Bessie Badilla

Tagalog Lyricist and Vocals

Born and raised in Manila, Bessie is the 2nd of 8 children of Teresa Javier de Leon and Romeo Garcia Badilla. At age 18, Bessie joined a local beauty pageant and won the title, "Miss Visayas" opening doors for her in the fashion industry. She modeled for Pitoy Moreno, Aureo Alonzo, Ben Farrales, Joe Salazar, Cesar Gaupo, Christian Espiritu, Auggie Cordero, Inno Sotto and the list goes on. A favorite of Madame Imelda Romualdez Marcos, Bessie was chosen to travel with the First Lady and take part in several World Tours promoting Philippine Tourism. It was during one of the European stints that Bessie decided to try modeling in Paris, the fashion capital of the world. She became a mannequin du cabin for the house of Balenciaga for 4 years. During off-season in Paris, Bessie would fly to Manila to tape a weekly sitcom, "Eh, Kasi Babae," which became the number one show on prime time TV. Bessie was nominated for "Most Promising TV Celebrity," and "Best Actress in a Comedy," on her first year on television. After working for Balenciaga for 8 seasons doing Pret-a-Porte in Paris and the Igedo in Dusseldorf, Bessie married businessman Bambi del Castillo, the couple would later have two daughters, Blanca and Ines. They moved to Singapore where Bessie continued modeling for Christian Dior, Valentino, Versace, Giorgio Armani and Gianfranco Ferre for magazine shoots in India, Nepal and the Maldives. In 1991, the family moved to the USA and have lived in Connecticut to the present. After losing her husband to brain aneurism in 2006, Bessie kept herself busy producing Independent Films, Documentaries and helping build homes for the poor in the Philippines through Gawad Kalinga. She was able to help build a village with 30 homes for 30 families, the village is aptly named, "BAMBIVILLE," after her late husband. In 2008, Bessie became the first Filipina to become Carnaval Queen in Sao Paulo, Brazil leading her Escola de Samba VAI VAI to win as Carnaval Champions! The next year, was invited to do both carnavals in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Her love for Brazilian music, from Bossa Nova, Batucada, Samba to Pagode has led to her latest project…BRINOY Music.

Zé Maurício

Musical Director, Arranger, Percussion, Bateria, Back-up Voclas

Raised in Rio de Janeiro, the second largest Afro–Brazilian population in Brazil, Ze Mauricio grew up immersed in the percussive traditions of his homeland. Ze moved to NYC in 1994. Soon after, he met percussionist Cyro Baptista who became a mentor and a friend. Since then, he has performed and worked with the names like Joanne Brackeen, Eddie Gomez, DK Dyson, Paguito D'Rivera, Nilson Matta, Helio Alves, Romero Lubambo, Vic Juris, Hendrik Meurkens, Seu Jorge and Nana Vasconcelos, Dionne Warwick, Arturo O'Farrill, and Harry Belafonte. Ze is an original member of the internationally acclaimed project, Cyro Baptista's: Beat the Donkey — a percussion ensemble that tours the U.S., Africa, and Europe. He is also the percussionist in Choro Ensemble, the only band dedicated to Choro music style in NYC. Choro Ensemble was elected the Best Weekly Jazz Gig in Manhattan by TimeOut Magaine in 2002 and has played at Carnegie Hall twice. Click to see Ze Mauricio's Website.

Carlinhos Almeida

Guitar, Cavaquinho, 7-String Guitar, Back-up Vocals

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Raul De Souza

Trombone in "BAGONG ANYO"

Raul de Souza (born August 23, 1934, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is a renowned trombonist who has recorded with Sergio Mendez, Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Milton Nascimento, Sonny Rollins, Cal Tjader and the jazz/fusion band Caldera. American composer and pianist George Duke, was brought in to produce de Souza's first and second releases Sweet Lucy and Don't Ask My Neighbors. In 1979, Souza released 'Til Tomorrow Comes, an Arthur Wright production. The recording was completely devoid of any jazz, and was an effort to jump aboard the disco bandwagon. Raul de Souza (born August 23, 1934, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is a renowned trombonist who has recorded with Sergio Mendez, Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Milton Nascimento, Sonny Rollins, Cal Tjader and the jazz/fusion bandCaldera.[1]American composer and pianist George Duke, was brought in to produce de Souza's first and second releases Sweet Lucy and Don't Ask My Neighbors. In 1979, Souza released 'Til Tomorrow Comes, an Arthur Wright production. The recording was completely devoid of any jazz, and was an effort to jump aboard the disco bandwagon.

Eddie Borras

Vocals "ADOBO"

Titchie Sarabia

Bateria in the song "BIGLANG YAMAN"

Titchie is a veteran of optical industry in New York for 25 years, heads STATION SQUARE EYES leads the change to bring STATION SQUARE EYES the recognition as Forest Hills' leading vision care center. She is also a professional musician, playing percussions with friends on and off stage every chance she gets.musician, playing percussions with friends on and off stage every chance she gets. Click to see Titchie's other passion.