He is one of the pioneers of the alternative ethnic genre in the Philippine music scene. He has recorded more than 10 albums to his name and has done numerous projects for stage, television and film. His music has become a reference of inspiration for countless young bands and musicians of today, including this author. Some of his songs including “Agila” and “Karaniwang Tao” have all become anthems in their own right. So without further ado, I bring you, one of my musical heroes and one of the most respected names in Philippine music, Joey Ayala!

Master Diwa: Mang Joey, kamusta? May bagong album ka ba ulit na parating?
Joey Ayala: Nagluluto pa po!

MD: Ayos! May mga ibang proyekto ka rin bang ginagawa?
JA: Lagi naman akong may ginagawa, di lang nga lahat tugtugan…

MD: Mag-e-ingless muna ko Mang Joey ha, medyo nabubulol ako e haha! What keeps you busy nowadays?
JA: Working on a new edition of my songbook, doing some foundation work, exploring the realm of education (am devoting a lot of energy to this -developing workshop modules for use by teachers and others in the educational and developmental worlds).

Manong Pawikan by Joey Ayala, visuals by ANINO Shadowplay Collective

MD: What can you say with the status of Philippine music today?
JA: Exciting. Technology is making all sorts of things possible.

MD: What is your dream for the Philippine music industry?
JA: That Filipino culture will survive and shine and contribute many positive things to humanity despite the preponderance of west-oriented global pop.

MD: What do you consider your best contribution in the music industry?
JA: My focus on the indigenous, my balance of form and content, my tendency to address things that few others address (such as philosophy, life’s meaning, the nature of man, etc.), my passion for clarifying seemingly-complicated ideas and for showing the basic inter-connectivity and wholeness of things.

Emperador Brandy ad, music by Joey Ayala

MD: Alot of Filipinos are still apathetic with our own culture, do you see hope in all of us?
JA: There is always hope, as long as one doesn’t look outside one’s self for it.

MD: Today, a dozen or so young bands have emerged in the scene carrying the world/ethnic genre following your footsteps, what are your thoughts about this?
JA: It feels good, and I am glad younger people are actually interested in re-creating their roots, in re-imaging and re-imagining. More power to all you young visionaries!

MD: Being a respected, established name in the business, what is your advice to them?
JA: Be true to yourself and to the systems that support your life. Know what you want and work to get it. Continue to learn, to explore, to develop discipline and self-control, and above all, to imagine.

MD: How did you learn to play the hegalong?
JA: I had a dream about it, then I watched and listened, figured out a little…

MD: Do you have any upcoming performances for our readers to watch?
JA: Wala akong regular na gig. The closest to anything regular would be Fridays at Conspiracy [Garden Cafe] (59 Visayas Ave., Project 6, QC) - but I don’t have anything scheduled there for October. Maybe November…

Karaniwang Tao by Joey Ayala, video by college students

MD: Anything else you like to plug?
JA: Bisita kayo sa website ko, http://www.joeyayala.com.

Be part of my egroup, email “subscribe to egroup” to joeyayala@gmail.com.

MD: Lastly, is there anything else you want the Filipino people to know? What would that be?
JA: Buhay pa ako, buhay pa kayo, marami pa tayong ginagawa’t gagawin!

Maraming salamat po mang Joey! And that’s Joey Ayala for you ladies and gentlemen. You can further learn about him by visiting his official website, http://www.joeyayala.com and you can listen to his music at his recordings page.

Stay tuned for more musician interviews, only here at The Master’s Den!