Emerging Filipino band Jose Carlito shakes up the OPM band scene with the upcoming release of the music video to “Big White Wall”—the band’s newest record—this February.

Directed by Peewee Gonzales with Daniel Padilla a.k.a. Johnny Moonlight as producer and assistant director, the music video utilized a unique treatment with the use of fisheye lens and visual distortions.

"Lots of pre-prods and meeting were held before it was finalized. They just told me, 'This is going to be cool and different!' The shoot itself was easy but they all got sunburnt," Direk Peewee shared.


Jose Carlito is an alternative rock group comprised of JC Padilla, Katsumi Kabe, and Seth Gothico with new member, JZ Lorenzo.

One of the pioneer bands under DNA Music, Jose Carlito released “Big White Wall” as a single late last year, months after debuting the song, “My Generation.”


"We were just 13-year-olds when we wrote the song, that's why we treasure it so much. We thought it's the right time to release it since there's already an opportunity. That how much we love the song, we didn't think about whether it would be a hit or miss," JC said.

The group is just one of the talented musicians under DNA Music, a record label under ABS-CBN Music, which seeks to elevate the local bands industry and help rock and alternative artists shine.

Watch out for the release of Jose Carlito’s “Big White Wall” on February 21 (Friday), 8PM at the 70s Bistro and on February 22 (Saturday) on MYX and ABS-CBN Star Music’s YouTube channel. For updates, follow DNA Music @dnamusicph on Facebook and Instagram.

New breed, new band but same blood, these are Jerome Abalos children, the SOLABROS.COM. Brothers who are born and raised in the urban neighborhood of Mandaluyong City, Philippines. In case you forgot who Jerome Abalos is, he is just one of the many multi-talented and multi-awarded musician in the country and he is well known for the monster hit song "Larawang Kupas".  And for those who favors the thrash metal sound, he is the co-founder and frontman of the band "Death By Stereo" and the progressive rock band "Majesty."

Jerome Abalos released 3 solo albums and 2 studio albums with his band. Death by Stereo’s self titled debut album was certified gold record while his solo self-titled debut album featuring the monster hit song, LARAWANG KUPAS, was a certified platinum.

Nurtured by music from the moment they were conceived, Sean, Zack, and Shane grew up with the melodic sound of the keyboards, the ripping sound of heavy metal guitar solos, and the thunder-like beat of drums and percussions. Raised and mentored by a multi-talented, multi genre musical artist of a father and fueled by their mutual interest in rock and roll, heavy metal, progressive rock, and alternative rock,Solabros.com can be considered as one of the rising stars in the Philippines, be it local or in international music scene.

The band was formed in 2015 by singer, songwriter, and keyboard player Sean Abalos and his younger brother, lead guitarist and singer Zachary Jeymz. From the moment Sean and Zack held their instruments and started playing, it was clear that they had a future in the local and international music scene. The band was soon joined by the band’s drummer Shane Steven, the youngest of the Abalos brothers, who gave the band his powerful Lars Ulrich-like drumming style. “Initially, we just wanted to be a band,” recalled Sean. “But when Shane officially joined us and started making all those power beats and double basses, our paradigm shifted and our aspiration changed overnight.We now wanted, not just to be any band, we now wanted to be among the best bands locally and overseas.”

Though with different personalities, Sean, Zack, and Shane’s talents blended and clicked. In 2016, Solabros.com joined their first “Battle of the Bands,” their first public appearance. Since then, the trio had regular gigs in several bars in Manila and Luzon.
Sean Francis Abalos (vocals, keyboards) He is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree at Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong City. After harnessing his God-given singing talent, Sean was trained on keyboards and has been loving his new skill ever since.
Shane Steven Abalos (drums, vocals) the youngest of the Abalos brothers. At 14 years old, Shane is currently a freshman in high school. With his passion for drums and percussion, Shane was initially trained to play the drums by his father. Shane focused with his training and has dramatically improved his drums and vocals skills. At only 14 years old and only a year of playing, Shane can now be considered a drummer par excellence.
Zachary Jeymz Abalos (guitars, vocals) He was exposed to musical at a very young age. He is a currently in junior high school. With the encouragement of his dad, Zack trained himself to play the guitar, starting with acoustic, he leveled up almost overnight and has since mastered the electric guitar. At only 16 years old, and only a year of playing, Zack has become a guitar phenom. His skills were way beyond his years.

