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Doha rocks to Filipino beat
Web posted at: 3/2/2008 1:9:30
Source ::: The Peninsula / By Raynald C Rivera


Doha • Hundreds of Filipinos swarmed the Aladdin's Kingdom grounds to rock with the Philippines' premier icons for the 'Pinoy Rocks' on Friday. The concert opened with a performance by Doha-based Filipino band, Onion Brass.

Patriotism filled the air with the singing of the Philippine national anthem followed by 'Ako ay Pilipino' (I Am a Filipino).

Roars of applause welcomed rapper Gloc 9 as he took the stage performing his popular songs. Ely Buendia followed on vocals singing a brand new song titled 'Nasaan Ka" (Where Are You). To his fans’ delight, he did not fail to perform his signature Eraserheads songs like linear narratives 'Pare Ko' (My Friend) and 'Ang Huling El Bimbo' (The Last El Bimbo) which won the 1997 MTV Asian Viewers' Choice Award.

Master Rapper Francis Magalona rendered his hits such as 'Ito ang Gusto Ko' (This Is What I Want) and 'Mga Kababayan Ko' (My Fellowmen). The lights were superb but the venue was made even brighter with the flicker of myriad cameras capturing significant moments of Francis M's compelling presence. One spectator Debbie Mendez said: “I came to take pictures.”

It was the antics of Jay, Kamikazee's vocalist, which won the crowd’s interest. He had the audience singing with him his musical hit 'Darna' which talks about a man's desperate effort to gain a super heroine's attention.

The final hour belonged to rock icon Parokya ni Edgar. Interspersing old and new favourites, band vocalist Chito Miranda sang with immense prowess and energy. The spectators untiringly cheered with zeal when Chito summoned other performers to the stage to provide the fans their musical exploits.