Rivermaya is an influential Filipino rock band founded in 1993. Their musical direction has evolved through standard rock, hard rock, pop, progressive, and other genres. They have recently released work in
Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and have garnered the attention of fans throughout Southeast Asia.
Background
Early years
The first line-up consisted of Jessie Gonzales on vocals, Kenneth Ilagan on guitars, Nathan Azarcon on bass, Rome Velayo on drums, and Rico Blanco on keyboards. They were managed by Lizza Nakpil and director Chito Roño who had the intention of molding the group into a rock show band. The band was then called Xaga.
Classic line-up and mainstream success
In the process of grueling practice sessions, Ilagan was replaced with Perfecto de Castro; Azarcon recruited former Bazurak bandmate and childhood friend, Mark Escueta, to replace Velayo, as well as former classmate Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac to replace Gonzales. With Bamboo Mañalac as frontman, the band members themselves decided to disband Xaga and form the band Rivermaya. They started putting together original songs like "Ulan" [Rain], "214", and "Awit ng Kabataan" [Song of the Youth] (mostly composed by Rico Blanco) in demo form for prospective recording companies.
By November 1994, the band had released its first album, the self-titled Rivermaya, and its first single, "Ulan"; followed by "214". Critically praised for its fresh, excitingly new pop/rock sound, the album went on to become one of the best acts in the 1990s.
Citing artistic differences, de Castro was adamant in leaving the group and founded his own band, Triaxis, De Castro's departure made Rico Blanco the full time guitarist of the band.
The band's second album Trip, followed with the singles "Kisapmata" [Blink of an Eye], "Himala" [Miracle], and "Panahon Na Naman" [Here Comes the Season]. Whilce Portacio, creator of the X-Men's "Bishop" and co-founder of Image Comics, designed the album art for Trip.
In 1997, the band released its third album, Atomic Bomb, with the single "Hinahanap-hanap Kita" [Always Searching For You]. The album gained positive responses from listeners and received heavy airplay from radio stations. During this period, Rivermaya also released the "Rivermaya Remixed" album, put together with the help of DJ Toti Dalmacion of Groove Nation.
Departure of Bamboo Mañalac, Nathan Azarcon and second evolution of line-up
The band then embarked on a US and Canada tour. It was at this time that Bamboo Mañalac decided to stay in the US with his family. He eventually went on to form his own band, Bamboo in 2003.
Rivermaya decided to forge on, with Rico Blanco taking on vocals and released their fourth album, It's Not Easy Being Green containing the singles "Nerbyoso" [Nervous Man], "Shattered Like", and "Rodeo".
The band released its fifth studio album, aptly called Free, entirely for free on the Internet as well as on CDs distributed at their gigs. Free went on to be named "Best Album of 2000" at the NU Rock Awards.
Azarcon departed from the group signaling a new lineup change. Completing the lineup were new guitarists, Kakoi Legaspi (from blues band Mr. Crayon) and Mike Elgar (from 7 Foot Junior) as well as Japs Sergio (from Daydream Cycle) on bass.
Together, this lineup released "Tuloy ang Ligaya" [The Joy Continues], preceded by the EP "Alab ng Puso" [Passion of the Heart] (featuring a remix by Raimund Marasigan's Squid 9).
The band released the albums Tuloy ang Ligaya and Between the Stars and the Waves, producing the singles "Umaaraw, Umuulan" [Sunshine, Rainfall], "Wag Na Init Ulo, Baby" [Cool Down, Baby], "A Love to Share", "Balisong" [Filipino knife], "Sunday Driving", "Table for Two", "241 (My Favorite Song)", and "Atat" (Eager).
Kakoi Legaspi resigned in 2004 for personal reasons.
International success
The band found a variety of partners who commissioned such works as "Liwanag sa Dilim" [Light in the Dark], "Posible" [Possible] (Southeast Asian Games' Athletes Anthem) and "You'll Be Safe Here".