To get more updates, learn more about the brothers and about the bands shows, events, and tours join the Solabros.Com's email list. Also follow their social media accounts, facebook, twitter, and Instagram.

SOLABROS.COM
Featuring JEROME ABALOS
Facebook : www.facebook.com/solabros/
                  www.facebook.com/jeromeabalosdbs/
Twitter : @solabros
Instagram : @solabros_com
YouTube : www.youtube.com/c/jeromeabalos

Do you still remember the American rock band that rock the house?  Well if you still do and want to hear from them, here's your chance to listen and cheer once more because they are here in Manila and is going to perform on May 26, 2012.  Read more of them here....

Fall in love once again with American rock band, Lifehouse, as they take Manila by storm in an evening of extraordinary musical pleasure this May 26th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Lifehouse’s leap to mainstream success started with the release of their international hit single “Hanging by a Moment” which became the Most Played Song in 2001. Written by Jason Wade, the song catapulted the band into commercial recognition. This was followed by other chart-topping hits such as “You and Me” and “Blind” from their self-titled album “Lifehouse” as well as “Whatever It Takes” from the album “Who We Are” all under MCA Music. Their latest album, “Smoke & Mirrors”, debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 marking the highest chart debut of their 10-year career. It sold 500,000 units in the United States and over two million worldwide, owning the charts for twenty consecutive weeks.

Most of the band’s songs were featured on TV series and motion pictures in the United States. “Everything” was used in the series Smallville, “All in All” in Scrubs while “Good Enough” was played over the end credits of the Disney film “The Wild”. The band’s ability to evoke emotions and effectively translate it into a song was what gained them their massive fan base over the years. Tracks like “Sick Cycle Carousel”, “Everything”, “Breathing”, “First Time”, “You and Me” and more, were played over and over again by loyal listeners worldwide. These songs captured the hearts of millions and left them wanting more.

Lifehouse is composed of Jason Wade on lead vocals/rhythm guitar, Ben Carey on lead guitar, Rick Woolstenhulme Jr. on drums and Bryce Soderberg on bass guitar.

Their albums are now out in CDs at leading record stores and online via www.MyMusicStore.com.ph under MCA Music.

For those who missed the American rock band who gave us the hits “Hanging by a Moment”, “You and Me’, and “First Time” perform last July 2008, now is your chance to see them again. LIFEHOUSE is set to perform on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets or call 911-5555 for more information. Ticket prices are at: Patron VIP 5,500, Patron 4,500, Lower Box VIP 4,000, Lower Box 3,500, Upper A 2,500, Upper B 1,500 and General Admissions 800 (subject to 6% service charge).

“LIFEHOUSE Live! in Manila” is brought to you by Dayly Entertainment and That’s Ntertainment Productions. Co-presented by Fox and Starworld. Official TV partner: ABS-CBN. Official Music Channel: MYX. With sponsors: WOW Karaoke, BDO Credit Cards. Media partners: RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, 955 Pinas FM, 96.3 Easy Rock, 97.1 Brgy LS FM, 90.7 Love Radio, 101.1 YES FM, Win Radio, Big Radio, Business World, Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Gala Magazine, Pep.ph, ClicktheCity.com, Philstar.com, Manila Concert Scene, Orange Magazine TV, WheninManila.com, PhilippineConcerts. Special thanks to: MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), Exclusive Circle, Astroplus and Odyssey.

Kamikazee, with their signature onstage antics and witty songs, has established itself to be one of the hottest rock bands of this generation, yielding numerous hits like "Narda," "Tsinelas," "Chicksilog," "First Day High," among others. For their fourth album "Romantico," the rock band goes extremely personal with songs that re-tell their love experiences.

"What makes this album special is that all the songs here are expression of our experiences and the stories of people around us," says drummer Allan “Bords” Burdeos. "It is an album very close to us as these songs represent parts of who we are now."

Frontman Jay Contreras adds, “Para siyang kuwento ng mga taong, umibig, umiibig, iniwan, nasaktan, at umibig ulit.”


