Teatro Pinas : Ephesus Teatron Group Presents "Timeless Tribu" – A Cultural and Musical Spectacle at Teatrino

 "Timeless Tribu" will transport audiences to the romantic canals of Venice, serenading them with classical opera arias, beloved Broadway melodies, and enchanting Disney tunes.

The group members include Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan (who is also the musical director), Margarita Roco, Terence Guillermo, Nazer Salcedo, and Onyl Torres. Pipo Cifra is the musical arranger, and special guest artist Nicole Laurel-Asensio will also perform.

This family-friendly extravaganza promises to be an evening of entertainment and musical education that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

TRIBU traces its roots to the Aliw Award-winning cultural group, "Tribung Pinoy," from the 1980s, led by the late Danny Dolor, an ardent advocate of Filipino culture.
Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan, a UST Conservatory of Music-trained coloratura soprano, had the opportunity to sing with Tribung Pinoy alongside her mentor, Prof. Gloria Dizon Coronel. In 2011, Mr. Dolor received an invitation from the Cultural Center of the Philippines to mount "Harana sa Dapit Hapon." However, reuniting the pioneers of Tribung Pinoy proved to be a challenge. To continue its legacy, Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan formed the vocal ensemble Tribu with the support of Ephesus Teatron Group Inc.

Tribu’s primary repertoire consists of specially arranged immortal Filipino songs, ranging from timeless kundiman, beloved folk songs, captivating zarzuelas, and stirring patriotic anthems to well-loved Original Pilipino Music.

With Tribu’s powerhouse of accomplished vocalists, its repertoire has evolved to include a wide range of carefully curated opera arias, art songs, Broadway classics, and timeless melodies from around the world.

After its premiere performance at the CCP, Tribu headlined several solo concerts, including:

• The "Timeless Musical Series" at Venice Luxury Residences, Caruso Ristorante Italiano, Palacio de Manila, and Paco Park Presents.
• "Reminiscences" at the RCBC Theatre.
• "Serenade" at Concert at the Park (Luneta).
• "Klasical" at Onstage, Greenbelt 1.

Tribu has also performed at various events such as:

• The "Maubanog Festival Cultural Night" in Mauban, Quezon Province.
• "Iconic: Manila Food and Wine Festival" at Admiral Hotel.
• "Expo Maritime" at Hotel Sofitel.
• "Aliw Awards' Gabi ng Parangal" at Manila Hotel.
• "Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards" at Hilton Hotel.
• "AVLCI@17 Ball" at Chardonnay Events Hall by Astoria.
• The "Festival of Lights" at CCP.
• "Likhang Pamana: Katutubo Haute Couture" at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Hong Kong.

Even during the pandemic, Tribu continued to perform through several online shows, which are still available on YouTube.

In 2023, Tribu released its first album, Klasical Tribu: A Collection of Immortal Filipino Folk Songs. Tribu’s commitment to excellence has garnered national recognition:

• Aliw Awards:
  • Outstanding Choral Group nominee (2019)
  • Outstanding Group Performance in a Concert nominee (2023)
  • Best Cultural Group winner (2023)
• Live Entertainment, Arts, and Fashion / Festivals (LEAF) Awards:
  • Outstanding Vocal Ensemble winner (2019, 2023)
  • Outstanding Cultural Group winner (2019)
  • Outstanding Group in a Concert nominee (2023)