"You'll Be Safe Here," originally created as the theme for the ABS-CBN TV series Spirits (directed by Rivermaya co-manager Chito S. Rono) would be the song to take Rivermaya outside the country. Released as an EP by Warner Music Philippines, it also became the song that MTV Asia selected for performance at the 2006 Asia Awards. Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child introduced the group, and they were backed up by Thailand’s Royal Symphony Orchestra during live performance. It was the first time that a Filipino band was invited to perform in the said event.
An album of compiled works, titled You'll Be Safe Here, is distributed in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Rivermaya embarked on a series of Asian tours, including at Thailand's Pattaya Music Fest (2008, 2009) as well as Singapore's Mosaic Festival (run by The Esplanade); and Bangkok's Fat Fest as well as in Indonesia's MTV Staying Alive show.
In the Philippines, the Rivermaya Greatest Hits 2006 album on Viva Records was followed by an album dedicated to its music heroes: Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo [One Vessel, One Blood].
At the end of March 2007, Rivermaya scored again another first for the Philippines as their videos, "You'll Be Safe Here" and the recent video remake "Bali Song" were chosen as the first Asian artists to have full-length music videos featured on the Star World Channel.
In 2008-2009 Rivermaya performed at the Marina Bay New Years' Countdown in Singapore and became the first Filipino band invited to perform at the 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
Departure of Rico Blanco
On May 2007, rumors of Rico Blanco's quitting the group surfaced. The band's management team refused to comment, as did the other members. It was not until a few more days before Blanco officially announced his departure from the group. Both Rivermaya and its management have taken the announcement in stride and have denied rumors that the band would disband as a result. "No one member is greater than the whole," declared Rivermaya management in an official statement released on June 14, 2007.
After Blanco left, Rivermaya released a new single, "Sayang" [Wasted], penned by Japs Sergio and described by the band as "an open letter to the fans."
In addition, Studio 23 announced the selection of Rivermaya to create the new theme song for the station. The new song is titled "Sumigaw" [Shouted] and marks the release of a second single in two months for the band, accelerating Rivermaya's pace for new songs rapidly (In previous years, the band had managed to release only a single every 12 months).
On August 11, 2007, during a mini press conference held at Mogwai Bar and Café in Cubao's Marikina Shoe Expo, Rivermaya released its all-new 5-song Bagong Liwanag EP, which hit stores nationwide starting August 15. This 5-song EP is released on the band's own label, Revolver Music, and licensed to Warner Music Philippines.
Rivermaya also held auditions for a new member. Out of more than 400 participants, only 80 were chosen to join the semi-finals. The auditions was televised on Studio 23, which was titled Bagong Liwanag (A New Light). Aside from the band members, main judges are Rivermaya manager Lizza Nakpil, The Dawn guitarist Francis Reyes, and Razorback bassist Louie Talan.
New frontman and third evolution of line-up
On October 24, 2007, then-18 year old Jayson Fernandez was announced as the winner and new member of Rivermaya. This third evolution of Rivermaya offers an ensemble cast (with the four members offering their vocal prestiges) as compared to their previous lineups.
On February 2008, Rivermaya released the album entitled Buhay [Life] with the carrier single "Sugal ng Kapalaran" [Gamble of Fate] penned by Sergio with both Fernandez and Sergio doing the vocals, while Elgar and Escueta do backing vocals.
Present status
In October of 2008, after allegedly discovering several acts of misappropriation of funds involving the bands' royalties and talent fees, the current Rivermaya band members announced that the band had parted ways with their longtime manager Lizza Nakpil. She is now charged with the crime of esBackground
Early years
The first line-up consisted of Jessie Gonzales on vocals, Kenneth Ilagan on guitars, Nathan Azarcon on bass, Rome Velayo on drums, and Rico Blanco on keyboards. They were managed by Lizza Nakpil and director Chito Roño who had the intention of molding the group into a rock show band. The band was then called Xaga.
