Dex Panlilio – Keyboardist, Artist and Songwriter
by aLfie vera mella
Formed in 1993, Orient Pearl was one of the Philippine Alternative Rock bands that gained popularity in the 1990s, courtesy of the band’s national hit song “Pagsubok.” In its decade-long activity, Orient Pearl released four studio albums: Orient Pearl 1 (1995), Orient Pearl 3 (1996), Switch (1997), and Pagbabalik (2002). Other recommended songs include “Kasalanan,” “Cry in the Rain,” “Somebody to Love,” “Hangarin,” “Maabot Ka Lang,” “Ang Minahal Kong Taksil,” “At Gumuho ang Langit,” “Sa Kaninong Puso,” “Nagbabago,” “Kung Aaminin Mo,” and “Muling Buksan ang Kahapon.” The key members of the group were Naldy Padilla (vocals), Leo Awatin (guitar), Ryan Gomez (bass), Dexter Panlilio (keyboards), and JB Medrano (drums)—with Padilla writing most of the lyrics, and Panlilio the music. The band soldiered on until their eventual dissolution in the early 2000s.
An Orient Pearl in Canada
Speaking of Dexter Panlilio, he and his family have been living in Winnipeg for a couple of years now. They arrived in Canada in June 2012. A passionate artist and musician, he remains in touch with his music. While Orient Pearl’s music was geared more towards Rock balladry, Panlilio’s current musical excursion delves in Jazz Fusion instrumentals. In January 2014, he released his solo album entitled Sunburst, which includes pieces such as “White Tuxedo,” “Midnight in Paradise,” and “Firedance.” If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of Panlilio’s album, you may get one via iTunes, Amazon MP3, and CDBaby. Other notable projects that Panlilio is currently working on include a collaboration with the Rock artist Elzie and contributions to Naldy Padilla’s forthcoming new solo album entitled Songs from the Poison Pub; he is also writing a musical score for video games in coordination with New York City–based producer Edsel Avelino. Aside from all these, he also hosts an Internet radio show on tinigpinoy.net every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; and gives professional piano lessons at Whyte Ridge Music Centre (123 Scurfield Blvd.) and C&K Music Academy (972 McPhillips St.).
When I asked Panlilio what made him develop a deep passion for music, he said: “I remember when I was a kid—I would always listen to Manhattan Transfer [“Boy from New York City”], Tower of Power [“You’re Still a Young Man”], and Jazz-influenced records released by the American record company Motown. During my highschool years, I discovered The Ramones [“The KKK Took My Baby Away”], Grateful Dead [“Attics of My Life”], The Who [“Won’t Get Fooled Again”], and many British bands. However, one of my enduring and all-time favorite musicians is Joe Sample [American Jazz pianist, keyboard player, and composer known for his being a member of the Jazz band The Crusaders and for his musical collaborations with the likes of Miles Davis, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, and The Supremes].”
I asked what he thought of the local Filipino music scene in Winnipeg: “Well, I think the Rock scene here in Winnipeg is growing stronger. We just need to have more gigs and more producers who will give opportunity to upcoming musicians.”
Final Note
So, in case you chance upon Dex (his nickname) at a Walmart or anywhere in Winnipeg, don’t hesitate to say hi and compliment him for his contributions to music and culture in general.
