Heber Bartolome
Heber Gonzalez Bartolome (November 4, 1948 – November 15, 2021) was a Filipino folk and rock singer, songwriter, composer, poet, guitarist, bandurria player, bluesman, and painter. His music was influenced by the "stylistic tradition" of Philippine folk and religious melodies. He was the founder of Banyuhay, a "protest band" that carried the trademark sound of the kubing, a native musical instrument in the Philippines. His compositions were described as a "unique synthesis of rock and blues, and Philippine ethnic rhythms". Bartolome's song "Nena" became a hit in 1977. His song "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy" ("We're Filipinos") was a finalist during the 1978 first Metro Manila Popular Music Festival. Biography Bartolome was born in Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, to Deogracias Bartolome and Angelina Gonzalez. Deogracias Bartolome was a pastor and violin and guitar maker, and a rondalla band leader while Angelina Gonzalez was a singer in the zarzuela. During his school days, Heber Bartolome was a member of the ROTC Band and the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus. Bartolome started his professional career in music in folk houses during the late 1960s. In 1973, Bartolome obtained the degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines. He was a