By Ben Yanto

Roots of Pinoy Pop (Rock N Roll) Music

by Ben Yanto

(This article was written around June & July 2004)

Mid-50s saw the initiation and the popularization of Rock & Roll music in US being spearheaded by Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly, Everly Brothers and many more. Many radio stations in the Philippines back then played many of the Rock & Roll tunes, particularly Elvis' songs. Elvis Presley was "the" music icon of the 1950s decade and later, became the King of Rock & Roll. Henceforth, the 50s was the period when the Rock and Roll music became widely accepted internationally.

During the late 50s, Bobby Gonzales recorded his big hit song "Hahabol-Habol" and Eddie Mesa, because of his looks and charisma, was named the Elvis Presley of the Philippines. These 2 were the popular music icons in the Philippines at that time.

During that time also in the Philippines, the establishments of "combo" (with their instruments like non-electric acoustic guitars, ukeleles, unique floor-bass made of gas tank, bongos and maracas) groupings had proliferated in Pinoy music scenes. Many combos had imitated the Elvis' Rock & Roll pop culture (such as the attire as well as the smoothly-combed, greasy hairdo). The "Battle of the Bands" then got established amongst combos in metropolitan Manila, Pasay City and as far as in Cavite areas.

Then around the early stage of the new decade of 1960, the instrumental groups from US & England such as the Ventures & the Shadows respectively became popular and hit it big in the Philippine shore. Thus, the electric instruments (such as electric and bass guitars made by Fender, Gibson and local Philippine-made electric guitars) as well as the 5-piece drum set had finally set in into the Pinoy combos or bands as the standard musical equipment.

At that time in the early 60s, Pinoy instrumental bands had also evolved and came the bands like the RJ & the Riots, the Electromaniacs, the Technicolors, the Hi-Jacks, the Deltas and the Celtics just to name a few. Henceforth, it was also when some of the Pinoy bands started to make their own music composition such tunes as RJ's Mashi-Mashi, The Electromaniacs' Lovers Guitar, the Celtics' 707 tunes and many more raw Pinoy rock music.

The British are coming.....

Then came 1963, the Beatles music were getting into the Philippine radio airwaves. The Beatles became popular first in the Philippines and in Asia before they were even made popular in US. Remember hearing Eddie Mesa & the Hi-Jacks recording of the Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" song being played at the radio stations in the Philippines back then?

February 1964, the Beatles finally conquered America and thus revolutionized the Rock & Roll music pop culture scene into a new level worldwide into what we called now as the pop Rock music phenomenon. Thus, the Beatles became the pop culture music icons throughout the remaining 60s decade and Beatlemania had propelled worldwide.

The "British Invasion" of the mid-60s era had catapulted many more aspiring Pinoy bands like the Moonstrucks, the Dynasouls (formerly Dynasonics), Tilt Down Men, Bits & Pieces, Downbeats and many others that followed. Those Pinoy bands then had imitated many popular British and US bands so meticulously (plakang-plaka talaga!) such as the Beatles, Dave Clark 5, the Rollingstones, Cream, the Beach Boys, the Doors, the Young Rascals, Jimi Hendrix and lots more. The addition of the portable electronic organ instrument (such as the Farfisa & Vox organs) in the band's musical accompaniment equipment had added new dimensions & sounds to the blooming Pinoy Rock & Roll music.

1963-1965 begun the new epoch in Pinoy rock music, the ever-popularization of the Beatles as well as the British Invasion had catapulted to the expansion of more Pinoy rock bands in the Philippine pop music scene.

Then came 1967, the Beatles' released the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band" LP album and it became a smash hits internationally. The pop (rock) music had lifted to a new level, came the "psychedelia era"... long hair, hippies, peace & love theme came to the fore (remember such bands as Cream, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Janis Joplin & Holding Company, Doors, etc.). Many more Pinoy bands had also formed and added more repertoire to their music line ups.

Later on, more US pop bands had emerged such as Chicago, Santana, Blood, Sweat & Tears (BST), Tower Of Power, Sly & the Family Stones, Three Dog Night and the popularization of Motown music by the Temptations, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles and lots more. With horn & brass section added to the band music instrumentation (such as alto/tenor saxophone, flute, trumpet, trombone), many Pinoy bands has also adapted to such pop music explosion such bands as the Imperials, the Howlers, Drop Outs, Clubmen, the Originals, the HouseRockers and many others.

