Chickoy Pura

Chickoy Pura
Like a robust tree, formed to withstand the strongest of the quake and flood, the Pinoy Rock community is again going through a difficult time: another one of our long-standing musician is under the weather.
Chickoy Pura, one of the original members of The Jerks, who was considered to be the pioneer punk band in the Philippines in 1979, was diagnosed with Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. CTCL is a rare type of cancer that begins in white blood cells called T-cells.
These cells normally help the body’s germ-fighting immune system. CTCL develops abnormalities that make them attack the skin. “For those who are asking and worried about Chickoy’s condition, we’d like to thank everyone for the prayers and support leading up to his diagnosis.” , declared Monet Pura (Chickoy’s spouse and Manager) in her Facebook post last June 16, 2019. Immediately thereafter, a flood of pledge of support and prayers were offered to Chickoy’s aid. In a performance just a week before the diagnosis, he was seen to have a different aura coupled with a protuberant facial likeness. It was actually the effect of the steroids that help combat CTCL.
Chickoy is instrumental in the development of the genre Pinoy Rock for the past 40 years. His no frill guitar talent and penchant to experiment on new sound, have placed his name on the pedestal with the likes of Wally Gonzalez, Dondi Ledesma, Resty Fabunan, Gary Perez, and the like.
The Jerks were instrumental in many future bands that lookup to the band’s seminal members like, Flor Mendoza, Nitoy Adriano and Jun Lopito. The Jerks’ socio-political satire songs has produced classic tunes like “Reklamo Ng Reklamo” and the crowd favorite “Sayaw Sa Bubog”.
In 1988, another prominent band that he was part of was Lokal Brown. Touted as a ‘Superband’, Chickoy banded with Lolita Carbon & Sari Bañares of Asin, Ed Formoso, Pendong Aban, Binky Lampano, plus others. The group produced a hit song “This Is Not Amerika”.
Chickoy will need funding in keeping his body healthy against this rare type of blood cancer. Friends and families have put up a benefit gig aptly titled “Awit Para Kay Chickoy,” on Aug. 24, at ‘My Brother’s Mustache’, sponsored by Atty.Vinzon’s Family with performances from Lolita Carbon, Cooky Chua, Bayang Barrios, Noli Aurillo, Mon Espia, Noel Cabangon plus other artists. Tickets are pegged at P800 and P1,000. Let us unite to help a Pinoy Rock gem!

Darwin Aguilar

DARWIN AGUILAR - PINOY ROCK METAL
The family patriarch is the most influential person in the most basic part of the community. So much so, that, he can wield influence in politics, religion, culture and music. “I grew up listening to my fathers wide collection of cassette tapes, mostly country music, folk song , rock and others. He works as an OFW based in Hawaii in a US-based facility”, explains Darwin Aguilar.
Born and raised in Tarlac City, Darwin would inherit his father’s music. “My father influenced me into a lot of things, he also sings and play the bass guitar”, furthers Darwin. Back then, his father brought home boxfull of cassette tapes from Hawaii and would listen and sing-along with it with a soft broom to boot. The Beatles was his main influence growing up. But, as an infant, he would refuse to sleep without first hearing Paul Anka or Neil Sadaka’s music.
In college, he studied in  St.Louis University in Baguio City in 1994. He would eventually meet future bandmates Al Ayeras and Natz Flores who are with Revelation at that time. When some of it’s members migrated to the US, Darwin was instrumental in reformatting and resurging Revelation as a 4th generation vocalist. “Matagal ko na sila kakilala since my college days pa, actually kasabayan namin sila ng banda kong ‘Metal illness’ that time. Friendship, rather than being in a band, from 2011 to 2012,was the catalyst in being a marquee vocalist for them.” remembers Darwin.
Darwin furthered his vocal skill by listening intently to some of the greats in music. Juan Dela Cruz, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Led Zep, Deep Purple. “Rock/Metal ang genre ng music  ko, pero nakikinig ako sa lahat ng genre ng rock at metal. Pwera lang KPop, hinahayaaan ko sa mga anak ko yun”, dismisses Darwin. The Grunge genre also played a great influence on him. With the likes of Guns N Roses, Motley Crue, Poison, Skid Row, Metallica, Megadeth, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and others. He almost always emulates the singing styles of Axl Rose, Eddie Vedder, Brian Johnson and James Helfield.
By far, Dawin’s band Iron Justice has released an album entitled “Flight Of The Ravens” (Hellhouse Records) in 2013. On the same year an album compilation “Metal Meltdown 2 Compilation Album”  included their song “Death To The Weak” courtesy of Queen Of Pain Production.
Iron Justice is part of long running roadshow “Renegades Of Rock” produced by Ramon "The Doctor" Zialcita and Erwin Delos Reyes of Fear Production. Darwin has shared the limelight with Drue dela Hostria of Dahong Palay, Pol Viloria of Mutiny and Mike Bewer of Piranha.
His former bands include Metal Illness, Kilogram, Shelter Boxx and his current band ‘Iron Justice’ has been pounding since 2012. With the 4th generation of the  band’s current line up: Jojie Crisologo on guitars Robert Dela Cruz on drums and Darwin on vocals. They are currently looking for new bassist to complete the lineup.

