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.

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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".

Paul Toledo

Paul Toledo – Rod Stewart of the Philppines

One of many unsung heroes and seldom mentioned OPM artist from the 70’s thru the 80’s was Paul Toledo.

Born in Silang, Cavite,  Paul Toledo started out as the vocalist and guitarist of the band New Faces with Rey Sanchez also on vocals and guitars, Bonjing Sanchez on drums, Bing Quiambao on keys, Boy San Jose on bass and Jimi Galvea on 2nd guitars and 2nd keys. From 1973-1974, Paul toured the highlands of Olongapo and jammed with some local greats. Paul also became a member of Griffins Band who regularly performs in RJTV. After this, he had a short stint in Kyoto, Japan as the bandleader of Family Size Band with Nony Cabalfin on bass, Tommy Simon on 1st lead guitar, Danny Dagdayan on Keys anf Manny Salvador on drums. This was in the late 70’s.

Paul Toledo rose from the ranks from singing in bars and bistros in and around Metro Manila. His course and husky voice earned him the moniker ‘Rod Stewart of the Philippines’. A moniker he is thankful. He was a regular fixture of RJTV, who interviews guests, pinch-hits for Ramon Jacinto and performs as well.

His songs, laced with a dab of satire and humor, are sometimes misinterpreted as novelty and politically incorrect. “Lumba-lumba” (dolphins), opines his love for the plus-sized women over slim ones. [Nais kong malaman nyo, ayaw ko ng babaeng puro buto. Ang gusto kong babae’y singlapad ng barko, kahit ‘di pakainin sexing sexy pa din]. “Pa Japan Japan”, is about the rewards of being employed in Japan as a Japayuki. [Pa Japan Japan ka na ngayon, natupad din ang iyong ambisyon. Pa Japan Japan, pa hapon hapon bakit salita mo’y nagkaganun]. “Pa Sosyal Sosyal”, tells about an anti-miser attitude of some Pinoys, come social climber for the world to envy and see, but could not support it due his meager salary. [Pasosyal sosyal, hilig mo ay layaw ng katawan. Pasosyal sosyal, isip mo’y mayaman].

In 1984, Paul Toledo’s song ‘Buntong Hininga’ was part of the collection of songs that was featured in the landmark seminal film by Lino Brocka, Sister Stella L. [Dahil sa maling pamalakad, negosyo ko’y bumagsak. Barkada’y naglahong lahat, ako’y nagkamulat].

During his career as a singer and a songwriter, he made one solo album, namely You Are The One. His song ‘Lumba lumba’ was included in Bonggang Bongga (as part of a 42-song compilation). There are other  locally produced compilation album which includes some of his work.

Paul Toledo expired last March 2011 from a heart attack, while inside a taxi in a southern Manila suburb.

Kat Darling

KAT DARLING

By: Ronnie Reyes

Not even the pandemic we are experiencing nowadays can stop the pure talent of the Pinoys. One such talent, which is already ripe for the picking, is an artist called KAT DARLING. Successfully launching her single right in the nick of time before COVID-19 hits last March 20, 2020. The single timbers with raw and powerful blend of blues-rooted soul with funk and hip-hop.

Her single – SUFFERIN’ is up on all major music platforms. This single has been played 16,000 times already. “That’s not even the best part, I got to be part of some international playlist like VZN Radio in the Carribean, another in London and one also in the US”, exclaims Kat. In this single, she expresses her feelings of self-doubt and anxiety: a common denominator in today’s youth. She says in this day and age, young people are more subjected to seeing “the perfect life” all over social media. In the song, she communicates that one should never hesitate to be transparent about their problems, because there will always, always be someone who is ready to listen and to help ease their suffering.

