Why Tagalog Songs? - the beginning

Why Tagalog Songs?

I sort of wish there was a short answer for this question, but there are at least a hundred different reasons why I've learned Tagalog songs. And each song also has it's own individual reasons as to why I decided to learn it. So let's start at the beginning...

Before I ever fell in love with OPM I first fell in love with the Philippines, and not so coincidentally around that same time I also fell in love with a Filipina :)

A few Pinoy friends of mine I'd gotten to know while performing in other countries invited me to come visit them while they were home on vacation. . I had learned a few Tagalog phrases from them and they were some of the most friendly people I'd ever met so finally decided to take them up on the offer. In some way maybe it was destiny because the girl who picked me up at the airport when I arrived ended up becoming my girlfriend of over 2 years …but that's getting ahead of the story.

When I woke up the first morning I turned on the TV in the hotel and it was on MYX. The video playing was Rico Blanco's song "Your Universe". At the time I had no idea it was a local artist. I just thought it was a song that hadn't yet been released in the US. I loved the song.

The two weeks that I spent on vacation in the Philippines were probably the best two weeks of my life. I was so in love with Dominique (the girl I mentioned), and all the fresh fruit, jeepneys, 168 Mall, haha …I felt at home.

A few months later I came back to the Philippines to visit again and this time I thought it would be fun to check out some of the local music. Dominique had gotten a Facebook invite to a Rico Blanco show, and she told me how much she liked his songs. We watched a couple of his music videos together on YouTube, and I liked his songs too. I remembered hearing "Your Universe" on MYX my last trip. When I saw Rico perform live I was so impressed! Afterwords I met him and we talked for a little while. I got his album, and was so excited to listen to it.

Once back in the US I started listening to Rico's album almost daily and "Antukin" became one of my favorite songs. I asked Dominique if she would help me learn how to pronounce the words in the song. I thought it would be cool to have a Tagalog song to play for her, and I knew she would really appreciate. I loved learning so many new Tagalog words, and it was easier to remember them in a song. I ended up learning almost every song on Rico's album ...both the English and Tagalog songs.

I was really interested in moving at least part time to the Philippines because of how much I'd enjoyed my visits, and because Dominique lived there. Then suddenly one day I got an email from MCA/Universal Music Philippines. They had heard one of my original English songs "So Hard To Let Go", and they told me Nyoy Volante wanted to record it for his next album. I didn't yet know who Nyoy was, but Dominique told me he was quite popular and a great singer. Nyoy and I started becoming friends via email. He told me that he would introduce me to his other musician friends on my next visit. Suddenly I was excited about the opportunity to have a music career both in the Philippines as well as the US.

My next trip back Nyoy started introducing me to his friends; Gary V, Yael Yuzon, Top Suzara, Mike Chan, Duncan Ramos, Barbie Almabis .etc. As I got the chance to hear these artists perform live I was really impressed by their songs. Every time I heard a song that I didn't know I would ask someone "…what's the title of this song?" Soon I was learning lots of new Tagalog songs, and what made it even more exciting was often being privileged enough to get to jam the hits I was learning on stage with the original artists. My favorite moment came when Rico invited me to perform "Antukin" on stage with him at the club where I first saw him perform.

Here are a couple of the most popular YouTube songs I've covered, and at least one "Reason" as to why I learned the song.

"Himala" - my friend Ryan Peralta often substitutes on drums when the Rivermaya drummer can't make it. He suggested this song to me, and it instantly became one of my favorites. I had Dominique help translate the lyrics for me. The lyrics are brilliant! One of the best things about learning new Tagalog songs, is the fact that I also learn the English translation and therefore more Tagalog each time I learn a new song.

"Ikay Mahal Pa Rin" - I heard this song playing in Mini-stop on a couple of my late night visits for snacks. I found the melody irresistible so I decided to put together my own version.

"Wag Na" - I cover Yeng's songs for three reasons: One, because I like them. Two, because I like what she stands for and the fact she writes her own songs. Three, because I have a crush on her and I started thinking maybe if I cover enough of her songs on YouTube she'd notice me …and maybe say "yes" when I ask her to collaborate on a song and/or marry me someday, haha.