Classic line-up and mainstream success
In the process of grueling practice sessions, Ilagan was replaced with Perfecto de Castro; Azarcon recruited former Bazurak bandmate and childhood friend, Mark Escueta, to replace Velayo, as well as former classmate Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac to replace Gonzales. With Bamboo Mañalac as frontman, the band members themselves decided to disband Xaga and form the band Rivermaya. They started putting together original songs like "Ulan" [Rain], "214", and "Awit ng Kabataan" [Song of the Youth] (mostly composed by Rico Blanco) in demo form for prospective recording companies.
By November 1994, the band had released its first album, the self-titled Rivermaya, and its first single, "Ulan"; followed by "214". Critically praised for its fresh, excitingly new pop/rock sound, the album went on to become one of the best acts in the 1990s.
Citing artistic differences, de Castro was adamant in leaving the group and founded his own band, Triaxis, De Castro's departure made Rico Blanco the full time guitarist of the band.
The band's second album Trip, followed with the singles "Kisapmata" [Blink of an Eye], "Himala" [Miracle], and "Panahon Na Naman" [Here Comes the Season]. Whilce Portacio, creator of the X-Men's "Bishop" and co-founder of Image Comics, designed the album art for Trip.
In 1997, the band released its third album, Atomic Bomb, with the single "Hinahanap-hanap Kita" [Always Searching For You]. The album gained positive responses from listeners and received heavy airplay from radio stations. During this period, Rivermaya also released the "Rivermaya Remixed" album, put together with the help of DJ Toti Dalmacion of Groove Nation.
Departure of Bamboo Mañalac, Nathan Azarcon and second evolution of line-up
The band then embarked on a US and Canada tour. It was at this time that Bamboo Mañalac decided to stay in the US with his family. He eventually went on to form his own band, Bamboo in 2003.
Rivermaya decided to forge on, with Rico Blanco taking on vocals and released their fourth album, It's Not Easy Being Green containing the singles "Nerbyoso" [Nervous Man], "Shattered Like", and "Rodeo".
The band released its fifth studio album, aptly called Free, entirely for free on the Internet as well as on CDs distributed at their gigs. Free went on to be named "Best Album of 2000" at the NU Rock Awards.
Azarcon departed from the group signaling a new lineup change. Completing the lineup were new guitarists, Kakoi Legaspi (from blues band Mr. Crayon) and Mike Elgar (from 7 Foot Junior) as well as Japs Sergio (from Daydream Cycle) on bass.
Together, this lineup released "Tuloy ang Ligaya" [The Joy Continues], preceded by the EP "Alab ng Puso" [Passion of the Heart] (featuring a remix by Raimund Marasigan's Squid 9).
The band released the albums Tuloy ang Ligaya and Between the Stars and the Waves, producing the singles "Umaaraw, Umuulan" [Sunshine, Rainfall], "Wag Na Init Ulo, Baby" [Cool Down, Baby], "A Love to Share", "Balisong" [Filipino knife], "Sunday Driving", "Table for Two", "241 (My Favorite Song)", and "Atat" (Eager).
Kakoi Legaspi resigned in 2004 for personal reasons.
International success
The band found a variety of partners who commissioned such works as "Liwanag sa Dilim" [Light in the Dark], "Posible" [Possible] (Southeast Asian Games' Athletes Anthem) and "You'll Be Safe Here".
"You'll Be Safe Here," originally created as the theme for the ABS-CBN TV series Spirits (directed by Rivermaya co-manager Chito S. Rono) would be the song to take Rivermaya outside the country. Released as an EP by Warner Music Philippines, it also became the song that MTV Asia selected for performance at the 2006 Asia Awards. Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child introduced the group, and they were backed up by Thailand’s Royal Symphony Orchestra during live performance. It was the first time that a Filipino band was invited to perform in the said event.
An album of compiled works, titled You'll Be Safe Here, is distributed in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Rivermaya embarked on a series of Asian tours, including at Thailand's Pattaya Music Fest (2008, 2009) as well as Singapore's Mosaic Festival (run by The Esplanade); and Bangkok's Fat Fest as well as in Indonesia's MTV Staying Alive show.