Kamikazee considers this album special because this is the first time that they had agreed on the album’s theme even before the collection of songs was written.

The band added that usually the songs come first before they think of an album concept, but for “Romantico,” it is clear to them that they want to tackle love as its central theme.

The album's first single "Halik" talks about love grown tired, expressed in Kamikazee’s signature sound.

When asked whose story that was, Bords quickly replied, "secret!"

Other standout tracks are “TNT,” “Tamis,” “Tagpuan,” “Sana,” “Sobrang lungkot,” “Kislap,” “Wo-oh,” “If You’re Not Here,” “Paano,” and “Huling Sayaw.”

“Romantico” comes after the hit albums “Kamikazee,” “Maharot,” and “Long Time Noisy.”

Formed in 2000, the band is composed of Jay Contreras on vocals, Jomal Linao on guitars and backing vocals, Led Tuyay on guitars, Puto Astete on bass and Bords Burdeos.

Track List:

1. Halik
2. TNT
3. Tamis
4. Tagpuan
5. Sana
6. Sobrang Lungkot
7. Kislap
8. Wo-oh
9. If you’re not here
10. Paano
11. Huling sayaw

Diamond-recording band Sponge Cola was chosen to represent the country in the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee, USA this May 4 and 5.

The group is composed of Yael Yuzon, (guitar and vocals), Armo Armovit (lead guitar), Gosh Dilay (bass) and Tedmark Cruz (drums).

“This is one great opportunity to share the country and our music to other people,” says Yael. “We are extremely thrilled, and thankful to have been given this chance.”

Sponge Cola is undeniably one of the most-sought after, longest staying bands of this generation. Recently, they have been awarded the elusive Diamond Record Award for their hit single Tambay.

Currently, Sponge Cola is promoting their latest album under Universal Records, Araw. Oras. Tagpuan, which includes the hits Tambay, Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay,

Image from bestweekever.tv

Does any of you remembers the MMMBop days?  Well, I definitely remember that time.  It was a craze!  Remembering that makes me realized how I've grown already and so are they.  It was really that long and I wonder what would be their music now.

Last week I get an invite with the presscon of the Hanson and because of unforeseen schedule I just let my correspondence cover the said event.  Here's the rest of the story...


To most of the world, Hanson were three little boys who sang infectious and catchy songs like “I Will Come to You,” “Penny and Me” and “Where’s the Love.” Fifteen years after hearing their ubiquitous "MMMBop" here, there, and everywhere—the boys are back to reward loyal Pinoy fans with some of their greatest pop-rock anthems.

In support of their highly-anticipated new studio record released by Polyeast Records, “Shout It Out,” Dayly Entertainment and Fox International Channels stage the Hanson Shout It Out Tour 2012 on March 30, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and March 31, 2012 at Waterfront Hotel Cebu. PolyEast Records’ Robin Nievera will serve as the front act for the Metro Manila gig. Nievera has recently launched his debut album “Overwait” under PolyEast Records preceded by his first single “in 3’s.”

Hanson brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac, --the pop-rock boy band from Tulsa, Oklahoma that took the radio by storm in 1997-- are back with a force to be reckoned with. Experience a non-stop fun and dancing and the chance to bring back a phenomenon with one of the purest pop hitmakers of the last two decades.

Image courtesy of FPJ

Releasing their most ambitious album to date which reflects the music that Hanson listened to growing up-- 60's soul and 70's songwriters-- Shout it Out is now available in stores under by PolyEast Records. The new album, which debuted at #2 on the US Billboard Independent charts, has fuelled the continued passion of fans around the world; led by the infectious soul-inspired single “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’” and the smash follow-up “Give A Little.” The album highlights music legends, guest bass player Bob Babbit of Motown fame, and horn arranger Jerry Hey, best known for his work with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Earth Wind and Fire.