This independent singer-songwriter was born and raised in Manila. “I grew up listening and singing pop music. I was also part of our church choir and I was a Psalmist during Holy Week”, confesses Kat. She also sang at weddings during those days. Her influences manifests in many musical genres like - reggae, ska, rockabilly, rock n roll, blues, soul, drum n bass, hip-hop, and pop, to name a few. “When I was young, I was so impressed by Skarlet Brown. She influenced and helped enlighten me about female singers’, admits Kat. This idea, that, she don’t have to fit the mold, made her realize that being a pop star is not what matters. She reckons not being one, is the true grit in local music. “I have been singing/gigging on and off since I was 15 years old”, says Kat. Performing isn't new to her, before she used to front bands like RSVP Acoustic band. Irie-I. Escolta 3:AM (with Jun Lazo, Brutus Lazcano, Niki Cabardo); Lucha Loka (with Rod Mijares, Jun Nogoy, Ronn Sana). “I was doing it as a side job to earn extra. Now, I feel like I really want to create my own kind of music because if I don't, I'll regret it. Life is too short to not be doing what you love.”, explains Kat.

During the quarantine period, she rendered a live performance on Facebook, with some of her friends in the music induatry for a fund-raising parlay. Other big artists that she performed with before includes; Wally Gonzalez of Juan Dela Cruz Band fame, Cooky Chua, Noli Aurillo, Joey Ayala, to name a few. But her most prized gig came at a Cafe in Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia. “I performed by myself and played my first international gig, by myself! It was surreal”, finishes Kat. A pre-school teacher by profession and a cat-lover since her teen days, Kat Darling (as she is fondly called) expresses optimism and exuberance about life’s calling, “Wrestling with anxiety and self-doubt, I chose not to do so in silence, but in style”.

Following the successful release of her first single “Sufferin” last year at the height of the global pandemic, Kat Darling has released a new track to kick start 2021. The new single was launched on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, Instagram/Facebook Music, Amazon, Deezer, Pandora, Napster, iHeart Radio, Tiktok, Tidal, ClaroMusica, Saavn, Anghami, KKBox, Medianet and Shazam last Jan.15, 2021. Entitled “Don’t Tire Out”, the track is a delightful exercise in retro soul vibes with a punchy drum sound, that firmly placed it in the genre of modern soul. The track is best listened to at night, as you wind down from a long day at work, glass of whiskey or wine in hand. Guest guitarist, Coco Coo takes the lead guitars to a whole new level. Coo adds a round Motown flavor and brings the piece to higher ground while complimenting Kat Darling’s lyrical stylings and emotional outpouring.

An avid follower was quoted as saying, “If I had not known who the artist was when I listened to this music, I would have thought, the tune came out of the Motown records and interpreted by a foreign artist. The trumpet-thing, the arrangement, the staccato-like rendition of the song, the phrasing and diction was astounding as it is. I want to hear her perform live!”. The well-produced and well-thought tune is in contrast to the bubbly, hippity-hop style of her initial single ‘Sufferin’. Well, both tunes takes you back to a different time frame. That is how enigmatic and robust Kat’s style is in rendering songs.

Produced by veteran musician and composer Dan Gil, “Don’t Tire Out” takes the listener on a journey through a toxic relationship where one is at fault – for loving too deeply and too intensely, calling to mind ballads and heartaches of Janis Joplin, Blood, Sweat and Tears and Sharon Jones with the Dap-Kings. The track also features Joel Mondonedo (Reklamo, Tons of Others) on bass guitar, Thor Salvador (animation/film music composer) on keyboard, and Charles Blanco (Tons of Others, Basilica) on drums. As her previous release was embraced internationally and has been featured in the UK’s Spotify Playlists “Music to Shake A Hoof,” “The Stock Exchange” and got radio airplay in the “Caribbean Broadcast Network”, this new single is poised to be a hit among the blues and psychedelic rock-loving set. Also,  the release of the Don’t Tire Out music video will be available soon. “It's a collaborative effort with the band and shot with no crew. The video is co-directed by LC De Leon, front man of the band Reklamo and is a director for advertising/short films.”, prides Kat. April 2021 is the target month for the video’s release.

Taking things one step at a time, appears to be the pace Kat has been employing in, as far her musical career is concerned. For the past two years, she has recorded, rather independently, only two songs. “But quality ones!”, quipped Kat with a sheepish smile. “Sponsors are hard to come by nowadays, I guess they have different priorities than mine”, admits Kat with a chuckle. Kat has remained an independent and self-managed artist and don’t have plans to be managed by anyone else in the near future. “That’s the beauty of being one (independent/self-managed artist), I get to choose, when to perform, where to perform and whom to perform to. I am not duty-bound by any contract where I have to be with against my will, on the wee hours of the morning in a god-forsaken place just to fulfill my obligation as an artist.”, declares Kat. With that being said, Kat has kept her schedule busy this year, by recording a further three more songs with a collaborative effort with another artists.

