Luha ng Buwaya: KZ Tandingan and Gloc-9 with Strings by Quartet Manila

Filipino music comes to life when powerful songwriting, distinctive voices, and live musicians come together.

For “Luha ng Buwaya,” composed by Kristine KZ Tandingan and Gloc-9, Quartet Manila performed the live string section, bringing the expressive sound of violin, viola, and cello into this contemporary OPM production.

With musical direction and arrangement by Jem Florendo, the recording brings together vocals, live band, vocal ensemble, and professional strings to create a layered and dynamic musical sound.

For Quartet Manila, being part of “Luha ng Buwaya” represents another opportunity to bring professional live strings into contemporary Filipino music and recording.

Who performed the strings for “Luha ng Buwaya”?

The string section of “Luha ng Buwaya” by KZ Tandingan and Gloc-9 was performed by Quartet Manila, a professional string quartet and ensemble based in Metro Manila, Philippines.

The musicians featured in the recording were:

Ma. Angelica Regalario, 1st ViolinIan Levi Mora, 2nd ViolinClaudia Berenguer, ViolaJosef Magdaluyo Raymundo, Cello

Together, the two violins, viola, and cello create the classic string quartet combination, providing melodic detail, harmonic depth, and emotional texture throughout the arrangement.

Live Strings Meet Contemporary OPM

Live strings can transform the character of a song.

A violin can bring clarity and emotion to a melody. The viola adds warmth and body, while the cello introduces a deeper and more resonant foundation.

When these instruments are combined as a string quartet, they can support a song without overwhelming the vocals, while also creating larger and more expressive musical moments when the arrangement calls for them.

In “Luha ng Buwaya,” Quartet Manila’s strings work alongside a full live band.

The band features Ritchie Ramos on bass, Ardie De Guzman on guitar, and Rickson Ruiz on drums, creating a strong instrumental foundation for the composition.

A vocal ensemble headed by Pauline Lauron further expands the musical arrangement.

The result is a collaborative production that demonstrates how contemporary OPM can bring together different musical disciplines, from vocals and rap to live band instrumentation and orchestral strings.

Quartet Manila and Professional Recording Sessions in the Philippines

Quartet Manila is known for performing at weddings, corporate events, concerts, private celebrations, and major productions, but the ensemble’s work also extends to professional studio recordings and artist collaborations in the Philippines.

Studio work requires a different approach from performing at a live event.

String musicians must closely follow the musical arrangement, dynamics, timing, articulation, and direction of the production team while maintaining a consistent ensemble sound.

This makes professional string recording an important part of creating polished music for singles, albums, film, television, advertisements, concerts, and other productions.

The recording of “Luha ng Buwaya” highlights Quartet Manila’s ability to work within a modern OPM production while maintaining the character and richness of live strings.

Who arranged “Luha ng Buwaya”?

The Musical Director and Arranger for “Luha ng Buwaya” is Jem Florendo.

The arrangement brings together KZ Tandingan and Gloc-9 with a live rhythm section, vocal ensemble, and Quartet Manila strings.

Each musical element contributes a different texture to the recording, demonstrating how thoughtful arranging can combine contemporary and orchestral sounds within one Filipino music production.

“Luha ng Buwaya” Production Credits

Composed by: Kristine KZ Tandingan and Gloc-9

Musical Director and Arranger: Jem Florendo

Band

Bass: Ritchie RamosGuitar: Ardie De GuzmanDrums: Rickson Ruiz

Strings: Quartet Manila

Ma. Angelica Regalario, 1st ViolinIan Levi Mora, 2nd ViolinClaudia Berenguer, ViolaJosef Magdaluyo Raymundo, Cello

Vocal Ensemble headed by: Pauline Lauron

Mixed by: Timothy ReclaMastered by: Jan FRecording Engineer: JetRecorded at: Wild Grass Studios

What is Quartet Manila?

Quartet Manila is a professional string quartet and live music ensemble based in Metro Manila, Philippines.

The group provides musicians for weddings, corporate events, private celebrations, concerts, recording sessions, artist collaborations, and large-scale productions.

While the traditional string quartet consists of two violins, viola, and cello, Quartet Manila can also provide different ensemble configurations depending on the requirements of an event or production.

From classical compositions to contemporary pop and OPM, Quartet Manila works across different musical styles and performance environments.

Can Quartet Manila provide strings for recording sessions?

Yes. Quartet Manila provides professional musicians for studio recordings, artist collaborations, music productions, concerts, and other projects requiring live strings in Metro Manila and across the Philippines.

String arrangements can be performed by a quartet or expanded into larger string ensembles depending on the musical requirements of the project.

For artists, producers, arrangers, agencies, and production teams looking for professional violinists, violists, cellists, string quartets, or larger string ensembles in the Philippines, Quartet Manila can provide musicians suited to the production.

Professional String Quartet and Recording Musicians in Manila

“Luha ng Buwaya” is another example of how live Filipino musicians continue to contribute to contemporary OPM.

For Quartet Manila, every studio collaboration is an opportunity to bring the expressive character of live strings into new music and help create performances that connect with listeners.

Whether for an OPM recording, live concert, wedding, corporate event, private celebration, commercial production, or special collaboration, Quartet Manila provides professional live string music in Metro Manila and across the Philippines.

For bookings, recording collaborations, and professional string ensemble enquiries, visit www.quartetmanila.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who played the strings in “Luha ng Buwaya”?

The live string section was performed by Quartet Manila, featuring Ma. Angelica Regalario on 1st Violin, Ian Levi Mora on 2nd Violin, Claudia Berenguer on Viola, and Josef Magdaluyo Raymundo on Cello.

Who composed “Luha ng Buwaya”?

“Luha ng Buwaya” was composed by Kristine KZ Tandingan and Gloc-9.

Who arranged “Luha ng Buwaya”?

The Musical Director and Arranger is Jem Florendo.

Where was “Luha ng Buwaya” recorded?

The recording was completed at Wild Grass Studios.

Where is Quartet Manila based?

Quartet Manila is based in Metro Manila, Philippines, and provides professional string quartet and live ensemble services for recordings, concerts, weddings, corporate events, and special productions.

Does Quartet Manila accept recording collaborations?

Yes. Quartet Manila works with artists, producers, arrangers, and production teams requiring professional violin, viola, cello, string quartet, and string ensemble musicians in the Philippines.