Late 60s & early 70s also saw the growing nationalism in the Philippines due to the social & political upheaval that was taking place at that time in the Philippine society as well as the anti-war sentiments. Some Pinoy bands & artists had somehow gravitated to that societal pride & identity scenes. This is the time when Pinoy bands & blooming music artists started consciously composing/recording many Pinoy pop rock music to its native tongue (that is, in Tagalog as being the Philippine national language) aside from the English tunes they had been accustomed with beforehand. Such period, saw the emergence of such bands (in which many Pinoy band players-personalities fully developed their skills & musicianship during the 60s) as the Juan de la Cruz band, Anakbayan, Banyuhay, APO and many pop bands as well as the emergence of folk-rock singers/groupings such as Freddie Aguilar, Florante, Asin and so on. Moreover, this is also the period when the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) came to be and was popularized.

Throughout the 70s, many Pinoy rock bands with its proudly-produced music got fully established and finally set in to the Philippine pop music scene. Lots of OPM were recorded and the pride of being Pilipino became the theme of such decade. In fact, this is the period when many of the Pinoy bands' recordings were imported abroad, particular in US where many Pinoys immigrants carry along with them those LP albums and also, many Filipino stores in the heavily populated Filipino communities in US had begun selling those LP or cassette records of the pop rock music of the Pinoy bands from the Philippines.

The rest is history, the PINOY pop music has finally got its recognition and became part of the Philippines music scene from there on after.

-------------------------------------------------------------

One important & final note: In looking back to the evolution of the Rock & Roll music, many popular music icons like Elvis Presley and the Beatles were inspired by many Black music & artists such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Robert Johnson and many other faceless Blues musicians in US of the 30s, 40s & 50s.

Mike Hanopol

 

Mike Hanopol - “Pinoy Rock Is Alive & Well                 

  -Ronnie R. Reyes

“If Pinoy Rock is a religion, I would have been a priest.” -unknown

Like every legend, music has its roots too. Even for Pinoys! The Pinoy Rock scene evolved in the late 60's to the early 70's of groups with Tagalog-sounding names as opposed to the early to mid 60's foreign-sounding groups. Among those bands are; Asin, Hudas, Sampaguita, Banyuhay ni Heber, Anak Bayan, Abrakadabra and other notable groups.

Two bands emerged as pioneers in their own right, rock enthusiast and instrumentalist in the late 60's, that morphed into the 70's was formed; Juan Dela Cruz and Maria Cafra.

Unknown to many, The Juan Dela Cruz Band which we know today wasn't the original group that was conceived eons ago. Throughout the years, members changed hand and the trio of Wally Gonzalez, Joey 'Pepe' Smith & the group's singer-songwriter and conceptualizer Mike Hanopol is, however, the most popular, and the most successful.

Mike Hanopol wrote most of Juan dela Cruz's hypnotic and memorable tunes like, “Beep-Beep”, “Divisoria”, “Titser's Enemy #1”, “Kagatan”, among others. They were considered the forerunners of a new genre -Pinoy Rock. A new hope for all pinoys who love rock n roll with a local flavor. As a solo artists after a short lull for the group, Mike Hanopol ventured writing and recording his own album, which catapulted him as one of the country's top Rock artists. His “LAKI SA LAYAW” created the Pinoy lingo “JEFROX” which up to now is being referred to as a Hippie Pinoy . On top of this, he also conceptualized and created the group “HAGIBIS”, which spurned many hits during that time. DID YOU KNOW THAT, Mike Hanopol played all the instruments on HAGIBIS' initial album and dubbed and overdubbed all the vocals as well?

But during Pinoy Rock's slumber during the 80's, Mike relocated in the U.S. in 1982. Mike further honed his skill in various instruments and music discipline as well when he stayed there. Working as a musician also, in Florida and New York, Mike succeed in spreading his music. Which incidentally is very evident in one of his songs, “Buhay Amerika” - a song about a Pinoy's endeavor living in a foreign land. He struggled to find his place in the land of Milk & Honey, but his Pinoy roots prevailed. Going back home in 1993, Juan Dela Cruz made a reunion concert and an album to boot.

Sometime during the early 2000's, he was offered a job in the government, screening talents going to abroad. For sometime, he was responsible for approving talents being sent to other countries. For Mike Hanopol, Pinoy Rock is his religion. So much so, that, he explored the religious world of Judaism, and was ordained as a certified Rabbi. Who performs Jewish ceremonies and lead a congregation for the Jewish community. For the record, Mike Hanopol is the first & only Asian Rabbi in the world.

