When one is a disciple of rock music, it seems no matter where you turn to, it is everywhere. In the case of Reggie Castillo, it is in his offsprings!
Born and raised in Silang, Cavite, Reggie grew up with his mentor in music, his cousin Bob Castillo Miranda. His father and his brother also had a hand in shaping his taste in music. “Blues and Rock and Roll ako na exposed ng todo. Natuto ako ng drums at the age of 8 sa tambayan nila erpat at Kuya Bob, just a few steps away from our house”, remembers Reggie. From his school, he would go straight to watch them- his father would play the bass and sing and Bob on guitar.
His first band ‘Static Rage’ with Don Alvarado, Jeff Reyes, JR Naval and him would cover songs from Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, POT and some more. But in this band, he plays the guitar. His 14-year stay with the band honed his skill further up to the point that, that they would join Battle Of The Bands in and around Cavite. “We won 8 championships, 10 first runners up and 5 second runners up. Pero minsan umuuwi din kame na talunan. One time lang ako nagka award as “Best Guitarist” hindi pako nagkaka award ng best drummer sa mga battle of the bands. Reggie also plays the bass guitar and the keyboards.
He was also a member of the legendary band of Cavite, ‘Diablong Buang Brothers’ in 2008, but this time, as a drummer. “Versatile naman ako, kaya nung need nila Bong Solis ng drummer that time, ok naman ako”, recalls Reggie. He also was a session musician for ‘Dr. Crowley’, ‘69 Proof’ and ‘Band of Brothers’. He would do projects with legendary Juan Dela Cruz guitarist Wally Gonzales.
His most memorable gig? “I was with Diablong Buang Brothers in ’19 East’ In Sucat, Juan Dela Cruz Band had a scheduled performance that night and Wally Gonzalez called on me on stage, pinapunta nya ako para pumalo sa kanila totoong nangatal ang tuhod ko kasi it was my first time na papalo sa mga idol. ‘Juan Dela Cruz’ yun, eh yung expectation ng mga tao saken, bawal ako magkamali nun time na yun hahaha”, recalls Reggie. “He is ok, Reggie played several gigs in Cavite, ok naman sya”, attested Wally Gonzalez.
Besides JDLC, Reggie also was lucky enough to play alongside some musical luminaries in the Philippine music scene like, Resty Fabunan of the famed ‘Maria Cafra’, Kevin Roy, Dodong Cruz of ‘The Youth’, Maegan Aguilar and many more.
After a brief hiatus, he worked as an Account Officer for a Motorcycle company to make ends meet. He, however, gave it up for a business venture he is cooking soon by last quarter of this year. In between gigs and his work, Reggie spends time his kids; Pearl, Zildjian Sabian and John Bonham. Even on a semi-retired state as a session musician, he is still surrounded by his love for music, in his kids’ persona. Very few people know how good-natured Reggie is. As deceiving as his looks, most people assumed he is on the bad side of law. “That is the sad part bro, I love life itself, my family, my kids, I am just a low profile-type of person. May kalokohan din, pero konti lang”, adds Reggie with a sheepish smile. He is now part of a group called ‘Silang Sikat’ with Boj Bonilla, JR Oliva, Mark Thelio, Jeff Reyes and him. They exclusively play and cover Pinoy Rock music.
No comments:
Post a Comment