The three-time Grammy-nominated band has also been enjoying a massive resurgence with the first single’s video which pays homage to a scene from the classic movie "Blues Brothers" and features a guest appearance by "Wird Al" Yankovich. The 12-track set will mark the band's third release on its own 3CG Records label (including 2004's Underneath and 2007's The Walk) and distributed by PolyEast Records here in the Philippines. Fans can now buy the album at all major record outlets or download the songs at www.mymusicstore.com.ph

Drawing on the classic sounds of R&B, soul and blues albums they listened to growing up, Shout it Out is a breezy, sun-kissed collection of 12 hook-heavy, brass-indebted rock songs. The album includes the opener "Waiting For This," the groove-based "Kiss Me When You Come Home"; gospel- influenced "Carry You There"; leaning towards the easy-listening type of "And I Waited"; catchy and distinctive guitar riff of "Give a Little"; big band-esque sound "Make it Out Alive"; piano-driven ballad "Use Me Up"; the mid-tempo leanings of "These Walls" and "Voice in the Chorus"; and the vocal-driven album closer "Me, Myself and I."


Billboard said that Shout It Out represents some of the band’s “most soulful work ever committed to record”, while Salon hailed that the new single “may be their finest moment yet”, and Entertainment Weekly praised “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’” as “a delicious, catchy slice of popsoul.”

PolyEast Records will also release Hanson’s “THE BEST OF 5” CD+DVD – a collection of Hanson’s live performances of their singles, released over the last 13 years. This exceptional concert series invites the millions of Hanson’s fans to re-live more than a decade of the band’s music and their renowned dynamic live shows, and gives an unparalleled look at why Hanson have stood the test of time.

Clarke Isaac (31 y.o.), Jordan Taylor (29 y.o.), and Zac Walker (26 y.o.) have spanned many different genres, including rock, blues, folk, and pop. They are most noted for their Grammy-nominated 1997 monster hit, “MMMBop” and have sold over 16 million albums. Their 1997 album “Middle of Nowhere” was met with critical acclaim and went on to achieve multi-platinum status and led the band being the youngest-ever nominated songwriters.

Over more than 15 years since their debut major release, the band has earned praises for their songwriting, musicianship and dynamic live performances with New York‘s Village Voice calling them the "Finest Straight Up Rock Band In America."

Well the band did have their concert here in Manila and in Cebu it's just too bad that I wasn't able to watch the Hanson Shout It Out Tour 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last March 30, 2012 which was presented by Dayly Entertainment.

The event was presented by Dayly Entertainment and Fox International Channels. Special thanks to Gold’s Gym and Metro Cuisine.

For more album details, you may log onto www.polyeastrecords.com, follow us on twitter PolyEast Records or “Like” us on Facebook fan page.

All their singles released have become certified hits. Their debut single “Picture Picture” not only has become a byword but one of the most requested tracks as well. Same with “Disney”, “Linda Blair” and “PA Roadie Fernandez” which dominated the charts of various radio stations and music channels all over the country.

Wacky group TANYA MARKOVA gives music fans another reason to be happy as they release the expanded edition of their self-titled debut album now titled “Tanya Markova: Shock Pop 2CD Edition”. The first CD contains all their hits and tracks from their debut album while the bonus AVCD includes the music videos of the four singles “Picture, Picture”, “Disney”, “Linda Blair” and “PA Roadie Fernandez”—all visually capturing the cheerfulness of the group.

 CD 2 also features a new single that majority can most relate to—that social network site. Yes, the band recorded “Da Facebook Song (Ang Ganda Ganda Mo)” which is currently burning the airwaves with its catchy lyrics especially the line “chat churu chat chat churu” and funny storyline that also mentions “It” girl and fellow MCA Music artist Solenn Heussaff. The acoustic version of the song is also in the album as well as remixes of “Picture Picture” and the acoustic versions of that track and “Jacuzzi” plus their version of the 90s Radiohead hit “Creep”.

TANYA MARKOVA is composed of unique cast of characters namely Norma Love, Iwa Motors, Mowmow, Heart Abunda, Jennylyn Sucaldito, Skrovak Iskopanjo, Rufa Mae Milby and Rez Curtis.

“TANYA MARKOVA: SHOCK POP 2 CD EDITION” is now out in CDs for only P300 at leading record stores and online via mymusicstore.com.ph under MCA Music. To download Tanya Markova’s music on your cellular phones, text TANYA to 3456.