Mike at 72 y.o. Described this event as very peculiar. “At this point in time, this concert is a sort of welcoming the new blood in Pinoy Rock scene, and a hint of bidding goodbye for some of us.”  

In a rare treat last Feb.17, 2018 at DWIZ 882AM, the legendary Pinoy Rock Icon - Mike Hanopol - gave an all-out interview in Richard Merk's Radio Program “WORDS AND MUSIC”. Mr. Richard Merk, insinuated that, this Concert would be a series, “It will be initiated in Angeles City, Pampanga but for sure, there will be precedence after this. This will be a musical journey. This will be a series, pwedeng sa Baguio, pwede din sa Antipolo!” Mike, with all his jest and enthusiasm quips, “Pwede din sa Marawi!” Richard Merk, readily agrees with Mike Hanopol, “..that is one possible project, if we could only find the producers and organizers we will help raise funds for Marawi”.

Last March 16, 2018 -  a musical journey has embroiled for Mike Hanopol aptly titled PINOY ROCK SUMMIT 2018! A Mardi Gras of Pinoy Rock talents held at El Potro Bar in Balibago, Angeles City. It was a resounding success!

“When not doing projects, I read....I read a lot”, says Mike Hanopol. “Of course, when there are calls for me to perform, why not, it's my first love. Singing and playing guitar, that is”. During the interview, Mike Hanopol belted out a new tune, which he says is part of an upcoming album in the works. After an accumulated 20 plus albums with which he worked with, Mike Hanopol still has his chops, so to speak. During the interview, Mike Hanopol answers every question with mysticism. “Kung hindi mo alam, na wala kang alam, yan ang indayog ng katangahan”, when asked if he hears negative criticisms on his kind of music. “Everyone will get old, no exception. I don't react negatively to them, I knew already it will come a long time ago. The music nowadays, lack music itself. Only poetic expressions are aired, like Balagtasan, now they call it rap.” “Concert-goers nowadays-the Millennials, as they call it-marami pa din remnants ng colonial mentality, it cannot be avoided, most of these kids are after the physical appearance rather than the music”, adds Mike.

The prophecy of Richard Merk came true. A 2nd leg of the Pinoy Rock Summit is now on its way. THE MARAND RESORT in Bauang, La Union is a haven for Pinoy & foreigners alike. Just 32 Kms away from Baguio, this will be the next venue of the PINOY ROCK SUMMIT legacy. Together with Mike Hanopol are two distinguished bands that are Icons, in their own right. They have re-joined the 2nd leg of the tour to liven up the concert anew!

The brainchild of this event, Pinoy Rock Impresario Rhea Lipio, declared in many occasions his passion for Pinoy Rock is unwavering and cannot be bought. Just like her three daughters, Pinoy Rock is his baby. One senior Pinoy Rock musician once told her that, there are very few, if not none at all, who still promotes Pinoy Rock to the masses. That is why, this project was conceived out of love for Pinoy Rock music. Together with Erick Dela Rosa, Peter Mendoza, Jean Condeza & Ronnie Reyes as Head Organizers, they have prepared a roster of talents that will knock the socks off our feet come June 01, 2018. This time in La Union!

The Inimitable Arnel Dayrit together with his boys, collectively known as ARNEL DAYRIT & THE BOYZ, is also a veteran group,having played in the Olongapo scene during his heyday and at present. For the past 30 years Arnel Dayrit's name isn't exclusive locally, but internationally as well. This seasoned veteran started playing at age of 18. He has entertained US Troops in Okinawa and other parts of Japan. Not to mention his performance in Europe, the Mediterranean, Brazil and Las Vegas. He lives in Miami, Florida-comes to the Philippines every 6 monthson vacation. He worked with Mike Hanopol in Fort Lauderdale in Mike's album Buhay America some years back. Wait til you hear Arnel's guitar scream in the ACDC's Classic All Night Long, and you will all see what i mean when i declare Bon Scott is alive in Erick Dela Rosa vocal prowess! I have witnessed countless of times Arnel Dayrit play the guitar– either in a gig or in his posh house in Angeles – and i tell you without batting an eyelash, he is very good. Superlative!  He wouldn't be considered Carlos Santana of the Philippines for nothing.

THE DIABLONG BUANG BROTHERS. A seasoned Rock band, who have made their rounds in known bars & establishments in and around the metro. Hearing them perform live, will make one realize that Pinoy Rock is a genre to reckon with. Bong Solis, their lead guitarist plays exquisite and passionately during their time to play.

