learned so much from all my bandmates, and I still hold dear so many fond memories,” she expressed.
As a songwriter, Adjeng showcased her skill as a lyricist in her collaboration with Nino Regalado (brother of Junjun). They joined and got through the finals of both the Levi Celerio Music Festival (2004), and FILSCAP Songwriting Competition (2010) where they won second place in the Best Pop category. Another of their joint efforts made it to the Top 12 of Philpop in 2013.
Cayabyab invited them to tour with him in universities and provinces. “I became a sponge, absorbing and learning from Mr. C. and my fellow composers,” she recalled.
Qualified and tapped to join, Adjeng participated in the Elements Singing and Songwriting Camp in Dumaguete where she mingled with and learned from veteran composers and musicians. She recently participated in FILSCAP Songwriting Camp Year 5 and in the Anton Juan Masterclass (The Actor as Portal).
She shared, “To this day, I still do vocal training and take on as many workshops on songwriting and theater acting. Nothing like having a growth mindset while embracing life as a happily married woman and a hands-on mom.”
Also set to showcase their own music or OPM covers are pioneers Gary Granada and Joey Ayala, top bands Autotelic and Rivermaya, and solo artists Sam Concepcion, Ebe Dancel, Davey Langit, Lara Maigue, and Gian Magdangal.
The Pinoy Playlist Music Festival 2023: Gunita at mga Bukas will feature music talks, workshops, and the handing out of awards named after Cayabyab. One of the awardees is Regine Velazquez-Alcasid who is expected to grace the big event presented by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. through the BGC Arts Center.