MISTULA : Revelations

by Krishna Calingacion

It has been a year since the storm that had changed the lives of many in the Philippines. It came not sparing anyone. Even those who had lived comfortably had to bear with great losses due to the two super-typhoons that wrecked havoc across the land. Yet, because of these storms, the spirit of volunteerism woke up in the hearts of many. One could say that yes, perhaps the storms didn’t just affect a number of us. In fact, it affected all of us. It moved us all to action, to hold on to our land and work towards rebuilding it.

Storms have always been what we had to face here in our country. And we can clearly say that the storms will never leave us. There will always be more for us to face, what with the estimated 19 tropical cyclones that visit the country every monsoon season. Over the weekend, prayers have been offered: both for the calamity that had passed and those that plague us now. Still, many find themselves feeling lost, unsure, and needing reassurance for a weakening spirit.

Today marks the release of Mistula’s offering for that which has happened a year ago. It is a prayer, made to lift one’s spirit before the coming of a storm, and to be donated to the Filipino through church choirs singing this at masses. In fact, unlike previously released songs by the band, this one will be “released” in churches through the choirs that will sing it. As a donation, it aims to spark once more the light of hope and faith in the hearts of those seeking something to bolster the spirit.

As those following closely with the band’s updates have noticed, much has been put into the creation of this prayer. It is not simply words set to music, after all. Like all prayers we know of, it is reverent, looking towards a higher power with all solemnity. It is, at its basest a heartfelt wish, an earnest request. Not just from the band, but from everyone who has helped to help bring the song to life. Hopefully, this prayer could be shared with everyone else as well as it is donated. After all, we cannot deny that at our core as a people, we are spiritual. It is in our language.

In Filipino, panalangin holds a meaning that can’t be contained in the word prayer. Where one has its roots in requesting or asking, the other brings to mind a closer link to the spirit. So to an extent, it can’t be used to express anything other than what the spirit sincerely desires.

As the song makes these earnest prayers for strength and hope in the face of uncertainty, the calmness of the melody and the voices that breathe life into the text are strengthening forces all on their own. It assures that even in the face of disaster, there can still be peace for the spirit.

Umaapaw sa pananampalatayang
Sa Inyong kadakilaan, walang hindi maaari.

Amen.

CLICK HERE to download the song at Uno’s blog.

A gourmand of life’s experiences, Krishna lends thought to the inanimate to let them live. When not devoted to the doll hobby, she dwells on the net.

More behind the scenes footage of Mistula’s ongoing project, Panalangin.
Featuring the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist, Manx Minuet.

Our most heartfelt thanks to our friends at Hit Productions, for helping us breathe life
into this project.

For Hit Productions:
Arranger: Arnold Buena
Sound Engineer: KC Caballero
Singers: Jingle Buena, Tanya Marquez, Jeff Arcilla, Daryl Reyes
Senior Partner and CEO: Salito Malca
President and Managing Partner: Vic Icasas
Finance Head: Edith Humirang
VP Operations/ Senior Producer: Do Villarroel
Office Manager/Administrator: Arlene Raguindin
Coordinator: Cyril Cabornay

For Mistula:
Words: Uno
Music: Manx Minuet + Lugosi

Special thanks to:
Ms. Ana Agtarap-Palillo
Mr. Aldous Pagaduan
Mr. Sonny Cruz

As always, keep tabs on the Mistula Facebook page for more up-to-date news.

Crossposted on Uno’s blog, Fully Articulated:

As the dark clouds signal the end of summer, Mistula prepares for the coming of the typhoon season and its next web update.

Lugosi has spoken about our latest project: a prayer to be sung during the typhoon season, our donation to the Filipino faithful. Because we believe people need more than financial aid during times of calamity.

Our most heartfelt thanks to our friends at Hit Productions, for helping us breathe life into this project.

For Hit Productions:
Arranger: Arnold Buena
Sound Engineer: KC Caballero
Singers: Jingle Buena, Tanya Marquez, Jeff Arcilla, Daryl Reyes
Senior Partner and CEO: Salito Malca
President and Managing Partner: Vic Icasas
Finance Head: Edith Humirang
VP Operations/ Senior Producer: Do Villarroel
Office Manager/Administrator: Arlene Raguindin
Coordinator: Cyril Cabornay

For Mistula:
Words: Uno
Music: Manx Minuet + Lugosi

Special thanks to:
Ms. Ana Agtarap-Palillo
Mr. Aldous Pagaduan
Mr. Sonny Cruz

Keep tabs on the Mistula Facebook page for more up-to-date news.

Crossposted on Uno’s blog, Fully Articulated:

Because you asked for it. You can now buy Mistula band shirts at Sputnik Comics!

Sputnik is located at Shop 60, Cubao Expo (formerly Marikina Shoe Expo), Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao, Quezon City. It’s an eye-catching store selling comics, toys and now, Mistula shirts!
read more »

For the thousands who are still feeling lost and forsaken.
We haven’t forgotten.

Last September and October 2009, two super typhoons battered northern Philippines. It was the worst natural disaster the country has experienced in over three decades.

Almost a thousand lives were lost. Infrastructure damages reached 38 Billion Pesos or 829 Million in US Dollars.

The disaster awakened the spirit of volunteerism.

Donated goods came in the truckloads to the relief areas. Local networks organized telethons, collecting as much as 10 Million Pesos. Proceeds of big, industry-wide events, such as the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress, were donated to the most affected cities and provinces. Benefit concerts by various local artists and bands were organized, the proceeds of which went to the victims and their families.

Everyone wanted to donate and do whatever they can to help.

And amidst all the financial and material aid that has poured from all over the world, the band realized one important aspect of the Filipino that was curiously being overlooked.

The Philippines is one of only two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia, with more than 90% of the entire population Christians. Devout and religious, the common Filipino’s everyday life is ruled by spirituality. His everyday decisions and choices influenced largely by his faith.

More than being physically starved due to the recent disasters, the Filipinos were hungry spiritually. And it struck us odd that nobody was addressing this.

So we did.

Mistula is currently spearheading an ongoing project that involves a production team composed of some of the most genuinely kind-hearted individuals who have pledged their very precious time and talent into helping us breathe life to an idea.

Our end goal is a new Mistula song. But it won’t be just any song.

It will be a prayer.

It will be a new church song, to be donated and offered to various churches and choirs.

A new prayer, to be sung specifically before the coming of a storm.

Because there is no escaping the country’s geography; no denying the estimated 19 tropical cyclones that visit the country each year during the typhoon season.

Over the course of the coming weeks and months, our efforts will consist solely of bringing this new song into existence. We shall be posting constant updates on its production process, right up to the song’s online release, and ultimately, to its offering at the church, right before the next typhoon season comes.

The band hopes that this donation will help build a spiritually stronger Filipino, united through one prayer, in the face of calamity.

This, we pray.

Amen.