Their monicker were borne out of their passion in watching one of the monologue used by Cavite's famous Actor-turned-Senator RAMON REVILLA, SR. in one of his movies, describing his feeling towards his nemesis, Diablong Buang – whenever he is mad!

Having perfomed with classic Pinoy Icons like Wally Gonzalez, Resty Fabunan of Maria Cafra, Gary Perez of Sampaguita, Heber Bartolme and Mike Hanopol of Juan Dela Cruz. This band has made the rounds in HANDLEBAR, ROADHOUSE, HECKLE AND JECKLE, JUNKYARD, SKIPPY'S, ROCK AND BLUES BAR, TANTHOMS, BROTHERS MOUSTACHE, 19 EAST BAR...to name a few.

Not to mention their out of town sorties like EL POTRO Bar in Angeles last March , and other places in Tagaytay, Cavite, etc. And for the nth time, they performed live in Luneta Park under the program CONCERT AT THE PARK  during last March's energy awareness drive EARTH HOUR.

This 4th generations community band from Imus, have an occult following not to mention their Cavite fan-base since their inception before the 2nd millennium. That is why they opted to keep the name no matter how strange and weird-sounding it may seem. What's in a name? People actually recall their band name, wherever they perform. Be it DB Brothers or THE DIABLONG BUANG BROTHERS. A patron at a bar, recently asked them if they were from the Visayas, pertaining to the name BUANG, which is 'crazy' in the Visayan dialect. For which Bong responded with a jest and a sheepish grin - “AY HINDI PO MAHILIG LANG PO KAMI MANUOD NG MOVIE NI RAMON REVILLA JR.-YAN KASE YUN MALIMIT NYA SINASABI SA KALABAN NYA.”

You will be part of history! So let's live history as it unfolds on June 01, 2018-Friday at Bauang, La Union!

Let's witness the SUPERBOWL of Pinoy Rock in PINOY ROCK SUMMIT 2 2018!

Mighty Odoño

Mighty Odoño - Mightier Than  Any Instrument

Blues is considered the forefather of the rock n roll genre. Locally, the blues genre is non-topic among the new batch of musicians. Gary Perez, Resty Fabunan, Wally Gonzalez, Ian Lofamia are artists who have been known to carry the flame of Blues to the next generation. We caught up with a man on a mission for the propagation of blues in the local music scene named Michael Odoño.

Growing up in different places must have a great impact on his social skills; his singing prowess displayed and stage presence were enhanced exponentially. “I remember when we transferred to Cavite permanently, my father had a friend named Bernie Fineza of Hagibis. My father called me and my brother and performed a Hagibis song in front of him..i think I  was given P50 for that performance”, chuckles Mighty-as he is fondly called by his friends and peers

One of Mighty’s talent is to flex his vocal chords and almost always imitate a voice undistinguishable. His grandfather a World War 2 veteran, was a kundiman singer from Bohol. “I would always watch him sing and play the guitar. He tunes the guitar by ear instinct only”, remembers Mighty. He used to dance during programs, but in-between practices be flexes his vocal chords  and sings. 

Having a family who has the same passion as him in singing is a treat for Mighty. His family collectively likes to listen to Kansas , John Denver , Steely Dan , Kenny rogers , Thin Lizzy , Queen , which was altogether imbibed in his system . Locally, Asin, Coritha, Maria Cafra, AnakBayan, Heber, Florante, Juan dela Cruz, Cinderella and even Tito, Vic & Joey’s Tough Hits made a big impact in his subconscious mind.

In college in 1998 at DLSU-DASMA, he met his future bandmates Paul Naval on drums, Waku Saunar on bass, Ivan Vidallo  and Mike Caceres on guitars. Collectively known  as ‘The Funky Blues Genesis’.

After some members of the band left for other endeavors, a name change was in order to heighten the band’s mysticism. The band was renamed to Memento Mori. They started writing songs and participated in battle of the bands. And at one time was awarded the Best Live Act. The band was lucky enough to open for Pepe Smith’s concert at the Montano Hall in Cavite City. Pepe Smith gave Mighty an advice, that up to now he still cherish and follow to the letter: You are lucky your family supports your career in music, continue your dream and spread the gospel of music. “Or something to that effect”, reminds Mighty

Elmer Robles, one of the judges where Mighty’s band participated in a Battle Of The Band, offer to manage their band. The band landed gig after gig to prominent watering holes in Cavite and some neighboring area. They performed in RJ Bistro in Makati. Their repertoire widened with covers from Deep Purple, Grand Funk Railroad, Mountain, The Doors, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mr.Big, Poison, Black Crowes, Razorback and others. It was at this juncture that Mighty started to play the harmonica.

