Kokok Parales

Edart Parales – Critical Amnesia
The music genre ‘Rock’ has influenced many local artists and, in some norms, it’s a way of life. For Eduardo Perales, also known as Edart and to his close friends ‘Kokok’ , music would not be complete without rock.
Growing up in Cavite City, he would be exposed to the right music genre for a reason. “My brother Albert and I formed a band called WEIRD in 1977, mostly covering Deep Purple. Classic rock talaga ang genre ko nakalakihan”, remembers Kokok.
Why the name Kokok? “When I was a kid, my brother used to call me ‘MANOK',  dahil makalat daw ako kumain; to avoid confusion with the late keyboardist Eddie Manok of The Jovials; I renamed myself as Kokok, at least kakaiba diba at tsaka walang katulad” , muses Kokok.
It was in Japan that he tasted his first international exposure. From 1979 to 1983, Kokok wowed the Japanese ‘rockista' with his brand of guitar-playing with his band WEIRD and later on SKYHAWK.
Going back home, Weird played in various Shakey’s outlet in the metro from 1984 to 1986. “During these times, most bands try to ‘zipra' as ‘plakado’ or even hawig man lang at dyan ako na-trained & still doing that thing as my trademark”, says Kokok.
In 1987, a reform was made and Weird came to a naught; Critical Amnesia was born. But it was short lived because by this time he was tapped by comedian Gary Lising’s band The Music Making Company playing nightly at Century Park Sheraton.
Like life’s ever-changing mood, Kokok would skip from  band to band, and place to place to find the right fit for his glove. From 1994 to mid 2000, he went to a phase in search of the right band. But nothing would be more sweeter than to be home for one’s comfort.
“During those tumultuous times, I busy myself with multi-track recordings, electronics, customizing fx & patches, arranging original compositions, demos and making minus ones thru MIDI as a sideline, and up to now, I still do these, sort of ‘hobby-come-income' activities of mine”, prides Kokok.
In 2007 he reformed and rekindled Critical Amnesia which up to now is playing on weekends in Pelican Blue Bar in Binakayan, Cavite for 9 years. “Oh and we also perform in Brielles Resto-Bar & Terabites Bar also in Cavite”, marvels Kokok.
The current CRITICAL AMNESIA, now on its 6th edition, are Booch & Eva on Vocals, Arnel on Bass, Bebet on Rhythm Guitar, Jigz on drums, Ramir on Keyboards and Kokok on Lead Guitar.
“Invited kayo lahat to watch our show, lahat ng favorite nyong songs na Classic, Pop, Love Songs and Rock, we will perform for you”, adds Kokok.