If you were ask the definition of Slow Rock what would it be?  For sure there will be dozens of it but for Hijo they define it well and simple.

Read their definition below and the details about their album....

Life is about moving on. And that was what Nathan Azarcon, Ira Cruz and Vic Mercado did when their former band Bamboo ceased being a group. With their passion for music, they decided to form their own group in late January 2011—a band they would eventually call Hijo.

“The name Hijo was suggested by Vic,” Nathan said. “It is short for HIJO dePuga"

Nathan, aside from playing bass now mans the vocals with Ira and Vic still doing the same thing they are good at- guitars and drums respectively. But adding to the band’s members are Radioactive Sago Project’s Junji Lerma on guitars and Wowee Posadas (who replaced Jay Orduna) on keyboards.

For people to get a taste of their music, Hijo released an EP entitled “Slow Rock Vol. ½”which they tag as “Kung-Fu Rock”.

“It is slow rock… and we wanted a funny title for it. It’s so dark as it is,” Nathan said.

Compared to their previous experience with their former bands, it was a different recording process for the group especially for Nathan, Ira and Vic.

“Working with the band is just amazing. This is the first time the three of us recorded most of our parts separately. We already had a formula for laying down tracks but this time we pushed ourselves and went the opposite way. I love how it all turned out. It’s still us. Plus, of course, with the addition of Junji and Jay o, it sounded fresh. Working with Shinji Tanaka and Eric Perlas was pretty cool,” Nathan said.

“Slow Rock Vol. ½” contains four tracks like “Tamalee” which is about insatiable greed; “Di Mo Na Kaya”- a song on separation and loss; “Torquemada”- about pain and torture and “Dahil Sa Iyo” which speaks about love. The videos for “Tamalee” and “Di Mo Na Kaya” are currently playing on top music channels in the country.

“The music videos are amazing. Direk Jason Tan and Erwin Romulo is the shiz. We have a good team,” Nathan said.

Though a lot of bands have been mushrooming left and right, Hijo belies they have the traits that differentiate them from others.

“We are in our prime. Kung baga sa modern warfare, veteran. We pack light, hit hard, retreat, regroup, we adjust and then we attack again. Such is the nature of the pride,” Nathan said.

“Slow Rock Vol. ½” is now out under MCA Music in CDs at leading record bars nationwide or online via mymusicstore.com.ph. To download Hijo’s music on your mobile phones, just text HIJO to 3456.

Wacky band Tanya Markova invaded various radio stations and a music channel to bring their version of a make-over—what they call Tanya Mark-over to mark the release of their latest single “Da Facebook Song (Ang Ganda Ganda Mo)”.

The group best known for their hits “Picture Picture”, “Disney”, “Linda Blair” and “PA Roadie Fernandez” visited radio stations Jam 88.3, Magic 89.9, 90.7 Love Radio, 91.5 Big Radio, RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, 95.5 Pinas FM, 96.3 EASY ROCK, Barangay LS FM 97.1, 99.5 RT, 101.1 YES FM, Tambayan 101.9, 102.7 Star FM, 103.5 WOW FM, 106.7 Energy FM and 107.5 WIN Radio as well as music channel MYX and made up the DJs and crew there a la Tanya Markova and posted it on various facebook pages. Even fellow MCA Music artist Solenn Heussaff got a taste of the “Tanya Mark-over”. If you are wondering why what Solenn has got to do with them, listen to the song on your favorite radio stations. Definitely a good way to launch their new single which as the title suggests about the social networking site Facebook. Soon, everyone will be singing “Chat churu, chat chat churu” the same way they infected the people with “Picture Picture”.

“Da Facebook Song (Ang Ganda Ganda Mo)” is included in Tanya Markova’s repackaged album “Tanya Mark-over” which features all their hits and its music videos that became part of the charts and people just can’t stop singing. This 2-disc album also has remixes and acoustic version of “Picture Picture”, acoustic version of “Jacuzzi”, their version of the 90s hit “Creep” plus more surprises from the band.

“Tanya Markova: Tanya Mark-over” will be out soon at record stores and online via MyMusicStore.com.ph under MCA Music. Their songs can also be downloaded on your cellphones by texting TANYA to 3456.

