Ato Mariano: The Father of Earth Music

In the heart of Mindanao, where the hum of gongs and the chants of elders echo through mountains and seas, emerges an artist who dares to capture that essence and transform it into a living, breathing performance. His name is Ato Mariano a musician, chanter, and cultural innovator widely known as the “Father of Earth Music.”

The Roots of a Genre

Mariano’s style is unlike anything on mainstream airwaves. He calls it Earth Music a form of expression that is improvised, primal, and deeply tied to nature. Instead of rehearsed lines or structured melodies, Mariano creates music spontaneously, channeling rhythm and voice as if in dialogue with the earth itself.

“It is spontaneous music, happening in the moment,” Mariano explained in one of his video features, where his chanting sways between melody and raw vocal sound (Facebook).

This approach resonates with indigenous traditions of the Philippines, where chanting and percussion were not mere entertainment but sacred acts of storytelling, prayer, and community bonding. By modernizing this practice, Mariano positions himself not just as an artist, but as a bridge between the past and present.

A Voice Beyond Boundaries

Over the years, Mariano has earned titles that reflect both respect and uniqueness: Master Chanter for his powerful vocal delivery, and Collab King for his openness to share the stage with other artists.

From 1999 to 2009, Mariano embarked on a 10 year world tour, performing across 130 cities in 15 countries spanning three continents. His journey included collaborations with international and local icons such as Macy Gray, Victor Wood, and Muruga Booker of Weather Report. His prolific creativity led him to be recognized as a genre innovator, credited with more than 50 genres under his name, and leaving behind over 10,000 videos of performances available online.

Among his many milestones were unforgettable performances at the Panglao Festival in Bohol, a 10-day marathon jamming at the Kaamulan Festival in 2003, and a 7-day residency at the Botanical Gardens during the 1998 Baguio Arts Festival. He also headlined two solo concerts at Luneta’s Concert at the Park and a solo concert at Paco Park Presents, solidifying his reputation as a cultural force.

His television features included Good Morning Asia with Mon Isberto and the Probe Team, while in Boracay he was once captured in a jamming session with journalist Marga Ortigas.

National and International Recognition

Mariano’s name appeared in Who’s Who in Philippine Bands (2005), listed alongside iconic acts such as Aegis, Apo Hiking Society, Barbie’s Cradle, Bamboo, and the Eraserheads. His inclusion signaled his role in a new wave of musicians who helped revive appreciation for indigenous instruments like bamboo flutes, kulintang, and gangsa, fusing them with modern sounds to bring Filipino ethnic music to a global stage (Continuum Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World).

Even in recent years, Mariano continues to resonate with new audiences. In 2024, he performed alongside Cyber Bandduring Higalaay Indiefest, a collaboration described as an honor by the group, who called him a “legendary artist from the Philippines” (YouTube).

He has appeared on a Cebu billboard, performed live in Sagay City, and brought his Earth Music to Siargao, where international visitors and children gathered to experience his sound (Facebook).

Earth Music as a Philosophy

For Mariano, Earth Music is more than a genre it is a philosophy of life. His performances remind audiences that music is not only about polished notes and commercial hits but about truthful expression. The imperfections of his chants and the raw beats of indigenous-inspired rhythms are intentional, capturing life as it is: unfiltered, imperfect, yet profoundly beautiful.

By reclaiming primal music as art, Mariano also sparks conversation about the Philippines’ cultural roots. In a time when global music trends dominate playlists, he calls on listeners to “remember the earth”its rhythms, its voices, and its role in shaping identity.

A Legacy in Progress

Though Mariano’s work has been described as niche, his growing visibility suggests a cultural shift. More Filipinos are beginning to appreciate experimental, indigenous-inspired music as a powerful statement of heritage and innovation.

In this light, Ato Mariano is more than a performer. He is a cultural storyteller, reminding Filipinos that the soil beneath their feet and the chants of their ancestors still hold power in modern times.

As one supporter remarked after a live performance:

“Listening to Ato Mariano is not just about music it feels like listening to the earth itself.”

For now, the Father of Earth Music continues his journey chanting, collaborating, and carrying the voice of Mindanao to every stage he steps on.

 Citations:

• Facebook: Ato Mariano official page & videos (source)

• YouTube: Ato Mariano exclusive interviews and performances (source)

• Continuum Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World: Entry on Ato Mariano and Earth Music (source)