Erico Joseph T. Canete

“FRIDAY CLEANERS”

(ART IN THE MAKING)

CARLOTTI, an Italian painter, defined beauty as the summation of parts working together in such way that nothing needed to be added, taken or altered. Levelling our intelligibility to this definition leads our spirit to transcend to the world of the divine. 

God created the universe and everything that is in it with unity, truth and goodness reason why beauty is inherent in all beings. This beauty attracts us first thru the senses because nothing gets into the inner spirit unless sensed, as philosopher Aristotle puts it. Then, if abstraction plays a role after sensation, our spirit sees beauty in beings according to its degree of perfection. We further see that this beauty is a reflection of the divine.

God manifested His divine perfection in all beings thru His omnipotence. Man sees it and expresses in varying degrees his appreciation of this beauty thru a work of art. We have variety of works of art. Yet, let me focus my thoughts in music vis a vis mentioning a group of humble neophyte musicians.

Bonded by their passion for music, the band was formed four months ago. They call themselves Friday Cleaners, a name whom they thought as catchy phrase. Yet, as I watched them play, my imagination wondered into their sub conscious mind leaving an image of fathoming the enigma of the nomenclature. Probably, on top of their parents’ gentle love and concern, these young men wanted responsible use of their freedom from undesirable allurements and restlessness due to storm and stress brought by the external world. Music is their antidote to purify their young souls. 

Being at its infancy stage to the music industry, the boys had already performed at private parties, at Coclea Lounge Bar, and at Sandugo Festival at the old airport. On top of that, they were chosen as one of the finalists in the battle of the bands competing with the seasoned and adept musicians in Bohol.

Friday Cleaners have a passion for, but not limited to, Indie music. My source, Google, explains that “it is short for independently released music which is not directly financially dependent on the four major labels (WMG, Sony BMG, EMI and Universal). Indie does not refer to a style of music; it refers to the financial circumstances of its distribution.” 

Some of the band’s Indie set list includes Pleasantries, Daddy Rookie Brown, Loving is Easy, Everytime, I Love You So, among others. Classic oldies and contemporary tunes like the songs of the Beatles and Dirty Mac, OPM songs from Hotdog and APO, Itchyworms are played respectively.

The band members include:

Sev Daniel Q. Abonete (17), a very energetic guy, alternately plays rhythm and lead guitar with another band member Zach. He plays supporting chords and, along with the bassist and drummer, form the foundation of the song. He is an incoming freshman at Bohol Island State University planning to take up Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

Melchor Maverick A. Daniel (18), a guy with a charm, is the son of Melchor Daniel, Jr. – a former adept drummer of Recycled Image Band. Just like his father, Maverick plays the drum set and provides the rhythm and beat. He surprised the audience during their last gig at Sandugo Festival this July when he demonstrated dance moves while on the drum set. He is an incoming freshman at the University of the Philippines, Cebu, planning to take up Bachelor of Science in Biology. 

Sam Josephus Mari J. Biliran (19) is the band’s cerubrum, vocalist and trumpeter. He steers the band’s wheel, sings, blows the trumpet and leaps in their performances. With a euphonic voice and good command in English, he runs the show with life and humor. His musicality is traced from his roots in Loboc – a family of musicians. He’s an incoming Sophomore at Visayas State University taking up Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Zachary ‘Zach’ Bricx B. Ferolino (19), the silent but deep Friday Cleaner, is the lead guitarist who spices songs with a unique aesthetic sound. He plays with expression with his eyes closed simultaneously manifesting his ability and skill on guitar. He is studying at the University of Bohol taking up Bachelor in Computer Science.

John Benedict (JB) B. Cañete (20), a reflective fellow, is the keyboardist who unifies a song with chord structures and best chord progression to produce a fine sound interpretation. Modesty aside, he traces his passion for music from his father who is also a music enthusiast and band player. JB is a third year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Holy Name University.

Ardee B. Bitancor (21), a man with a pensive look, is the band’s bassist who uses Hofner bass guitar (the kind of bass Paul Mc Cartney uses) in their performances. He is the sonic link between the rhythmical and melodic elements in the band serving as the backbone to flesh out sounds. Ardee, JB’s first degree cousin, is taking up Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology at Indiana Aerospace University in Cebu City. 

These young people don’t only live with their passion. They’re taking off momentarily from their music career to pursue a world bigger than their own small worlds and bigger than their passion. For now, academics first. Yet, bonded by the same love for music, friendship and brotherhood, each individually is honing their skills, venturing into composition and looking forward for their reunion by summer to play again as one. Hopefully we can hear on air the melody of their original composition and poetry. 

Hail, Friday Cleaners! You are art in the making!Let this art be a shadow of God’s divine perfection (Michelangelo).