Institute staff member Ms Telet Montiel Achay Amba launched her album of Sebuano songs, Antolihaw: Ang Huni sa Kinaiyahan, at 3:00 p.m. today at the Institute Mini-Theater.
Known as MSU-IIT’s antolihaw or songbird, Amba performed several songs from her self-produced album before Institute officials, faculty and staff, and students who attended the rare campus event.
Amba works as a staff member of the main library, and holds the rank of Librarian 1 assigned to the Integrated Developmental School of the College of Education.
Antolihaw is the librarian’s first album, and boasts of original songs the singer wrote in collaboration with the composer Efren G. Tarongoy of Cebu City.
The songs Amba performed at the launching included Dongari Ka Dai, Siya og Ako sa Kangitngit, and May Naghilak sa Langit.
The album launching also featured the revelation of the story behind the album’s banner song, Antolihaw, which was then performed by Amba as the closing number.
Amba had always been musical even when she was still in her elementary and high school years, but her break came when she was heard by Tarongoy doing a cover of one of his songs.
Impressed by Amba’s singing ability, Tarongoy invited her to come to Cebu and collaborate.
Antolihaw was first introduced to Iliganons in May this year in a soft launching held at the city public plaza organized by the city tourism office.
The IIT launch of Amba’s album was produced by the Institute’s Cultural Development Office.
Gone are the heydays of Cebuano singers Pilita Corrales and Yoyoy Villame, whose Sebuano songs were popular hits in the country years before.
This turn of events has not stopped Ms. Telet Amba in pursuing another career, as a singer of Sebuano songs. In December 2015, Amba has launched her album of Sebuano songs.
Not known to many of IIT constituents, Amba is part of our Institute Library workforce.
Amba began this journey unexpectedly. She had joined a Facebook group of mga magbabalak (local poets), displaying her talent. Then the challenge came when she was asked by a fellow magbabalak to perform her own rendition of the Sebuano song “Sa Mahal Mong Kasingkasing”, a composition loved by its composer, Efren Tarongoy.
Her singing voice so impressed the composer Tarongoy that Amba was instantly offered to perform his songs so Amba traveled to Cebu City for a recording.
Her first musical album “Antolihaw” is already available in two versions (pop and classical style), and has the following songs: Sa Mahal Mong Kasingkasing, Antolihaw, Siya ug Ako sa Kangitngit, Kon Talikdan Mo, Ang Bugtong Damgo Ko, May Naghilak sa Langit, Dongari Ka Day, Kapunongan Sumbanan, Kinabuhing Banikanhon and Amahan Namo.
During the interview, Amba wished for the support of local artists in reviving the local musical industry.
She visited the OPI to promote her album which is on sale. Part of the proceeds will go to the Sendong Deus Caritas Village in Iligan City.