In the Philippines, the Rivermaya Greatest Hits 2006 album on Viva Records was followed by an album dedicated to its music heroes: Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo [One Vessel, One Blood].
At the end of March 2007, Rivermaya scored again another first for the Philippines as their videos, "You'll Be Safe Here" and the recent video remake "Bali Song" were chosen as the first Asian artists to have full-length music videos featured on the Star World Channel.
In 2008-2009 Rivermaya performed at the Marina Bay New Years' Countdown in Singapore and became the first Filipino band invited to perform at the 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
Departure of Rico Blanco
On May 2007, rumors of Rico Blanco's quitting the group surfaced. The band's management team refused to comment, as did the other members. It was not until a few more days before Blanco officially announced his departure from the group. Both Rivermaya and its management have taken the announcement in stride and have denied rumors that the band would disband as a result. "No one member is greater than the whole," declared Rivermaya management in an official statement released on June 14, 2007.
After Blanco left, Rivermaya released a new single, "Sayang" [Wasted], penned by Japs Sergio and described by the band as "an open letter to the fans."
In addition, Studio 23 announced the selection of Rivermaya to create the new theme song for the station. The new song is titled "Sumigaw" [Shouted] and marks the release of a second single in two months for the band, accelerating Rivermaya's pace for new songs rapidly (In previous years, the band had managed to release only a single every 12 months).
On August 11, 2007, during a mini press conference held at Mogwai Bar and Café in Cubao's Marikina Shoe Expo, Rivermaya released its all-new 5-song Bagong Liwanag EP, which hit stores nationwide starting August 15. This 5-song EP is released on the band's own label, Revolver Music, and licensed to Warner Music Philippines.
Rivermaya also held auditions for a new member. Out of more than 400 participants, only 80 were chosen to join the semi-finals. The auditions was televised on Studio 23, which was titled Bagong Liwanag (A New Light). Aside from the band members, main judges are Rivermaya manager Lizza Nakpil, The Dawn guitarist Francis Reyes, and Razorback bassist Louie Talan.
New frontman and third evolution of line-up
On October 24, 2007, then-18 year old Jayson Fernandez was announced as the winner and new member of Rivermaya. This third evolution of Rivermaya offers an ensemble cast (with the four members offering their vocal prestiges) as compared to their previous lineups.
On February 2008, Rivermaya released the album entitled Buhay [Life] with the carrier single "Sugal ng Kapalaran" [Gamble of Fate] penned by Sergio with both Fernandez and Sergio doing the vocals, while Elgar and Escueta do backing vocals.
Present status
In October of 2008, after allegedly discovering several acts of misappropriation of funds involving the bands' royalties and talent fees, the current Rivermaya band members announced that the band had parted ways with their longtime manager Lizza Nakpil. She is now charged with the crime of estafa, facing another case for damages and the court has issued a Writ of Preliminary Injunction stopping her from harassing Rivermaya, harassing and misleading producers, sponsors, members of the media and the general public by falsely claiming ownership of the name Rivermaya.
On December 31 2008, Rivermaya played in Singapore at the Marina Bay New Year Countdown.
In September 2009, Rivermaya is the first Filipino band invited to perform on 3 different stages at the 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
On September 2009, Rivermaya released the album Closest Thing To Heaven' with the track "Dangal" (Dignity) as the carrier single.
Band members
Current members
Jayson Fernandez - Vocals, Guitars (2007-present)
Japs Sergio - Vocals, Bass (2001-present)
Mike Elgar - Guitars, Vocals, Keyboards (2001-present)
Mark Escueta - Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Occasional guitars (1993-present)
Perfecto de Castro - Guitars, Vocals (1993 - 1995)
Discography
For a full, detailed list, see: Rivermaya discography
Rivermaya (1994)
Trip (1996)
Atomic Bomb (1997)
It's Not Easy Being Green (1999)
Free (2000)
Tuloy ang Ligaya (2001)
Between the Stars and Waves (2001)
Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo (2006)
Buhay (2008)
Closest Thing to Heaven (2009)
tafa, facing another case for damages and the court has issued a Writ of Preliminary Injunction stopping her from harassing Rivermaya, harassing and misleading producers, sponsors, members of the media and the general public by falsely claiming ownership of the name Rivermaya.
