Indie-folk band Munimuni held their concert titled Alegorya at the UP Theater on July 20, in celebration of their latest album of the same title.

It is the third major concert of their career, and their biggest one yet. Presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions, the show drew a crowd of more than a thousand people composed of Komunidad (their fanbase name) and music enthusiasts.

Composed of Adj Jiao (guitars/vocals), John Owen Castro (flute/vocals), Jolo Ferrer (bass), Josh Tumaliuan (drums), Ben Ayes (guitars), Munimuni went far and beyond normal concert expectations to make sure that the three-hour show would be a worthwhile musical experience.

Even before the show started, the stage effects were on point. Entering the theater felt like entering a cave. In the background of the stage, stacks of blocks were illuminated by light radiating from water, as the sound of water droplets echoed mellifluously.

When Munimuni first appeared on stage, the five members played in their usual band set-up, starting with “Ako Lang Ba?”, a song that opened the descent to the preeminent emotion of the first part of their setlist: sadness. This was followed by tracks from their latest album Alegorya such as “Kapayapaan”, “Isang Araw ang Lumipas”, “Alat” and “Sikat ng Araw”. Adj asked the crowd in jest if they could still take more sadness after this, a comment which made the crowd laugh. The mood lightened up a few shades afterward when they played “Matimtiman”, “Kalsada”, “Dito Muna Tayo” and “Maligaya”.

The show went on a short break as the stage set-up was adjusted to accommodate their unplugged set, as well as their backing chamber orchestra. The members shared that this was the kind of set-up they were accustomed to when they were starting out since they did not have a drum kit at the time. Decked in all-white fits, Munimuni sat side-by-side in front of the stage and proceeded to play “Tanikala”. Joining them after were their special guests: Sofia Abrogar in “Pagsibol”, Clara Benin in “Tahanan” and Keiko Necesario in “Oras”. Each singer’s distinctive vocal color matched by the string arrangement made for some goosebump-inducing moments in the concert.

Their setlist also gave a spotlight to their heavier, angrier tracks such as “Respeto”, “Alegorya”, “Bukas Makalawa”, which culminated into the cathartic blend of the somber “Tiwala” and the discordant “Alpas”.

Veteran singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis later joined Munimuni on stage to perform “Tupa”, a collaboration song off their latest album. Before their performance together, Owen got a bit emotional while taking the time to thank the crowd. “Itong buong concert na ‘to, it is a step of faith for us. Di namin ma-imagine na more than 1,000 people are here to celebrate our music,” he said with a shaky voice. Barbie cheered on the band, saying that she and her husband are big fans of the band.

“Maraming salamat sa pagpunta,sa pagcelebrate kahit di ito parang normal celebration,” Adj also told the crowd. “Di lang siya celebration ng album, pero ng pagiging tao, ‘yung halaga ng buhay ng tao.” Adj further explained that their purpose as a band is to inspire hope in people – the kind that gives people a reason to keep living. “Ang pag-asa, nandiyan siya, isang magandang salita, isang magandang konsepto. Ebidensiya siya na lumalaban ka, na may hangad ka para mabuhay,” he said.

By all means, Munimuni’s Alegorya went beyond the concept of a usual album launch/concert. The UP Theater was the perfect venue for it as it was primarily the kind of show that demanded the audience to be still, to listen, and to take in every detail. From the get-go, it was evident that the band put every ounce of thought into giving the concert a strong visceral impact, a feat they achieved by fine-tuning the acoustics, synching the lighting to each track, coordinating with a chamber orchestra, and more.

The acoustics of the venue sounded so crisp and clean, making the string arrangement all the more stirring. The lighting direction was orchestrated so meticulously, that it felt like they were dancing to the melodies of each song. The setlist was arranged as if it follows a narrative that gradually unravels – one that begins with sadness, continues in hope, and ends in love/togetherness. The three hours were undoubtedly long, but it was a captivating journey, and every minute of it was valuable.

For the finale, Komunidad raised their orange lights as they sang along to the Munimuni anthem “Marilag”, a loud, magical moment in a show that was marked with solemnity. The band was about to leave the stage, but the audience called for an encore. The jovial “Bukang-Liwayway” officially closed the evening.

Special thanks to Gabi Na Naman Productions!

by Sandra Mae Laureano