These rockstars were among my first storytellers.    I would stare at Gene Simmons' painted face stare back at me from my uncle's wall while I listen to their stories--of course, all told in a language that were, in all sense of the word, music to my ears.   And Gene Simmons…well, with his 4-inch tongue stuck out like an insignia, he seemed to assure providence to my 8-year old self.   I would let myself sink in this wonderful tub of glorious noise and of inspired poetry and of vivid images.   I was 8 years old and I was in love with rock n' roll.

by Orven Enoveso

In this age of unrestrained mass production where practically everything is now made in China, it’s good to know some things are still made the old fashioned way – custom built to customer specifications and with skilled hands. For such a distinction and for its brilliant and balanced tone, and consistent volume and projection, Harana guitars are steadily gaining recognition as exquisitely crafted custom-built guitars from Cebu, the province that is famous for, well, guitars.

With its main factory or, more aptly, shop in Lahug, Cebu City within the Backyard Project Studios compound, Harana guitars are a world apart from the commercially produced instruments from Mactan Island. Although Mactan’s internationally known products are fairly well crafted, the bulk of their output is more suited to be decorative home pieces rather than stage instruments. Their low end products are even notorious for their brittleness. Call it disposable guitars if you may. I call it tourist fodder.