Mike Hanopol

Mike Hanopol (born 1946) is a Filipino rock [1][2] singer, guitarist, recording artist[3] and Jewish Rabbi.[4][5][6] He was a former bass guitarist for the Juan de la Cruz Band. He is a pioneer of rock music in the Philippines active in the 1970s, along with Pepe Smith and Wally Gonzales.[1]

Mike Hanopol
Also known asMike Hanopol
Born1946 (age 73–74)
Leyte, Philippines
GenresPinoy rock, hard rock, rock and roll
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter,
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, bass
Years active1960s–present
Associated actsJuan de la Cruz Band, Hagibis

During his career as a musician, Hanopol produced twenty albums, three of which became Gold prize awardees while another three received the Aliw Awards.[3] Hanopol's trademark is the beret, leather clothing, and his Steinberger guitar. He was the mentor and songwriter for Hagibis.[3]

Early life

Hanopol was born in Leyte. The most influential person in Hanopol's life as a musician was his maternal grandmother Nanay Inday, who during Hanopol's childhood put him to sleep by playing the guitar.[1] Hanopol started his career as a guitarist at the age of nine[1] during the late 1960s.[7][8] At 14 years of age, Hanopol was already earning money as a musician. He became a bandleader as a seminarian.[1] In 1967, after graduating from high school, Hanopol joined his band to play music in Vietnam,[9] one semester away from graduating from college.[1] Hanopol's decision was against the wishes of his father, resulting in their being not on speaking terms for a period of nine years.[9]

Influences

Despite being a rock-and-roll figure, Hanopol's experience in the seminary influenced him to compose song lyrics based on Bible passages. Examples are the first two stanzas for Hanopol's song "Balong Malalim" ("Deep Well") which were based on the Book of John, and the "Laki sa Layaw" song that conveys the biblical message of avoiding arrogance. "Laki sa Layaw", also known as "Laki sa Layaw Jeproks", is Hanopol's trademark and favorite song. Some of the songs in Hanopol's latest album Lagablab, under Warner Music Philippines, were based on the Book of Psalms (Psalm 75:3–16 and Psalm 37:1–6) and the Ten Commandments. Hanopol's Lagablab is a "10-track guitar album" that features "inspiring and original compositions" aimed at imparting life's lessons to the younger generation of Filipinos. Lagablab is an assortment of jazz, rock, hip-hop, fusion, and ballad music. The rap song in the album was performed with Filipino rapper Francis Magalona.[2]

Life in the U.S.

Hanopol left the Philippines in 1982 to live in the North Miami beach area of South Florida, United States. His album Pilyong Bata was produced in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Hanopol relocated to New York City in 1983. After playing music with Filipino and American bands in New York, Hanopol went back to the North Miami beach area in 1987. He returned to the Philippines in 1993.

It was said in an interview, he saw a very great guitarist performing and he was so impressed that he told the guitarist that he wanted some lessons with him. That guitarist turned out to be Joe Satriani.

Present status

A legendary rock artist recognized in Asia and the Western world, Hanopol is a "frequent show-opener" for concerts such as Asian performances by Western rock artists Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Hanopol was the founder of the Asian pop band known as Tribu Kemistri, a group of musicians which play rock, ethnic rhythms, and new age music.[7][8] On June 11, 2005, Hanopol and the Juan de la Cruz Band held a reunion concert at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.[1]

In July 2018, Hanopol released his latest album Mike Hanopology: Ang Sekreto recorded in 1993 on a 12-track analog recorder by Butch Dans with members of the Ugoy-Ugoy Band, including George San Jose on drums, Meong Pacana, bass, Bond Samson, keyboards and Noel Santiago, second guitar.[10]

Personal life

Hanopol married Herminia in 1973 and they have a daughter named Michelle, nicknamed "Yummy".[3] He is a practicing Rabbi, having converted to Judaism upon learning about his Russian Jewish heritage in New York.[11][12]

Discography

Songs
  • "Katawan"
  • "No Touch"
  • "Laki sa Layaw Jeproks"
  • "Buhay Musikero"
  • "Awiting Pilipino"
  • "Tulungan Natin"
  • "Tribu Kemistri"
  • "Mr. Kenkoy"
  • "Balong Malalim"
  • "Titsers Enemi No.1"
  • "Lagot Ka Isusumbong Kita"
  • "Peace Naman"
  • "Sa Aking Pag-uwi"
  • "Ang Magulang Mo"
  • "Hawakan Mong Mabuti"
  • "Hindi Ka Magsisisi"
  • "Talamak"
  • "Buhay Musikero"
  • "Buhay Amerika"
  • "Anong Ganda"

See also

References
  1. Losorata, Yugel. Mike Hanopol's lyrics of praise.(Entertainment), Manila Bulletin, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp., March 28, 2005, Questia Online Library
  2. Mike Hanopol releases a mixture of sounds in Lagablab album, December 9, 2008, pinoymusic.nfo.ph
  3. Mike Hanopol: The Legend Lives On, Music/Rock, Entertainment, Basta Pinoy News Florida Edition, September 7, 2008, bastapinoy.com
  4. Article from ABS-CBN regarding his Jewish roots.
  5. Article from Messianic Times regarding his Jewish roots
  6. Article from Coconuts Manila regarding his Jewish roots
  7. Bush, John. Mike Hanopol Biography Archived September 13, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Tribu Kemistri, All Music Guide, music.aol.com
  8. Bush, John. Mike Hanopol Biography, Tribu Kemistri, All Music Guide, amazon.com
  9. Mike Hanopol: Re-invented Archived May 31, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, Warner Music Philippines, March 3, 2006, titikpilipino.com
  10. Caruncho, Eric S. "'Mike Hanopology': The return of the Rabbi". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  11. Caruncho, Eric S. (December 7, 2013). "Hanukkah with Hanopol: From Rocker to Rabbi". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
  12. Dumaual, Mario (May 12, 2015). "Mike Hanopol to become first Filipino rabbi". ABS-CBNnews.com. ABS-CBN Corporation. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
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