Bong Dailo

BONG DAILO – MUSIKERO, KUSINERO
Once in a blue-moon, we are privileged to be acquainted with a fun-loving person with an utmost respect for art and life. Be it music or culinary. Such is the nature of Arnold Dailo. A fan of music and the culinary art. He expresses this with much gusto and is a loyal disciple of both. “One should never rest his laurels on one’s achievement”, quips Bong, as he is fondly called by friends. His music, just like his cooking, has no frills. The flavor is straight-up feel good music.
“I was born in Paete, Laguna. But grew up in Quezon City. Nasa elementary ako siguro mga grade 4, around 1977, magsimula  maimpluwensyahan ako ng kapatid kong panganay si Kuya Ben Dailo at mga kaibigan niya. Kasama na doon si Sam Cajipe na kalaunan ay naging kasama ko sa banda.” remembers Bong. In his high school days, his fondness in music grew exponentially. Bong is a self-taught guitar-player. He remembers it was thru Jingle Magazine that he honed his guitar skills. And in 1981, he composed his very first composition called “Ano At Bakit”. During the 80’s in Laguna, his group “Blue Smoke”, would play cover tunes in venues. Bong would go solo because he wanted to play some original songs. He would play in Folk Houses. Then in the 90’s he would eventually create the group ‘Salatin’ with Sam Cajipe, Heli Umali with Bong Lennon and Brutus Lacano of Tropical Depression. It was in 1993 when their only album “SALAMIN” was released. Robin Jacob produced their album under Tiger/Zap Records with carrier singles “Gusto Mo Yan” and “Naghihintay”.
Bong has his own unique genre that he calls “Folk Rock Adobo”. He has this to explain: Music, like the culinary arts, requires a strict discipline and concentration. If you know music, you won’t be lonely. And if you know how to cook, you won’t go hungry! And in food, everybody unites whether one belongs to different political, religious, race or sexual orientation. “When I compose songs, most of the time, I write it first on paper, then later on, should something pops up in my subconscious mind, a line or a tune that is blissful, then it will just write itself”, explains Bong. He furthers, that, his compositions reflect his own experiences and struggles in life. His first and foremost influence is “Asin”. Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Beatles & Sting fine tuned his influences further. Asked what his take on KPop and Rap artists that is invading the airwaves now. “KPop? Ayus lang naman bilang isang genre ng music, pero para sa mga kabataang Pinoy, parang hindi ako sang ayon na KPop ang nagiging impluwensiya ng mga ito. Sa Rap malaki ang respeto ko, lalo na sa mga Pilipino na gumagawa nito”, explains Bong. To date, he has performed alongside Lolita Carbon of Asin, Joey Ayala, Bayang Barrios , Cookie Chua, Pepe Smith, Dong Abay, Noel Cabangon, Rom Domgeto, Sazi Cosino, Resty Fabunan, Gary Perez, and many more.
In 2014, he formed an experimental band called ‘The Babs’ with Bong Lennon and Roli Maligad of ‘Cocojam’. “Para sa akin ang lahat ng musikero o manunulat ng kanta ay dapat na nag evolve habang tumatanda. Kung ano ang ginawa natin nung bata pa tayo ay dapat na higitan pa. Habang lumilipas ang panahon hindi yung nananatili lang sa kahapon ang mga musika na ginagawa natin sa kasalukuyan. Huwag sana tayong maging ‘generic’ or stagnant”, offers Bong.
Now at 51, Bong enjoys staying home cooking throughout the day with his unique gastronomic recipe. In between those chores, he spends quality time with his grandson ‘Seven’. He also busies himself arranging and refining songs that he intends to record for everyone to hear soon.

