About Gentle Universe (History)

"Gentle Universe" is a nature and children-inspired ambient sound performance group from the Philippines. Inspired by the birth of his son, it was founded by ambient musician and sound designer Cris Garcimo in 2011. They create music and sounds using vintage synths, computers, toys and field recordings.

The group has performed at Lopez Museum’s Reverb at SM Mall of Asia, Ayala Museum during Ang INK's 20th anniversary exhibit, UP Vargas Museum, Ronac Art Center, Secret Fresh Art Gallery, Alliance Francaise de Manille (Spring of Poets 2012 w/ Yanna Acosta), Anteroom Sessions Two at Cubao X, Greenbelt Fashion Walk 2012, Rockwell Tent for Mommy Mundo and Heima Store during the launch of its summer collection.

“Gentle Universe” was named after a line in a poem written by Ime Morales, a Filipina writer and childhood friend of Cris Garcimo. Ime Morales is also a tai chi practitioner and founder of Isang Bata, an independent organization of volunteers who help underprivileged Filipino children. Visit www.isangbata.blogspot.com to find out more about the group's campaigns. If you want to support the projects, you may send her a message through blubitel@yahoo.com

Music and sounds:

Cris Garcimo - synth, toy piano & keyboards, sound design,

(family projects with Shey Guemo-Garcimo. Shey doesn't play music. But she helps in family projects like these handmade postcards)

Erich Diolola - synth, melodica, shaker, programming (currently in Canada)

Valerie Faye Bautista - keyboard, toy piano, harmonica

Stanley Castelo - melodica, toy piano

Yen Reville - visuals

Collaborator/guest:

Amiya - improvisational vocals (guest at Lopez Museum's Reverb, Sept, 2011)

about Cris Garcimo

Cris Garcimo - electronic musician/sound designer based in the Philippines. He creates sounds and music using vintage synths, old keyboards, computers and children's toys. He also incorporates field recordings and found sounds in his works and performances.

His music has appeared in Mood Swing Theater (2004), released independently by Kittenwhip Compilation, Atlanta, U.S.A. One of his tracks was also featured in S.A.B.A.W. Anthology CD (2006) – the first anthology of sound art, electronic, and experimental music in the Philippines.

He has performed in several music and sound events/festivals such as Media Arts Manila's Field Trip (Green Papaya Arts Project), Asia-Europe New Media Arts Symposium (ASEUM 09), Tupada Action and Media Arts (TAMA 09, Ateneo Manila), Noises at the Park (Concert at the Park Series Luneta, Manila) and Fete Dela WSK (2010, with E.X.I.S.T). He has also performed as part of Gangan Synth Orchestra, the first Synth Orchestra in the Philippines. He lives in Cavite, Philippines with his wife Shey and their son, Dylan.

Timeline (last updated - May 8, 2012)

April 20, 2011 - Gentle Universe's first performance. Cris invited Erich Diolola (also from Cavite) to perform with him as part of the group. They provided live ambient music during the group Shibashi for the celebration of World Tai Chi Day.

They performed as a duo for the following:

· Sept 7 - Subflex, B-Side, The Collective

· Aug 27 - Launch of Paper Monster Press

· Aug 20 - Espasyo (Art Space)

· August 14 - Mercato Centrale, Mommy Mundo Expo

· July 17 - World Listening Day 2011 (Cavite PH) with French sound artist Samuel Andre

· June 25 - Sining Kalikasan, Rob Dasma

· April 20 - World Tai Chi Day 2011, VMMC QC

Gentle Universe at Mercato Centrale for Mommy Mundo, August 14, 2011

Gentle Un iverse at World Listening Day, July 17, 2011

September 2011 – Cris invited ValeriecFaye Bautista to join them for their performance at SM Mall of Asia for Lopez Museum’s Reverb. Valerie is also from Dasma, Cavite.

They performed 4 tracks including "Saglit" which was written by Erich Diolola.

Cris produced the live version with 3 keyboards/toy piano and a melodica part at the end of the track.

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November 2011 – Erich Diolola migrated to Canada with her family after their petition was granted.

November 21, 2011 – Cris and Valerie performed as a duo for the following gigs

Gentle Universe at Ayala Museum

Nov 21, 2011 - Ayala Museum, INK Anniversary

Gentle Universe at CCP

Dec 10, 2011 – Cultural Center of the Philippines (along side Elemento)

Dec 15, 2011 – N/WSK at Saguijo w/ Outerhope, Wilderness, Similar Objects, etc.

December 29, 2011 – Cris invited Stan to play the parts of Erich. Stan joined the group for the Electronica Manila’s benefit gig at Saguijo for Sendong victims.

Here is the current line up of Gentle Universe for gigs

Cris Garcimo – casio keyboards, yellow toy piano, beats and programming

Valerie Faye Bautista – toy grand piano, casio Sk-1, glockenspiel

Stanley Castelo –red toy piano, shakers, triangle

Yen Reville – visuals/animation (if a projector is available at the venue)

Cris, Valerie and Stan performed as a trio for the following gigs: