Bong De Jesus Philippine Violators

Philippine Violators Proponent of Punk Movement in the Philippine

This year, The Philippine Violators or ‘PhilVio’ , one of the longest running Punk band in the Philippines will be celebrating their 35th anniversary. ”The year was 1984, we have no plans, whatsoever, we were young back then just having fun, playing with our music, no intentions na balang araw sisikat kami o makikilala basta ng mga panahong yun puro kulitan lang”, admits Bong de Jesus, the groups’ vocalist.

They started out as a school punk kids and schoolmates in Arellano University in Legarda except for their drummer Noel Banares who studied in Carlos P. Garcia High School. “It all started while we were watching a punk concert. After that we formed our own band. They initially called themselves “Young Offenders” and decided to change it to “Philippine Violators”.

Their early interest includes; The Beatles, Juan Dela Cruz Band, Black Sabbath, AC/DC. Bong explains, “When the 80’s came, I was very much influenced by the Brave New World Concert Series”. Going to one series, Bong and some friends thought that what they attended was a heavy metal gig, they were perplexed upon seeing Mohawk-styled hairdos, studded jackets, shin-high boots and the music they heard was fast and furious, and socially relevant. He thought to himself: ‘This is the sound for me!’ The next day, Bong was all geared up with punk get-ups. “It was then that I started to listen to Urban Bandits, The Sex Pistols and The Ramones, those guys were my main in punk rock’, explains Bong, who grew up in Paco, Manila.

The original line up are made up of Seymour Estavillo on bass, Noel Banares on drums, Jesus ‘Rotten Espiritu on guitar and Charlie ‘Bong’ Espiritu on vocals. Nowadays, the group employs session and semi- permanent members when there is gig around. Jesus now lives in the United Kingdom and would do gigs now and then whenever he is the Philippines. He suffered a stroke recently and is recuperating from that episode. “It’s a long process for his recovery, we are all hoping for the better”, says Bong.

The original members have gone to different interests, their current line up came from different experienced band as well; drummer Elay Reconose came from Warlak a heavy metal band; Glen Reconose on bass also from Warlak, guitarist Nicole Crame came from Nu Militants. “We survived in this industry for 35 years, and my brother ‘Rotten’ have talked about this – we will not let old age or any reason at all to let go of this band. Should one member leave, the band will continue. “Retirement plans? As long as we live”, exclaims Bong who happens to love dogs and an exotic pet lover as well.

Their 1997 gig in Araneta Coloseum via ‘Explosion at the Dome’ was his most memorable gig thus far. “The response of the audience that day was overwhelming. Although our genre is punk, we convey social and communal messages in our songs, which are supposed to be, in the first place. I believe as, interpreters and musicians, we have a responsibility to the populace in educating the masses socially speaking”, explains Bong.

“Forming a band is not about making money, at least on my experience, but they (we) deserved to be paid for gas money, studio practice, string replacement, hotels and other incidentals. It’s about your self-expression; the band’s message should be conveyed effectively to the audience, so they can assimilate the message of the song. With that, we as artist are fulfilled and satisfied at the same time”, says Bong.

These guys have made six albums, thus far. And to those who have not heard them yet, are you living under a rock? “At Large”, “State of Confusion”, “Third Offense”, “Sikat na si Pedro”, “Balanse”, “Noon at Ngayon” are still available in your nearest record store.

“Pepe Smith, which most Pinoy Rock musician consider is the proponent of Pinoy Rock is a big influence to the band. The genre is not that important, as long as we live as on, thrive as one and love as one. Time is both our friend and enemy; when our time comes-hopefully-we will be remembered as one of the legends in Pinoy music scene, THE PHILIPPINE VIOLATORS.