Edeliza Uraning

Edeliza Uraning

LIZA COMES HOME

When passion and heart finds its way in music, it will only be a matter of time before the right material will catapult one’s drive, wherever and whenever.  Such enamor to music manifests in the persona of Edeliza Uraning. Born in Isabela City, Basilan she lived all her life in the province during her primary, secondary and tertiary education. It was there that she learned to play the guitar. “My father is a music lover. I grew up listening to him singing the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, The Beatles, The Carpenters, Abba, and the like - he was the one who opened my eyes into music”, declared Liza. Personally, Liza would be influenced by Francis M, Andrew E, Menudo, Madonna, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissete, Deep Purple, ACDC and many more. Although Liza has no formal education in music, as a teenager, she was already writing lyrics and music. She remember composing a number of songs but wasn't able to record it. In 2004, she got commissioned to sing in a rock & blues band called ‘Xalbaje’ in The Roadhouse in Macau. It  was in abroad where she honed her singing and writing skills. An album – ‘Breaking Silence’ - was recorded by the group. Three of the eight songs in the album was written by Liza; ‘Muling  Masisilayan’, ‘Don't Hold Back’ and ‘Nag Abang’. They were the only Filipino independent artist who were able to release an album in Dubai. After a hiatus with Xalbahe, she recorded her solo debut album entitled “A Journey Of Life, Love & Music” last 2018. The 12-track bi-lingual album was recorded and produced entirely in Macau by an Italian friend Fabrizio Croce. It was the locals there, that was privileged to hear  Liza Uraning’s first solo outing. “Kulayan”, the 5th track off her album, a personal favorite, talks about love, life and the colors lacking in a relationship that need be there in the first place. The swooning ballad is highlighted by a sexy saxophone right smack in the middle of the tune. She excels in hitting those high notes. Another favorite is “Ang Babaeng Pilipina”, an eloquent tune reminding everyone of the Pinay’s loyalty trait to the one she loves. This one is dominated by a plucked classical guitar teemed with a piano forte to boot across the song.

How does she find the inspiration to write these songs? “It depends on my enthusiasm during that moment that I created a song. Some I started it with lyrics first then the Melody. Other times I do it all together lyrics and then Melody. But when I'm really inspired, I can quickly compose. There were times when I wake up Dawn and just note down the words that my thoughts is giving me because if I will not note it immediately I forget it and loose the beauty of my imagination”, reveals Liza. Her compositions was partly inspired by her personal experiences. She also gets ideas from what she have seen and observed with other women’s struggles in a relationship. “But most of the songs that I wrote was personal and some are just my imaginary wishes”, relates Liza with  a sheepish smile.

So far, so good for this 44-year old widow, who was once touted to have the same singing style to that of Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden. Her losing bid in Tawag Ng Tanghalan in Showtime last 2017, was  the catalyst that made her pursue her singing career. “Hindi ko mabigyan ng pansin na mapush marelease ang solo album ko had I won in that contest”, advises Liza. Is her album available locally? “Unfortunately, commercially it is not yet available here in the Philippines, but is now available in Spotify”.

 