"Sabihin Mo Na" - Top Suzara sent me a copy of his album, and I loved it. Especially his English song "Overcast" …it's actually my favorite song of his. But "Sabihin Mo Na" is my 2nd favorite ...so I decided to learn both.

Your - "Questions Answered"

- Do you have Filipino blood?

Not that I know of, but I'm a mix of a lot of things. My last name is Italian, and I'm of Italian descent on my father's side. My mother is Jewish/German, but I was born and raised in the USA.

- Where did you grow up?

Charlotte, North Carolina ("Tar Heels" represent!) ;) haha

- Why did you decide to visit the Philippines and what do you like the most about the Philippines?

My best friend in the US is Pinoy. Growing up around his wonderful family including his adorable karaoke loving grandfather was my first introduction to Filipinos. When I started performing on cruise ships after high school there were a lot of Pinoys working on board and a lot of them became my good friends. It was some of these friends that first invited me to visit the Philippines. My first trip to the Philippines was two of the best weeks of my life, and I immediately decided I had to come back.

- Are you living in the Philippines for good?

I love the Philippines, but I also love my home country and all of my family is there including my four brothers and one sister so at this time I'm just country hopping back and forth doing shows, collaborating with artists, and hanging out with friends.

- Have you met Sarah Geronimo?

Hindi pa, but I'm really looking forward to meeting her one day.

- How did you start writing songs with Filipino artists like Mark Bautista?

My first introduction to the Philippines music business was when Nyoy Volante recorded one of my original songs for his latest album on MCA/Universal, and through that we became good friends. Once Nyoy recorded my song other artists became interested in writing songs with me for their albums as well. I'm really proud of the song Mark Bautista and I wrote together. It hasn't been released yet, but I'm sure it will be before long.

- What inspires your art and what are the main challenges of being an artist?

There are four things that inspire my art: Girls, Opposition, Friendship, and the chance to make someone laugh :)

- How are you related to "Mian Dimacali" the girl in your music video for your "Naiisip Mo Ba"?

I saw her perform in the musical RENT in Manila. The cast was amazing, but she was the standout performer in show, and as soon as I saw her I knew I wanted to work with her in some regard. When I was casting my music video I thought she would be perfect to play "my girlfriend". The girl I wrote the song for is also the same Filipina "morena" type and she thought Mian would be perfect as well. Mian and I are just friends :)

- What is it about Yeng Constantino that makes you like her?

I love the passion and effort that she puts into everything she does. I love her sincerity. I love the way she dresses. I love the sound of her voice both when she sings or speaks in both English and Tagalog. I think Yeng is a great role model for girls. She's really herself and she doesn't hide who she is, and I think that's sexy, haha. Ok, so …everything. ;)

- What inspired you to start learning Tagalog?

The first OPM performer I saw in concert was Rico Blanco and he instantly became my favorite Filipino songwriter and artist. I started learning his song "Antukin" because I just thought it sounded super cool. Of course I wanted to know what the lyrics meant so that's how I started learning Tagalog. Every new Tagalog song teaches me more as I learn what the words I'm singing mean. Because of this I'm much better at reading, writing, and singing Tagalog than I am at speaking it or understanding when it's spoken to me. "nose bleed", haha.

- What made you want to write "Taglish" songs?

Part of my inspiration was Rico because I like the way he uses English phrases in his Tagalog songs. The main reason though was that I thought it would be chance for me to help bring OPM, the Philippines, and the Tagalog language to a larger audience …sort of the way that K-pop has brought Korean to a larger audience by also mixing in a lot of English. I think multi-lingual music is the wave of the future.

- Who are you going to collaborate with next?

Not sure yet, but I really want to collaborate with Yeng on an English or "Taglish" song.

- Are you courting Yeng Constantino?

Yeng and I are already married …she just doesn't know it yet ;)

- What is your favorite Tagalog song?

"Yugto"

- What was your most unforgettable childhood experience?

My dad singing me lullabies as I fell asleep.

- Do you have "regular gigs" …where and when?

I want every gig to be a new, exciting, challenging experience ...so for that reason I don't play shows at one particular venue or kind of venue on a regular basis. Instead I choose to constantly move from one type of venue to another which I think is more fun. My first major concert in the Philippines will be my album launch show in about 4-5 weeks. Setting up a date and time now.

