BY REGGIE ABANG
In celebration of his 20th year as a composer, Jonathan Manalo collaborates with visual artist Kristine Lim for “Kwento ng Alon” — an art exhibit inspired by songs he has created through the years.
Music and art meld into one as multi-award-winning composer Jonathan Manalo and visual artist Kristine Lim join forces for “Kwento ng Alon” (“As Told by the Waves”), a project celebrating Manalo’s 20 years in the music industry. The duo officially announced their collaboration in an intimate event at the Academy of Rock in Quezon City.
Former The Voice Teens finalist Jeremy G started the event with his rendition of “Tara Tena,” Manalo’s winning piece in the 2001 JAM: Himig Handog sa Makabagong Kabataan Song Writing Contest.
“Kwento ng Alon” will feature Lim’s artistic interpretations of “Tara Tena,” as well as several of Manalo’s compositions, including Pinoy Big Brother anthems such as “Pinoy Tayo,” “Sikat ang Pinoy” and “Kabataang Pinoy,” “Ililigtas Ka Niya,” “Raise Your Flag,” “Unbreakable,” “Beautiful Days,” “Pagbigyang Muli,” “Paano ba ang Magmahal,” and “Patuloy ang Pangarap.”
Lim said that her artworks in “Kwento ng Alon” will present stories of inspiration to go through trials and uncertainties. “I want the pieces to present to you the stories of those songs. Our stories. Your stories. Every story that inspires us,” she said.
‘Everything went into place‘
When asked how the collaboration began, Manalo said the idea came after he talked with Lim, who was considered his “pandemic friend.” Before the project, Lim worked with Manalo to interpret his “Let’s Talk about His Love,” the theme song for ABS-CBN’s digital talk show, “Real Talk: The Heart of the Matter.” They also became partners in forming the Academy of Rock and helping the next generation of artists.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Alam mo, Kristine. Dream ko na (…) one of my songs turn into a painting na ilalagay ko lang sa bahay ko.’ Jino-joke ko naman siya. And then, she captured it pala. Sabi niya, ‘The power of words, no?’ (I told her, ’You know, Kristine. I dream that one of my songs will turn into a painting I can put on my wall.’ I was joking. Then, she captured it. She said, ‘The power of words, right?’),” he said.
Even Lim had the same dream, especially during her 12-year stint in a magazine earlier in her career, saying she wanted to have her art exhibit or a venue to create art inspired by songs. However, she forgot about it until Manalo brought it up when they met in December 2020.
“While working, I was introduced to Filipino Music. Eventually, I want to have my art exhibit or a venue to create art inspired by songs. It was 12 years ago. I had completely forgotten about it until we talked last December 2020. I don’t believe that he thought about it. And everything just unfolded,” she said in the vernacular.
Gratitude
Manalo expressed his gratitude for his 20-year music career as a composer. “I am filled with gratitude knowing that God is behind all of the success I have experienced. For that, I am forever grateful,” he said.
As for Lim, she knew after her return to the art scene after a 10-year hiatus is driven by her strong faith in God. “I know I’m not deserving of any of these things. Yet, God is grateful. Whatever happens, whatever I do, I make sure it is not about me, but it is something to glorify,” she said.
The “Kwento ng Alon” art exhibit will kick off at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Lobby on Sept. 27, 2022. A day after, a two-week exhibition of Lim’s artistic interpretations of Manalo’s compositions will happen at Art Lounge Manila in Molito, Alabang.
