MISTULA : Revelations

Mistula rises for the fifth time with Dolorosa, the 2006 Holy Week web update, a farewell tribute to their ex-rhythm guitarist, Dragan.

On February 19, 2006, Mistula’s British rhythm man, Dragan, chose a quiet, private life with his family in the UK and left the Philippines and the band. He entrusted his Lumanog custom guitar, the British Embassy, to his fellow guitarist Manx Minuet. In her sorrow, Manx Minuet composed the song Nuestra Señora Dolorosa, a solo piece, her farewell gift to her co-guitarist and dear friend.

Nuestra Señora Dolorosa is an advocation of the Holy Virgin Mary, in incredible grief, alone at the foot of the cross. In the Philippines, the statues of the Nuestra Señora Dolorosa are displayed in churches during Mahal na Araw (Lent). The Virgin’s mourning veils are lifted on Easter Sunday.

Another highlight of the Dolorosa update is the new edition of The Jealous God, award-winning writer Elvin Bueno’s work of fiction for Mistula. The story, which will be printed in magazines, appears for the first time on the Mistula website (click III REFLECTIONS).

For those who are new to Mistula, please visit RECOLLECTIONS (click X on the navigation bar) for the band’s historical highlights.

Dolorosa, the 2006 Mistula Holy Week Presentation, wouldn’t have been realized if not for the help of these amazing people:

Teresa Ibanez, Birheng Mahalay, for her gift of melody. Elvin Bueno, who sacrificed drinking time to write The Jealous God for Mistula. Angela Tiempo, who is more reliable than Babelfish.

Sam Munir, for her trust and friendship and Dragan. Bob Reyes, our 24-7-365.5 (including holidays) web server and tech support/er. Edith Esguerra, for making sure something is earned out of all this.

Derrick Periodico, Fabo and Leigh for their constant critique. Eric Sanchez and Jennyson Rosero for honoring us with their Mistula-exclusive art. eL Gosengfiao, our virtual bouncer, for trying her best to keep our sites thief-and-pirate-free. Mia Peterson for sending Lugosi home (with expensive gifts). Philmusic’s Jim Ayson, Rock Nation’s Karl Acepcion, Pinoy-Radio’s DJ Bobby and the moderators of Rakista. com for believing in Mistula. Dading Lumanog for beautifully crafting Dragan’s British Embassy and the Mistula custom guitars. Black Rose and the Black Rosary flock for the love, encouragement and support. Our beloved Jenny McNitt, ever our supporter and dear friend, for keeping Uno inspired.

The kind people of San Guillermo Parish Church for letting us play inside their holy, historical sanctuary. Our families who are bewildered yet still supportive. And of course, God, who to this day, have not struck us with lightning for our sacrilege. Thank you, forever and ever.