Mighty’s songwriting ability has landed them an album contract with Rebolusyon Records and Sound Weavers Studio courtesy of Gerry Diwa. Their album “Rock N Roll Heart N Soul” came out last 2009. The 12-track album has an extensive marketing blitz with sponsors from GSM Blue, Odyssey Records, NU 107, 105.9 RJ Underground Radio and some tv guesting. Although majority of the songs were conceptualized by Mighty, he shares the credit to the rest of the band who have inputted some ideas. “Hawak ko oras ko that time kaya madalas ang kasama ko si Waku. Yun chemistry namin in creating songs , total jive .The song- ‘Yosi Blues’. I remember I started putting the lyrics altogether and Waku would input groovy bass lines. That is how we created music together”, reminisces Mighty. Some of the tracks of their debut album includes ‘Lambuchingan’, ‘Sulutan’, ‘Swallow My Pride’, ‘Barangay Tagay’, showcases the band’s blues and rock foundation in as far song approach is concerned.

Diablong Buang Brothers, a 4th generation rock band from Cavite noticed Mighty’s vocal prowess and was invited in the band. After a couple of years, he put up his own outfit “Mighty Gunjoes” another blues inspired band. “Django Project” was next to his long line of band affiliation. Then just last year he founded  “Mighty Tino Experience”,  and later still “D' Backyard Mikes”. His latest creation is now called “Mightrio”. A blues trio with a touch of locally infused angst.

Lito Toribio

 

Lito Toribio - Electromaniacs

“MUSICIANS DON'T STOP PLAYING MUSIC BECAUSE THEY ARE OLD, THEY GET OLD BECAUSE THEY STOP PLAYING MUSIC". Thus an old adage goes.
If you happen to watch some old movies in the afternoon with Jose Mari Gonzales singing his heart out with his band, chances are you’ve seen Joselito Toribio on the drum set.
“I was born and raised in Sta. Mesa Manila. My family are all music lovers & plays musical instruments professionally.  I took private piano lessons for 15 months when I was 10 years old.  I was exposed to drums watching my father’s orchestra rehearse at home”, remembers Lito.
“My younger brother Henry (+) was the composer and writer of the group "Dan Henry" of the "20 Minutes Before Take Off" fame & other songs.  I played drums in most of the songs in that album”, says Lito.

He was invited by his eldest brother Resty (+) to play drums with the ‘Varsitarians'  when they guested at the noontime TV Show Student Canteen/Darigold Jamboree when Lito was about 15.  Gene Generoso, singer of the group "Cool Cats" saw Lito & recommended him to Jose Mari Gonzales when he needed a drummer for The Electromaniacs.
“We started playing publicly in 1960. We played parties,  concerts, TV Shows, Town fiestas etc.  We did movies with Sampaguita Pictures like "I Miss You So" & a lot of others.  "Hit Parade" with LVN, "Lets Go" & other movies with Larry Santiago Productions”, says Lito.
Lito’s early drum influence were Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck Band), Ginger Baker (Cream), John Bonham (Led Zepellin) and Ian Paice (Deep Purple).

The Electromaniacs are: Ernie Delgado-1st Lead guitarist & composer of "I Miss You So" & others songs in the "Lovers Guitar" album, Chito Perez- 2nd Lead Guitarist, Emil Caballero- Electric Bass guitarist & Lito Toribio on drums. They also jumped into the Olongapo bandwagon In 1966. They played in El Tropicano in Olongapo, the World & Shamrock in Angeles City in 1968 and SIERRA Club in Olongapo.  They also played in Sampaguita Airmens Club in SUBIC Naval Base in 1969.

Lito left the Electros ( Electromaniacs ) in 1973 & later joined the Sangkatutak Band where he  started his career as a session drummer doing back up for foreign & local shows/concerts, commercials, jingles, movie scores etc.
Lito came to know Ben Yanto (Founder of PCR) thru a Balikbayan musician Nestor Delas Alas (+) who came to their gig in Dungeon Bar (Camelot Hotel QC) & Buma Restaurant (Makati) in early 2002.

Lito nowadays jams with his old buddies and reminisce with them at the same time. Bob Aves and Bob Ramos are close friends of Lito who recently bit the dust. That is why Lito has this parting words to say to would-be musicians, “In my years as a musician, I came to realize that: "I DON'T HAVE to PROVE ANYTHING to ANYBODY, ONLY to MYSELF".