Pete Canzon

PETE CANZON – PREMIER JAZZ SAX KING
Being an avid music fan, need not be complicated in terms of listening and playing them. When you are a music disciple, there is no genre better over the other.
Meet Pete Canzon an exemplary Saxophonist for more than 5 decades. “I was born and raised in Cubao, Quezon City. Studied in Quezon City High School where Joey Smith was a classmate”, says Pete. His mother, a pianist, influenced him in his younger days. He would grew up with the music of the Beatles, Dave Clark 5, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Bob Dylan and jazz icons like Parker & Hawkins.
A self taught saxophonist, Pete had groups in the early 70's like Xenelasia Jazz Band, Genesis Jazz Group whose members Edgar Avenir, Jun Viray, Jaime Fabregas, Carlitos Calaguian & Bong Sotto. “Our group went to Malaysia and Singapore. In Singapore, I joined the Union Brown Band and went to Osaka Japan for 3 years, then went to New York & perform at Lush Life in Bleaker St., Greenwich Village, uptown then off to Washington D.C.”, remembers Pete.
Pete also performed and jammed with early Pinoy Rock bands in the 70’s. “I frequent Olongapo City that time with Anakbayan with Edmon Fortuno, Sampaguita, Gary Perez, Resty Fabunan, Heber Bartolome, Wally Gonzales, Lolita Carbon and many more”, reminisces Pete. He played with Freddie Aguilar for 20 years.
A veteran of many concerts and gigs, Pete’s most memorable was his performance with  Stan Getz in Blues Alley in Georgetown U.S.A. Locally, he has shown his wares with local legends in Jazz with the late Jacqui Magno and Rico Puno. He also enjoyed jamming Lito Molina, Richard Merk, Raymond Lauchenco, Mitch Valdez, Ronnie Lazaro, Bong Sotto and others.
It was an ultimate irony, that, what he wanted to do most almost did him in. Last year, Pete had a close call with a freak accident while performing live on air via radio performance. “During broadcast, the studio caught fire and I was trapped inside the booth! I was in the ICU for 5 days due to serious smoke inhalation”, reveals Pete.
Notwithstanding his brush with the angel of death, Pete continued with his passion and in month’s time, he is up and about and went on with his usual stance in music. Currently, his band The Pete Canzon Group consists of the best sessionist in the music scene nowadays with Norman Ferrer on keyboards, Robert James Torres on guitar, Dennis Glenn Fabunan on bass & Powee Canzon on drums. “My original drummer is Nelson Gonzales who is now busy renovating Tago Jazz Cafe. At the moment the group performs Tuesdays at Good Guys Steak & Jazz & Saturdays at Fernandina 88 Suites Hotel at 1572 Bar Restaurant”, shares Pete.
Pete have recorded and uploaded many original music to date and it is still accessible at Jamendo and Youtube.  Although he intends to do an album for his legacy this year & next, this time for radio broadcast. When not blowing in his saxophone, he busies himself painting, sketching and sculpturing.
He wants to impart his talent to budding musicians and leave his legacy as such. His tip to aspiring musicians? “Listen to your heart and make your own style and approach in any genre you are in”, imparts Pete.

Ado Bantula

ADO BANTULA – The Voice Of Kulukati
“Twang! Kaching! Darumdumdum!”
Those were the sounds ‘Ado’ hears on stage whenever he interprets a song. But offstage, as a listener, you would hear his voice float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. As if seeing the colors of music.
Meet Fernando Bantula, vocalist of the band “Kulukati”. When I first saw and heard Ado perform a few years back in Cavite City via fundraising gig, I thought I have seen it all. Ado gave me an experience like no other. His raspy and high pitched voice captured my imagination as a listener and left me in awe.
He was with another band that time. “Up to now, I still am with that band, and so is with Kulukati”, explains Ado. It’s a sort of a nondescript nonstandard standard nowadays to maintain at the very least a couple of band. But he have four!
“I also have  other  bands that I sing for. D' Jango Project Band,  Diablong Buang Brothers and Holypass. Mas maraming banda means marami kang kaibigan at maraming raket. Overexposure?  That doesn't bother me.  Kanya-kanya naman silang trip, di naman nagkakabanggaan sa pondo ng kanta”,declares the self-taught vocalist.
Born and raised in San Andres Bukid, Malate in Manila, he honed his vocal prowess during drinking sessions and would receive accolade from his peers. A graduate of the University of the East, as a Business Administration in Accounting Major, he saw himself employed for a time but seemed not fit into the corporate world. “I am just a simple singer who also dabbles in a guitar when no one is around.  Actually, I got my musical influence from my Dad and Mom”, reveals Ado.
Coined by their drummer, Kulukati was a remnant of Ado’s erstwhile band ‘Claybone’ last 2002. With Erick Reyes on Bass, Lloyd Gonzal on Drums, Kit Mendoza on Guitars and Ado on vocals, the group just racked up 10 original compositions where he is usually the main lyricist. “With the music, nag start mostly sa guitar riff, minsan bass line, minsan drum beats. From there, babble ako ng lyrics kahit anong lumbas sa bibig ko. Then we polish it after we lay down the tracks to make it coherent”, adds Ado.
They plan to have their song "Mahalin Mo Ako" as their carrier single. Gerry Diwa of Sound Weavers in Makati produced and recorded their songs.  “Konting mix na lang at gigs and we'll let everything loose”, exclaims Ado.  Last 2006, Kulukati was part of a blues compilation album, BLUESKRIEG. It was the brainchild of both Mr. Diwa and Joric Maglanque.  “We contributed three songs: Taga mo sa Bato, Sa Gabi sa Umaga at Selda Katorse. Kasama namin sa album ang Plug, Firebottle, Dahon at Snakecharmer – all blues band that matter”, prides Ado. Also last 2010, they were included on a compilation CD of songs featuring the 12 string bass called OVERKILL IS JUST ENOUGH. The album - and their song, "Kalungkutan" - is still available on Spotify.
At 54 years old, music and singing keeps him on his toes and is as important as his life itself. Ado is very grateful to his affiliation to other bands that molded his being as a musician. “Siyempre makakapakumpleto sa akin bilang musikero ay ang mga originals namin ng Kulukati na, sa wakas, mailalabas na. Sana tangkilikin ng marami. The band is on Facebook: Kulukati.  Like the page and say hi. Rock and Roll and Peace”, finishes Ado.