Just got home from an album launch held at ARENA Sports Bar.  The place was not that big but good enough to accommodate a number of people while the band is performing on stage.  Yes, it is a band and to be precise it is an indie band called ARKO.  I'm sure a lot of the readers will raise their eyebrows and wonder who is this band.    Actually when a blogger friend invited me and message me the event I didn't actually easily grasps that it was a rock band not until I came to the venue.

Admittedly, I wasn't familiar with the indie band so this is a great time for me to know them more and hear their music mostly.

Since it was the launching of their 2nd Album entitled "Bitter, Sweet and Even", I, together with the other bloggers get a chance to ask questions about their band.  We also get a chance to get up close with them and ask some more questions that they willingly answers but of course there are some that are off the record.

Why ARKO?  According to them they based it on the arch structure which shows the strength of the band that the more pressure being put on them makes them even stronger.  It was not their first name but from a revision of their first band name which they find it easier to pronounce than their previous name.

ARKO band is composed of four great and talented individuals namely Brian Sta. Ana who plays the guitar, Ivan Raquid on bass, Boyet Robleado on drums and Nathalie Parayno as their vocalist.  I'm not much of a good critic with regards to music but I can say that each  member of the band are great in what they are playing and they exceeded my expectation, especially when I heard almost every song in their album tracks.


The band has been together for 7 years already and they have been through different sides of their life and their life as a band.  For this year it has been one of the good side for them because they were able to release their 2nd Album which was independently produced, one of their songs were already on MYX, and they were the first band to be featured in Fansilog.com. and the band's music video "Sayang" was produced by Fansilog.com.

I'm sure this band will be great and I'll be looking forward for their next step in their career.


Aside from the launching of ARKO's 2nd Album it was also the launching of the Fansilog.com which is a newest music content website solely for OPM Artists and fans.  Artists, bands, and fans can log in and exchange.  Also artists and bands can upload  their songs and videos and let their fans know where their next gig will be and at the same time view exclusive content like interviews, music videos, bootlegs, and versions.

Fansilog.com was conceived by four individuals from various fields, a freelance video producer Frank Lloyd Mamaril, Robbie Ortega who's a Licensed Engineer, Jason Talon an IT Practitioner, and Raul Robles who's  an IT Support Engineer.   Fansilog.com is not yet on it's full blown but expect something good from because everything is made out of their love and advocacy in producing good Pinoy Music to Filipinos.

It’s really great experiencing things that you only once seen on TV or on mall tours. Yes, I was one of those people before who only watched from a distance. I watched those people line up just to get their CDs or posters signed by their favorite artist. For some reasons I never did that before. Not until now.

I was fortunate enough to experience and have my CD signed by each of the members of the rock band, Sponge Cola. This was my very first time! The good thing is that I never have to fall in line and wait for long hours just to have my CD signed by the artist. Another good thing about it is that it’s exclusive, casual and cool. No harassed mood!


Yes, I was one of the fortunate bloggers to attend a Blogger’s Night Meet and Greet with the Sponge Cola. Aside from meeting them in person, we also get a chance to hear them sing live. It’s more like a normal school room jam. Some of the bloggers shoot some question to the band which they answered willfully excluding the last question about relationship.

Here’s a press release about Sponge Cola’s latest album and their thoughts about it.


Sponge Cola is the only recording band to reach diamond after Eraserheards for the outstanding sales of Tambay (EP) via Coca-Cola’s summer promo, Sponge Cola scores yet again as the band releases its highly anticipated fourth full-length album titled Araw Oras Tagpuan under Universal Records. But the band is not content to rest on its laurels yet, this is just the beginning.

Composed of Yael Yuzon (vocals/guitars), Erwin Armovit (lead guitars), Gosh Dilay (bass) and Tedmark Cruz (drums), Sponge Cola has always made its presence felt since breaking the local music scene in 2002 via Madonna’s Crazy For You.


In the past nine years, Sponge Cola has gone from nowhere to full-fledged phenomenon on the strength of its three bestselling albums: Palabas (2004), Transit (2006) and Sponge Cola (2008). Only one of the few bands that couldn't help but hit, Sponge Cola went on to producing chart-topping singles such as KLSP, Gemini, Jeepney, Bitiw, Tuliro, Movie, Pasubali, Puso, Ayt!, Makapiling Ka, Di Na Mababawi and so on.