On December 31 2008, Rivermaya played in Singapore at the Marina Bay New Year Countdown.
In September 2009, Rivermaya is the first Filipino band invited to perform on 3 different stages at the 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
On September 2009, Rivermaya released the album Closest Thing To Heaven' with the track "Dangal" (Dignity) as the carrier single.
Band members
Current members
Jayson Fernandez - Vocals, Guitars (2007-present)
Japs Sergio - Vocals, Bass (2001-present)
Mike Elgar - Guitars, Vocals, Keyboards (2001-present)
Mark Escueta - Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Occasional guitars (1993-present)
Perfecto de Castro - Guitars, Vocals (1993 - 1995)
Discography
For a full, detailed list, see: Rivermaya discography
Rivermaya (1994)
Trip (1996)
Atomic Bomb (1997)
It's Not Easy Being Green (1999)
Free (2000)
Tuloy ang Ligaya (2001)
Between the Stars and Waves (2001)
Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo (2006)
Buhay (2008)
Closest Thing to Heaven (2009)
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Bob Ong
Bob Ong, or Roberto Ong, is thepseudonym of a Filipino contemporary author known for using conversational Filipino to create humorous and reflective depictions of life as a Filipino.
One reviewer notes (translated from the vernacular):
" Filipinos really patronize Bob Ong's works because, while most of his books may have an element of comedy in them, this is presented in a manner that replicates Filipino culture and traditions. This is likely the reason why his first book - and those that followed it, can be considered true Pinoy classics."
The six books he has published thus far have surpassed a quarter of a million copies.
The website and the pseudonym
The pseudonym Bob Ong came about when the author was working as a web developer and a teacher, and he put up the Bobong Pinoy website in his spare time. The name of the site roughly translates as "Dumb Filipino," used fondly as a diminutive term. Although impressed, Bob Ong notes, "my boss would've fired me had he known I was the one behind it." When someone contacted him after mistaking him as an actual person named Bob Ong, his famous pseudonym was born. The site received a People's Choice Philippine Web Award for Weird/Humor in 1998, but was taken down after former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada was ousted after the Second People Power Revolution.
Pseudonym Confusion
There has been occasional confusion between Bob Ong and Filipino-Chinese author Charlson Ong. However, according to Bob Ong's account in Stainless Longganisa, he is not actually Filipino-Chinese. Neither is he actually named "Ong." The family name "Ong" just evolved out of play of words that was the BobOng Pinoy website.
It has also been suggested that the poet, Paolo Manalo, is Bob Ong, but he has denied this. The books of Bob Ong are often humorous can produce feelings of nostalgia for the reader.
Another theory also states that Carlos Palanca Memorial Awardee for Literature, Prof. Eros S. Atalia, graduate of Philippine Normal University and is now a teacher in the University of Santo Tomas, is Bob Ong. He also produced two books with Visual Print Enterprise, entitled "Peksman, Mamatay ka Man Nagsisinungaling Ako" and "Lapit na me, Ligo na u". Atalia's writing style falls under a similar type Bob Ong uses. (But if you examine the context, particularly on the author's political view and religious view, Atalia is way too different from Bob Ong)
Published works
*ABNKKBSNPLAko?!(Aba, Nakakabasa na pala Ako!) (2001)
* Bakit Baligtad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino? (2002)
* Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas (2003)
*Alamat ng Gubat (2003)
*Stainless Longganisa (2005)
*Macarthur (2007)
*Kapitan Sino (2009)
*Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan (2010)
