THERE are many Filipino terms derived from Spanish, with the “f” often becoming “p” in Filipino. As children in our Spanish-speaking household we used fosforo to indicate a matchstick, and posporo when talking in Tagalog.

A matchstick when lighted provides sparks, and this is the rationale for the title of the concert series bringing together four Spanish bands and an equal number of Filipino bands. The first such concert takes place on Sept. 8.

This was announced at a recent press conference at National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in Intramuros, Manila. The event was organized by the Embassy of Spain and Instituto Cervantes with the collaboration of NCCA and other organizations.

Presiding over the press launch were Felipe de Leon Jr., NCCA chair; Guillermo Escribano, first secretary of the Spanish Embassy; Carlos Madrid, Instituto Cervantes director; and spokesperson from the Filipino bands of Kalayo, The Sleepyheads and Major Chie.

“Ahead of us is something really spectacular, the best of Spanish contemporary music,” enthused Madrid. “It’s a very exciting program and reflects our continuous commitment to Manila.”

Escribano cited “the sentimental and also cultural attachment” of Spain to the Philippines.

The opening event (Sept. 8) will be held at The Hub, First United Bldg. in Escolta, Manila. It will feature a talk by La Secta, a group of Spanish musicians, at 6 p.m., and a concert by the Spanish band Pablo und Destruktion at 8 p.m. Each concert will be followed by a session with a Filipino DJ. On Sept. 10, Sleepyheads performs with Pablo und Destruktion, with Major Chie as DJ. Venue is at Bar 1951 in Malate, Manila.

“Posporo(s)” is a four-month concert series of alternative music. It will be Solea Morente of Spain paired with Kalayo in October, and in November Tarsius of the Philippines squares off with Delorean of Spain. The unique event ends in December with Mastretta from Spain and Susie Ibarra band from the Philippines.

The DJs include Parallel Uno for October (70’s Bistro, Quezon City) and Samanta Nicole for November (XX XXX, Makati City).

Asked why the series focused on pop-hip-hop music and not classical Spanish music, Madrid cited the recent concert at Cultural Center of the Philippines which featured the music of Enrique Granados as interpreted by soprano Andion Fernandez and said “our emphasis remains on classical music as it has always been, but we are also going into contemporary music.”

For more information, call 5272192.