To get updates with her singing career and gigs and other updates, kindly visit ‘Kat Darling PH’ on Facebook.

Blind Side

Ever since the inception of music, the senses are and will be an essential part of any genre; sense of touch, hearing and sight. Wrong.  There are many musicians, both locally and otherwise, that are physically handicapped but still realized their passion in music. Jose Feliciano, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Rick Allen (the one-armed drummer of Def Leppard), Ludwig Van Beethoven was deaf, Toni Iommi of Black Sabbath had lost the tip of his fingers in a freak accident, Fred Panopio is a Polio victim, Willy Garte is clinically blind and countless more to mention. Locally, a band with its lead guitarist and singer have sight impairment since he was 15 yeasr old.
Meet Riane Foronda of the band Blind Side. “I was born with a disease that leads to my blindness. When i was 5 years old, I lost my left eye, and then when I was 15 years old,I  underwent a cataract surgery but it had complications with my inborn eye disease. I got a lot of eye surgeries afterwards. But eventually my right eye couldn’t take it anymore. That’s when my doctors told me that they did everything they could to save my remaining eye”, laments Riane. After that catastrophic episode in his life, Riane almost went into depression and could not do anything without his sight. Or so he thought. Riane, like a storyline out of a movie, refused to be hit with a cudgel of reality that he forever will be inane and useless, learn the rudiments of guitar-playing.
“I figured, many guitarist does not even look at their guitar while playing it, I assumed that, playing this instrument needs heart and feel, which I have plenty of. I learned the basics and philosophy of guitar-playing, and to top it off, my family enrolled me in School of Rock Music School”, continues Riane.  As a student, he met fellow music enthusiast and form a band. “We are part of School of Rock House Band then our current music director and other instructors encouraged me to compose original songs and start a band. Then last Feb. 1, 2017 Blind Side was formed as a three-piece rock band”. The original line up consisted of Riane Foronda on guitar and vocals, Dani Dimaano on bass and Gel Lucañas on drums.
“Then came April of 2019 our original drummer had to leave the band. At first it was hard for us to adjust, but luckily we had a lot of drummer friends in the scene who we asked to session for us. In June 2019 Wakin Ramos the 10 -yo wonder boy drummer accepted our invite to become our permanent drummer. It works for us because we’ve known him for years in the School of Rock house band”, admits Riane. Matthew Dooma soon became part of the new lineup as a bassist. After the lineup change, they found themselves motivated to play even better than before and kept their pursuit in passion for music. “Last August 2019 on a whim, I suggested to my band mates that we should audition for the first ever VivaCon at World Trade Center. We weren’t really expecting anything that day we just wanted share our music to as many people as possible. But after we played our song they asked us to sign on the spot for a recording deal with Viva. We were really surprised and very grateful that they gave us a chance. We’ve already released our first song under Viva Records last Jan 17, 2020. Its title is ‘D’wata’ our own take at a hugot song with a twist and soon hopefully we’ll be making a music video for it”, boasts Riane. ‘Paraiso ng Kadiliman’ is another of their songs, that deals with harsh reality of drug addiction. Riane composed all of Blind Side’s music.
Whenever Blind Side performs, the audience doesn’t realize that Riane is clinically blind. They thought, he was just acting cool in wearing those shades on stage. “I would want to keep it that way, Pinoys have a tendency to look down on you when you are physically challenged or they would take pity on you. I would like to be treated as a normal being not withstanding my handicap. Music is my language to reach out to the masses”, admits Riane. Thus far, they have performed for Fete de la Musique’ 2019 Alternative Stage. Shared the stage with Kevin Roy , Typecast, Hilera, Datus Tribe, Agaw Agimat, Join the Club, The Youth, Philippine Violators, Loquy, Bita and the Botflies, Razorback with Ms. Kat Agarrado just to name a few.
What are they busy with nowadays? Matt is a freshman in UST taking up Legal Management. Wakin is a grade 5 student. Riane is learning Nipponggo.