Heber Bartolome

Who is Heber Bartolome?

Heber Gonzalez Bartolome is a Filipino folk and folk 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 “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy” was a finalist during the 1978 first Metro Manila Popular Music Festival.