Diwa de Leon

Diwa de Leon (aka Master Diwa, born May 4, 1980 in Metro Manila, Philippines) is a male Filipino award-winning professional composer, arranger, ethnic instrumentalist, violinist, sound designer, recording artist, music teacher and all-around musician. He has worked with Joey Ayala, Grace Nono, Cooky Chua, Shaina Magdayao, Chin-Chin Gutierrez, Cynthia Alexander, Noel Cabangon, Bo Razon, Coke Bolipata, The Dawn, and UP Concert Chorus to name a few.
Personal life
He finished his Bachelor of Music degree, Major in Composition and Minor in Violin at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City under the tutelage of Dr. Ramon Santos, Josefino Toledo, Christine Muyco and Jonas Baes. He is also the valedictorian of Philippine High School for the Arts batch 1997 where he majored in Visual Arts.
In 1997, he and four highschool buddies co-founded Makiling, a world music band. They have been playing music locally and abroad since 1997. They have released 2 albums to date and an upcoming 3rd album in 2008.
In 2001, he was chosen to represent the Philippines at the ASEAN Youth Art Camp which was held in Kuala Lumpur and Pasir Salak in Malaysia.
Diwa comes from a highly musical family, his grandfather Felipe Padilla de Leon, Sr. is a National Artist for Music.
His other interests include blogging, cosplay and gaming. He also dabbles in animation from time to time.
Career
As a composer and arranger, he is currently busy with freelance music work doing music projects for various clients, and the construction of his personal recording studio. He is also the main composer and arranger for most of Makiling’s songs.
As a violinist, Diwa has been performing with the Makiling for 11 years to date. He also performs solo occasionally and holds private violin lessons during weekends.
In 2007, he formed www.diwadeleon.com, a website to promote his services. He provides audio and music services such as violin lessons (Manila only) composition, jingle writing, music scoring, and musical arranging for production companies on stage, television and film.
In 2008, he won the Cinema One Originals “Best Music Score” award for his work on the film “Kolorete” directed by Ruelo Lozendo.
His most recent major works include the official theme music for Survivor Philippines GMA, the soundtrack of indie film Kolorete (directed by Ruelo Lozendo), all arrangements of “The Little Prince” musical staged by the Young Artists Productions, the soundtrack of indie film Pandanggo(produced by Cinema One Originals) and numerous songs and pieces from Makiling’s upcoming 3rd album, Malakas at Maganda.
Survivor Philippines Theme
Diwa's first major break as a solo composer is probably his arrangement of the Survivor Philippines Theme music commissioned by GMA 7 Network. The arrangement is based on Russ Landau's original Survivor UK theme but remixed by Diwa with Philippine ethnic music sounds to have a more local Filipino flavor.
Cosplay
Aside from a serious career in music, Diwa also participates in local cosplay conventions and has won awards as well along with his cosplay group, The Frost Jokers. He specializes in cosplaying videogame characters.
Gaming
Diwa is also an active online gamer who has made a significant contribution to the Philippine gaming community through his original game guides, particularly for Philippine Ragnarok Online. In 2008, Philippine Ragnarok Online publisher awarded him the title of Game Hero for his contributions in the Philippine gaming community.
Youtube Channel
Diwa recently took an interest in producing home music videos on Youtube on his channel, he mostly posts videos of himself performing videogame music on violin, with his own arrangements..
Animation
Diwa is also involved in local animation together with animator Edwin Guillermo.
List of Selected Original Works
Film Scores
* Pandanggo (2006)
* Anak ng Sapatos (2007)
* Pain Things (2007)
* Kaliwaan (2008)
* From the Ashes (2008)
* Kolorete (2008 - Won, Cinema One Award for Best Music Score)
Television
* Body Talk (PTV 4, 2000, Theme Music)
* Survivor Philippines (GMA 7, 2008, Theme Music)
Documentaries
* Teachers (2008)
* Kannawidan Festival (2008)
Commissioned Songs
* Huling Paalam (Pundaquit Arts Center, 1997)
* Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Pundaquit Arts Center, 1997)
* Ikaw at ang Pagbabago (Department of Health, 1997)
* Hindi Kailangan Magtiis (Department of Health, 1999)
* Babae Ka (Arrangement, Women's Media Circle, 2000)
* Abanse Pinay (Election Jingle, Abanse Pinay Party List, 2001)
* Songs for World Wildlife Fund (Recorded with Makiling, 2001)
* Estudyantipid Theme (ABS CBN, 2007)
* Pista (with Makiling, Lisa Macuja and Ballet Manila, 2008)
* Ikaw Ako Tayo Magkakapatid (Arrangement, Aliw Awards, 2008)
* NRCP Hymn (Arrangement, National Research Council of the Philippines, 2008)
Animation Music
* Karaniwang Tae (2006)
* Mutation Permutation (2006, Finalist - Animahenasyon Pinoy Animation Festival 2007)
* Halo(2008, Finalist - Animmahenasyon 2008)
* Hindi Ako Botter (2008 - Won - 2nd place, Level Up National Film Festival)
Stage Musicals
* Bertdey ni Guido (Tanghalang Pilipino, 2007)
* Little Prince (Arrangement, Young Artists Productions, 2008)
Dance Music
* Marco Polo is an Alien (UNILAB, 2008)
Music for Makiling
* Balse T'boli (1997)
* Makiling No. 1 (1997)
* Keltic Tune (1998)
* Sinalimbay (1998)
* Kajali (1999)
* Medyo Modern (1999)
* Pasimula (1999)
* 'Lang Hanggan (2001)
* The Spanish Dancer (2001)
* Patintero (2001)
* Katuparan (2001)
* Himalaya (2008)
* Dapithapon (2008)
* Galaw (2008)
* Lakbay (2008)
* Lawa (2008)
* Panaginip (2008)
Original Game Guides
* Spear Knight Guide
* Lord Knight Guide
* Perma Taekwon Guide
* Valkyrie Server Survival Kit
* Equipment Guide for All Jobs
Awards
Music Awards
* Best Music Score (Kolorete Film), Cinema One Originals Awards 2008
Gaming Awards
* Level Up Game Hero Award, 2008
Cosplay Awards
* Best Cosplay Group, Level Up Live 2007
* Best Cosplay Group, Level Up Live 2008
* Best Video Game Cosplayer, Philippine Toyconvention 2008
Online Interviews and Features
* Exclusive Interview with the Diwa de Leon, Composer
* Ragnarok Guild Leader - Master Diwa
* Gamer Profile: Master Diwa

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