From then on, the band's popularity doesn't seem to be waning. It was evident from numerous awards and citations received by the band. From favorite artist to favorite song to favorite group to favorite rock video to favorite vocalist to achieving gold and platinum awards, Sponge Cola’s rise to full stardom never stops, and it shows no sign of flickering.

In fact, the rocket ride to the top doesn't look as if it's going to end any time soon.


Just recently, Sponge Cola's Tambay (EP) earned the band a diamond record in sales. The band in unison says, "It's a great feeling. We're very thankful. We appreciate the support we get from people."

The band’s new album's title says Araw Oras Tagpuan—date, time, place—Armo said they just wanted to create something that strings our ideas on space, time, fate and choice together.

Yael elaborates, "I like the swagger that the title suggests. It's like ‘Give me a time, date and place and we'll be there.’ But with said swagger, it still feels down to earth, which is I think how are we these days, in my head at least.”

Araw Oras Tagpuan consists of 12 tracks that include massive hits Tambay, Regal and the new hit single Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay. Other songs included are Walang Wakas which became the theme song of ABS-CBN’s series Wansapanatym: Rod Santiago’s Buhawi Jack; New Steel which features Paolo Valenciano of Salamin, Ria Redulla, and Los Magno of Out of Body Special; and Warning featuring Norma Love, Iwa Motor, and Mowmow of Tanya Markova.


In this album, nine out of twelve songs were mainly written and co-written by Yael along with Gosh. It is interesting to note that the collaboration with these artists adds hip hop, new metal, and retro to the band’s definitive music.

In an exclusive interview with BANDS Magazine when asked what the video for Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay is about and what new fans can expect from it, Yael shares, "My brother Yanny who plays guitar for Pupil and sings for Archipelago directed it in Bacolod. As a theater director, he's known for bold, riveting plays, often pushing boundaries and never failing to move. It was our first time to fly outside Manila to shoot a music video. It showcases the beauty of provincial life. And yeah, love."

"I just want them to listen freely and take whatever they want/can from the material, Armo says when asked what they would want the audience to hear within the lyrics of their songs from Araw Oras Tagppuan. Yael adds, “[And] Catharsis lang naman as always."


When asked what happens in his head when he composes – the creative process before he writes it down or put his hands on the guitar – and how his persona plays a role in that process, Yael says, "It depends. Sometimes I play with words, then a persona is formed. Sometimes it's me, sometimes it's someone else. It's usually someone similar to me at least."

"Fall where they may. And then someone figures it out for us. We just write," says Yael when asked if he consciously thinks, "Oh, this will work for us with the market; that will work well with the mainstream"? Or do the songs just fall where they may.

In the latest issue of Pinoy Magazine, correspondent Boy Garchitorena writes that it would be hard to pick singles in this record that throws a lot of possible ones. The record as he puts it screams a resounding "we’re not done!"

The one thing commendable with Sponge Cola is that this group is not afraid to experiment and take the music to different places. True enough.

That’s what Sponge Cola always known for. They are not afraid to experiment and take the music to different places. "This is just how we are. We do whatever we want to go, making music is what we do. We keep it real. [And] We’re all about the fun," Yael says.




And when asked how their values and faith changed in these remarkable years of success, Yael proudly states, "They haven’t, they’ve stayed the same, and we’re still the same people with the same beliefs, fighting for the same principles."

The album Araw Oras Tagpuan is out now in all major record bars nationwide under Universal Records.

Sponge Cola’s Blogger’s Night is brought to you by Universal Records in cooperation with Pinoy Magazine (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pinoy-Magazine-Fanpage/158056554242211), BANDS Magazine (http://www.facebook.com/bandsmagazine) and official online partner Orange Magazine TV (http://www.facebook.com/orangemagazinetv). Special thanks to Coca-Cola Philippines.

To know get updates from the band just visit the Facebook Fanpage of Sponge Cola: http://www.facebook.com/spongecola and Universal Records: http://www.facebook.com/universalrecordsphfanpage.