- What's your birthday?

Feb 9, 1985

- Who is your crush?

Yeng

- What's your beauty secret?

Hmmm, I'm beautiful? Nice. Well, then I just hope that my music lasts much longer than my looks, haha ;)

- What's your motto or advice.

Life is too short to not enjoy your "work". Start pursuing your passion as early in life as you possibly can and mainly just work harder at it than everyone else. If you do you'll probably be successful :)

- Is there a chance that you're going to visit and perform in Cebu?

Sure hope so! I haven't been to Cebu yet, but I can't wait to visit!

- Are you single?

Yes

- What makes Filipino songs different from other songs you've heard?

I think every word of every language has a melody of it's own. A natural way of being spoken that leads to the way it is sung. The Tagalog language has a melody all it's own, and I enjoy being part of that melody.

- Is it possible that you could fall in love with someone who's not related to the entertainment industry?

oo naman. (of course)

- Where are you learning Tagalog?

No formal study at this point, just friends, necessity, and songs.

- Who are you musical inspirations?

Too many to list but a couple of the top inspirations are Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Billy Joel, Elton John, Savage Garden, Def Leppard, and Rico Blanco.

- Have you signed with any Philippines network (ie. ABS-CBN/GMA/TV 5)

Hindi pa (not yet)

- If you could be one Filipino dish what would it be and why?

Buko juice …because it's so healthy, hydrating, and refreshing! :)

- Are you planning on performing anymore in the US?

Yes, I'm going to be back in the US for a couple of shows in the fall. This year I'm mostly concentrated on my shows in South East Asia though. Next year I plan on setting up a longer tour of the US.

- Have you ever eaten "Balot"?

Nope, and it's not on my "bucket list", haha.

- Things on your "Bucket List"?

Marry Yeng Constantino …perform on ASAP & Party Pilipinas …be able to walk on stage and have thousands of fans singing along with a couple hours worth of my original songs.

- Naiintindihan mo po ba pag kinausap ka in Tagalog?

oo, naintindihan ko.

- What was the sweetest thing you did for love?

I've literally flown all the way around the world just to spend a couple days with the person I love.

- Have you done guestings on TV shows in the Philippines?

Yes, "MU Live" on MYX, "Hompage" morning show on NET 25, and "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" on GMA.

- Can you write a song for your fans?

Every song I write is for my fans, so in a way they're all "about" my fans as well :)

- How long did it take you to be that good?

I practice guitar, do vocal exercises, and write songs every single day. I think to be successful you can never really believe you're "good enough". I've been playing guitar for 10 years, writings songs for 16 years, and singing for 5 years.

- What/who inspired you to sing in the, Philippines? Will this be just in passing?

So many things inspired me to share my music in the Philippines, but mainly it's just my love of being "in" the Philippines. I'm not sure where my art will take me. Being an artist means changing. I'm a perfectionist though, so I will never release any material that I don't think is great, and I will only write songs that come from my heart and that have a message I believe in.

- When will you sing a Filipino song your own composition, or did you just make one?

I've already written three original "Taglish" songs and one original "Tagalog" song. Two of the "Taglish" songs I've written are included on my upcoming album. They are titled "Naiisip Mo Ba" & "(I'll Do Anything) Para Sa 'Yo"

- What places in the Philippines do you recommend a tourist should visit?

I think a tourist should visit as many of the islands as possible. Every one that I've been to so far is magnificent in it's own unique way.

- What is the meaning of life?

LOVE

Burning Fat - The Biggest Myth

If there's one myth about burning fat that I see acted upon the most in the gym it's that "one can burn fat off a certain area by working out that individual area" This is NOT TRUE.

If you want to burn fat off your stomach don't workout your stomach! The fact is your body burns fat off of itself PROPORTIONALLY ...spread out over it's entire system NOT from a specific area …no matter how hard you work out that specific area.

I've seen countless fat dudes in the gym everyday doing hundreds of crunches and not getting anywhere. The reason being that doing crunches doesn't break down very much muscle (just the tiny little muscles in your stomach), and therefore doesn't greatly speed up your metabolism …which in turn doesn't burn much fat.