Adeleo Carpio Fajardo

Adeleo Carpio Jafardo - Guitar Hero

“Abomination!” This was the apoplectic reaction of conductor and classical guitar maestro Andres Segovia upon hearing the very thought of the conception of the electric guitar. No one can blame him, the electric guitar - as an instrument - has always stirred up emotions. Many would later on recognize and associate the names of - among others- Paul Reed Smith, Ned Steinberger, Adolph Rickenbacker, Leo Fender, Epaminodas Stathopoulo (Epiphone) and Lester Polfus (a.k.a. Les Paul) to guitars.

Locally, one name that proved to be associated with very good guitar-playing is Adeleo Carpio Fajardo. Adel, as he is fondly called, is the recipient of the Presidential Award as Master on Electric Guitar awarded by BPA National Arts Council last 2015. “I never really gave it a lot of thought, maybe I was just at the right place and at the right time”, declares Adel.
Growing up in Sampaloc Manila, and going to school in the Dominican School run by priest and nuns must have instilled discipline in his system. “In high school and college in U.E. I used to be the Head Instructor of the University Band”, recalls Deo. His influence in music is Frank Zapppa, Chick Correa, Van Halen, Metallica, Mr.Big, Extreme and Pantera, among others. An Asian Institute of Management graduate of Real Estate Studies, he sees a person with potential in skills and is a willing mentor to whoever who is willing to be taught musically.

He is the descendants of  Maestro Mauro Carpio, or Tata Muring of the 60’s. A very well known music mentor, teacher and trainer of many legendary artist like Elizabeth Ramsey, Man’s Temptations, among others.
His skill in playing the electric guitar has landed him gigs alongside Mike Hanopol, Pepe Smith, Jhong Azinas, Lolita Carbon, Wolfgang, Razorback, Bagiw, Rolly Averilla of Maria Cafra among others. A licensed Real Estate broker, Deo has relegated his talents with the younger generation. “I mentor such champions like Armand Aquino from ‘Death By Stereo’ band - champion in San Miguel Beer Guitar competitions, and best guitarist in many battle of the band. And Kid Rock Gospel Band named ‘Chosen One Band’, a grand finalist in Pilipinas Got Talent in 2015”, says Deo. “They did not win the grand prize, but the sense of accomplishment in mentoring these kids is enough award for me”, declared Adel.

Among his guitar collection-which total to nearly 30 plus is among the sought after locally and internnationally due to its variety and rarity; a rare Gretsch acoustic from year 1930. A Gibson 50's Les Paul, a 60's Deluxe Les Paul and a 70’s Al Dimeola Les Paul. A Fender Stratocaster Ritchie Sambora Signature Series, a Eric Johnson Series, a Michael Jackson’s lead guitar Greg Howe  Super Start Silver Series, Ibañez Prestige Sunburst, a RG570 Reverse Heads Stock Midnight Blue, a couple of high end S Series, a Pearl White J Custom. Jackson Megadeth's Marty Friedman Killer V-Shape and a Custom Red Stained Reverse Headstock Blue Led . A Gibson Flying V, Scorpions Michael Shchrenker Signature Series. ESP Metallica's Kirk Hammet Black Signature series. A Yamaha Earl Klugh Signature Nylon, and Frank Gambale Black Jazz Guitar w/ two F holes. A Kramer EVH Pink burst and Silver burst. His Amplifier collection includes; Fender, Peavey and Vox. In multi FX is Boss BCB60 setup, digitech whammy, Sans Amp Tech21. BB king 180 watts RMS tube amp. “I acquired them from  friends, producers, managers and fellow musicians and auctioneers. And these is just part of what I own, I still have plenty that I seldom use”, says Adel.

Now on a semi-retired status, Adel- with his two kids, and will be three by September of this year- is busy with his business and is successfully running a resto called KUYA’S RESTO in his local turf in Valenzuela. An International Property Specialist of the National Association of Realtors of the Philippines and a licensed Real Estate broker. Asked, whether he is giving up his musical skills, Deo retorts “Of course not, just taking time to make a big splash back in Pinoy Rock scene”!