10 Things You Need to Know about “Dodong” by Troiski
Cebu is a treasure chest of amazing talent. And thanks to the continually growing interest in Cebuano music, more and more of these local talents are getting the attention that they deserve. This week, TheCebuano proudly presents yet another talented Cebuano who is making waves in the local music scene. With the release of his first single “Dodong,” Troi Jiff Teodulo T. Cabanag IV aka Troiski is slowly making a name for himself both as a singer and a songwriter. And with his raw talent and passion, we are sure that he will go far!
So here are ten things you need to know about Troiski and his first hit single ‘Dodong.’
1. “Dodong” is Troiski‘s debut binisaya single celebrating the “kilig” of a first-time love. Ironically, however, he wrote it much later after the breakup with his muse.
2. This Cebuano singer-songwriter was bestowed the honor of being handpicked as a sponsored fellow at the PhilPop Songwriting Bootcamp 2017. Additionally, his mentors were no less than Ryan Cayabyab, Noel Cabangon, among others.
3. Also present in the music video is fellow Cebuano Monica Cuenco, lead actress of Bituing Walang Ningning the Musicale at Resorts World Manila. The two instantly clicked on set despite meeting for the first time. Troiski, however, was admittedly awkward as it was his first time acting on camera. So, it helped that the more veteran Monica coaxed him out of his shell.
4. It helps, too, to have an actor’s director at the helm. Anthony V. Uy aka Choi helped Troiski feel at ease on a green screen set with powerful lights. A graduate of the International Academy of Film & Television (IAFT) but also a Cebu native, Anthony likewise wrote, edited, and did the animation for the music video. Also, he is an awarded actor, talented designer, and current radio jock.
5. Ably organizing the shoot was Cebu-based @abovethelineproductions, which served as line and behind-the-scenes producer. They are the same team that brought us the hilarious hit movie “Patay Na Si Hesus.”
6. The only props utilized during the shoot were a pair of wooden stools and a guitar. But despite that, an able crew of grips from CMB Films meticulously fixed any shadow or shimmer that these props cast on the green screen. Shadows are tricky to eliminate in post production.
7. Monica was supposed to wear high-heeled shoes for the shoot, but since it was too shiny, the green color from the screen bounced off it. In other words, it would cause post-production problems. The sneakers she used during the shoot was hurriedly rummaged from the studio’s storage at the last minute.
8. To jibe with the light and playful tempo of the song, Anthony designed a caricature for the cover art. This piece is prominently displayed when you stream or download on iTunes or Spotify.
9. Dodong topped the charts that the Halo Halo Radio network culled from their stations in Davao, Zamboanga, and Cebu. Additionally, Troiski had appeared on Net 25 (TV) and Pinas FM in Manila and in local papers. His song is heard in radio stations in key cities around the country, too!
10. The music video premiered on Myx Philippines prior to its online release. Indeed, a rare feat for a binisaya music video.
All-Cebuano cast and crew, wow! Thanks for this good read. Love it! <3