Crunches are one of the most useless exercises for burning fat and having great abs. Most people that have great abs don't spend much of their time in the gym doing crunches. Personally I never do crunches …I'm not bragging, it's just that you get good abs by having very little body fat, and you don't get a low body fat percentage by doing crunches.

If want a low body fat percentage you should be lifting heavy weights doing exercises that work your largest muscle groups …legs and back most importantly …and lastly chest.

In my next exercise blog I will tell you about two exercises that if done will change the make up of your entire body in the most effective and fastest way possible. No, not bulky …TONED :)

Hips Don't Lie

Hey Guys,

Here's your free download link for Aug. new single "Chocamos, feat. Luci"!

http://www.nimbitmusic.com/daviddimuzio/promos/chocamos

As most of you know, I have a passion for music in other languages. I feel like every word has its own melody, and therefore new languages/words = new melodies!

I've always been a fan of both Shakira and Enrique Iglesias (especially their first US album releases), so when I met a talented new singer/songwriter named Luci from Peru I immediately felt like this would be the perfect opportunity to write a Spanish/English song that would someday make Shakira want to settle down and have beautiful children with me ;)

FACTOID: I love the song "Collide" by Howie Day ...the word "Collide" just totally makes that song! ...though it's already taken in English I figured there had to be a Spanish version of the word "Collide" ...the closest thing I could come up with was "chocamos" which means "we crash". From there Luci and I sat down and in a couple of hours had written this duet.

If you were afraid you'd never be able to "salsa" to a David DiMuzio song ...toss your fears aside, crank this little diddy tonight, and tell the truth ...cuz your hips don't lie! ;)

David

PS: Since working with Luci she's become one of my new favorite up and coming female artists. After listening to this song I'm sure you'll definitely want to look her up on Facebook as well... http://www.facebook.com/pages/Luci/272772070632

House Concerts/School Shows

Hey Guys,

I'm going to be performing mostly overseas for the next year and half, but as to not leave anyone out I've scheduled a few trips back to the US for blocked groups of shows ...and I have one such block coming up November 5th - 18th.

If you're interested in having my "Koala Effect" presentation at your school/conference then those would be excellent dates to book me for an assembly/event.

I've also decided to try something new ...House Concerts! I have a BOSE Sound System that is perfect size for house concerts, and there are certain parts of the US that I get a lot of requests to do shows in, but haven't yet made it to. If you're in one of these areas and you're interested in hosting/promoting an intimate house/condo style concert to the people in your network of friends then let me know and I'll send you the requirements.

Nov 5th-18th are the available dates. Look forward to working with you! :)

David

PS: I'm already booked on Nov 15th at the University of Louisville, but all the other dates are available

http://DavidDiMuzio.com
http://YouTube.com/DavidDiMuzio

My First Major Label Recording

Hey Guys,

In July I'll be starting to base myself out of the Philippines part time. I've been doing a lot of shows around Asia, so I've decided I'd like to have a home base on that side of that world as well. Splitting my home base up between the US and the Philippines will enable me to play more shows for everyone. I was in the Philippines playing and meeting with labels three times last year and the islands are incredibly beautiful. At some point I'd like to organize a trip for my fans around other parts of the world to come visit for a week or two as a sort of "Rock'n Roll Cruise", but on land. It would be the trip of a lifetime!

Last week Filipino Acoustic/Pop star Nyoy Volante released his album on "Universal Music/MCA Records", and my song "So Hard To Let Go" is track #5! He's known worldwide as one of the pioneers of acoustic music in Asia, and I couldn't be happier with Nyoy's version. Yesterday I recorded a YouTube video of me singing "So Hard To Let Go" in my condo in Nashville.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3YmRMnwP3o

The next "free single of the month" will be coming soon, but while you wait in anticipation here are a few interesting facts about the Philippines that you might not expect.

"The Philippines"
Population: 92 Million
Worlds 12th most populous country
Number of islands: 7,107
Primary Language: English/Tagalog (most used; English)
Average price of a 1hr massage at a professional spa: $4 US
Religion: 90% Christian
Worlds largest supplier of nurses.
Price of a 15 minute cab ride: $1.50 US

You Rock! :)

David
PS: Those of you that already have my debut album "I Wanna Save The Last Koala Bear" It'd be cool to read your review of it it on iTunes :) ...thx!!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-wanna-save-the-last-koala/id366479041