LionhearTV

Even before Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia hits the cinemas on December 25, it has already registered a lot of firsts for the Philippine movie industry. It is touted as the first Filipino film to be produced in Dolby 7.1 and the first Pinoy movie to collaborate with Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation.

"Dayo" is poised not only as a feast to the eyes but will seek to establish a deeper connection with the audience through its music.

Jessie Lasaten, multi-awarded film music composer and executive producer of "Dayo," weaves magic by complementing the digital animated film with an ensemble of an all-Filipino musical talent and the use of indigenous instruments. Providing for a multi-sensorial treat to audiences of all ages, "Dayo's" soundtrack highlights the rendition of world-renowned performer Lea Salonga of the movie's theme song, "Lipad." Her version of "Lipad" and the whole film score were recorded together with the FILharmoniKA under the baton of Gerard Salonga.

It will be recalled that Lea had already lent her singing voice to Mulan and Princess Jasmine of "Aladdin," both from Walt Disney. Lea's track will accompany the first flight of Bubuy (voiced over by Nash Aguas) and Anna manananggirl (voiced over by Katrina Legaspi). "Lipad is a song about believing in dreams and making them come true," explains Jessie who collaborated with Temi Abad, Jr. in writing the lyrics.

"Kaya mong lumipad," is a line from the movie's theme song. It speaks of an aspiration to soar and at the same time, talks about the readiness to reach new heights.

Aside from Lea's inspirational version, upcoming band Roots of Nature sang an upbeat version of "Lipad." This is currently being played on airwaves under the Sony BMG label.

Youtube sensation and "Bubble Gang" mainstay Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill also perform "Kapit," a song about friendship. The two are already signed up with Sony BMG and they are slated to come out with their album soon. The 25-year old Moymoy (whose real name is James Obeso) used to be a vocalist for the band Pashionista, which is now based in Singapore. His brother Roadfill (whose real name is Rodfil Obeso) is two years younger and used to work for a telecommunications company. During the December 11 press conference of "Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia," the two performed their song "Kapit" while the music video of the song was shown on a big screen above them.

New band Juan Lunar performed "Daybreak," a song about being there for someone when they need you most.

Jessie narrates their efforts to come up with the movie's full soundtrack, which contains 31 tracks.

"We have music that combines full orchestral instrumentation with the ethnic instruments of Joey Ayala. I've composed new themes for the major characters. In terms of scoring the scenes, I've combined orchestral score with Filipino ethnic instruments especially when Bubuy enters Elementalia. We asked Joey to sing the Elementalia Dayo song as well as have him perform his 'hegalong,' a two-string lute instrument. He also played kubing (jaw harp), kulintang (ethnic gong), and nose flute which added texture to the score in the Elementalia scenes." This multi-faceted musical scoring will guarantee to carry the viewers from one scene to the next, bridging animation and real life.

"Dayo's" original soundtrack album is now available in record bars courtesy of Sony BMG. It is being sold at P285. www.pep.ph