Pasakanin started out as an activist group in 2001. With such a background, the band wanted to make a difference in the music scene. The name of the band is an abbreviation of “Paminaw sa Among Kanta Intawon” that encourages people to hear them out. The group is composed of Kulas Holganza (lead vocals), Michelle Glyn Betonio (vocals), John Elento (guitar), Rolando Mata Jr. (bass), Jon Ian Sagun (keyboards), Rey Pulis (trumpet), Clayton Martinez (saxophone), Irvin Jupiter Honoridez (drums) and percussionists/back-up vocals Jo Simpelo, Jan Jurel Enad and Clark Anthony Arche.

Having various fields of studies in different schools, from architecture, engineering, nursing, art, and criminology,  the members of the band had one thing in common - patriotism shown by activism. It was a driving force that led them into making some meaningful music – from social and political issues that haunts the country most of the time. The young band didn’t have reggae in their repertoire until 2006 when reggae becoming more popular in the country. It wasn’t easy since it wasn’t really a part of the plan but the growing reception of the genre made them more eager to play reggae music. Loving the music that they make didn’t put them down from problems – adjustment issues, finance, criticisms from other bands, and even love-life!

To be taken seriously in the reggae scene is quite a challenge even though you’re like speaking up in an activist rally in your songs. If you’ll ask Pasakanin, critics and fans made it possible for them to be proud Cebuano musicians. With the mix of tribal instruments – djembe, kubing, gong, and chimes, the band was able to make a unique vibe of reggae music. It was also the goal of Pasakanin to promote cultural awareness in the Philippines. With the domination of western music, it somehow motivates them to make a more creative reggae music that’ll be appreciated not only by its rhythm but also the message it contains. The band’s repertoire is mostly composed of songs in Bisaya (Reggae na Bisaya) such as “Sayaw ta Bai”, “Magkahiusa”, “Baleleng”, and “Pasakanin Song”. There’s also a tagalong song “Trabaho” – a reggae song mixed with rock vibe. “Under the Sea” – a cover song of an all popular animation soundtrack, is quite a deviance from the set of their songs but will definitely set a feel-good atmosphere. 

Pasakanin launched their very first album “Paminaw sa Among Kanta Intawon” – a 10 track album of reggae songs in Bisaya, five years after the band set foot in the music scene. Showcased in Haundraw Events Café (where indie music, bands, and fanatics come together), the band was backed up by other reggae bands like Cooley Dread and the Microphone Commanders, and Mungkanghan.

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With the dominance of male in the reggae scene, who wouldn't notice the "almost" all-girl band from the reggae capital of the Philippines? Sefyla - derived from a female cult in Africa that was believed to be led by a godedss, stood out from the reggae scene with a unique taste of rock and ska. Now composed of Yapi Taneo (vocals), Tara Uy (guitars), Vonay Sanchez (bass), and Rey Mart Taneo (drums), the band is set to conquer the realm of reggae enthusiasts with Yapi's powerful voice and mind enlightening songs.

The band started out as an all-girl band in 2003 to participate in a high school band competition. After winning the competition with cover songs from Save Ferris and No Doubt, the band decided to play music in various occasions. The band loved to play ska – a product of their common interests, which was dominant over the song “Hang Over”. It was included in a compilation album “Doobie Nights” that was played all over the metro but never publicly released in Cebu – quite ironic. They years passed by for the all-girl band until members pursued their personal careers. It was the band keyboardist Teri Paller who oraganized the defunct band back together with a new guitarist to play in local music bars until 2005.

To bring back the band’s spirit, they joined a local band competition Itzamatch: Rock to Fame in the late 2008 with their new vocalist Yapi Taneo of University of the Philippines. They didn’t win the competition, buy they definitely earned a place inside the hearts of the audiences who witnessed their performance.  Time passed by for the band to mature as reggae artists that’ll be known throughout the country. With a solid foundation on reggae and ska, they were able to come up with songs with a mix of heavy metal, rock, blues, and jazz. The socio-cultural awareness embeds in the lyrics allowed a heavier context that people can relate to.

In 2009, the band was ready to release their first original repertoire – stories of war, hearts and minds, a collage of undying passion for freedom in the modern age. A feeling of liberation is the effect of hearing Sefyla’s songs – the band calls it music activism. It was also the time for Rey Mart Taneo – the only thorn among the roses, to join the lineup. With the collaboration of ideals, talents, and influences, the band was able to come up with a slight twist in the standard genre of reggae.

Sefyla is definitely one unique band you can come across these days. In the band’s 8th year, they continue to spread messages of hope and freedom. Watch out for their new album that’ll be released this year.

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Tags: homegrown talent, Pinoy Reggae, pinoy ska, Reggae, sefyla

The island of Cebu has been the place for the Caribbean vibe of reggae music for years. Being named as the reggae capital of the Philippines, it is the home for outstanding reggae bands these days - one of them is Junior Kilat (the name was inspired from a 70's Cebuano band "Leon Kilat"). Composed of members Errol "Budoy" Marabiles on vocals, bass guitarist Tiano Evangelista, Archie Ybanez on lead guitar, Gina Pentano on keyboards, Diana Freese on drums, Cleofas Quijano on trombone, with the unlikely mix of turntables by Bangin atienza, the band is set for the reggae invasion all over the 7000+ islands of the Philippines. With their playful yet brilliant repertoires, we can only expect a bigger, better and bolder Junior Kilat for years to come.

Formed in 2000, the band was able to set a new trend in the music scene with their funky, humorous and modern approach on reggae. With their influences such as Sly and Robbie, Eek-A-Mouse, Prince Far-I, Lee Scratch Perry, and popular novelty artists Yoyoy Villame and Max Surban, they were able to introduce an ear catching vibe - RnB (Reggae na Bisaya) delivered in a very humorous way. As the band set foot on local performances, they instantly made a big name in Cebu with the hit single "Ako si M-16" (a song for guns) - the rumors about the young band reached as far as the metro.

Having a unique vibe and rhythm, their songs "K-Fyne", "Original Sigbin" and "Kling Klang" was succesfully included in compilation albums "Island Riddims" and "Island Krismas" released in 2004. In the 2005 NU Rock Awards, Junior Kilat received the Song of the Year award after which they released the album "Party Pipol on Dub TV" on Galaxy Records.

The "Buwad Suka Sili" album was their response to their growing number of fans. In 2006, Budoy Marabiles joined the reality show Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition where he wrote songs "Maligo na Jam" and "Budoy Ako" - the Visayan version of the show theme song "Pinoy Ako", which were also used in the program. It was quite controversial since the rising band's progress was placed in hiatus and people are clueless whether Budoy are on to his personal career or just making a way to promote his band. After Budoy's eviction, the Cebuano band was active again to pursue their careers as reggae artists. 

The recent album of Junior Kilat is "Enrique de Malacca". As the name suggests, it’s filled with awareness of Philippine history - Spanish colonization, traditions, indigenous, pagan, and religious beliefs. It's what makes Junior Kilat unique - being able to incorporate culture and beliefs through their lyrics and songs in a modern taste of reggae music.

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Tags: homegrown talent, jr kilat, junior kilat, Pinoy Reggae, Reggae, reggae band, sigbin

It is a usual scenario for every amateur bands to go through many difficulties that may break them or bring them up in the music industry. For the Hemp Republic, it is something that made them strong and succeed as artists. Nowadays, they're being looked up as one of the pioneers in the Philippine reggae scene.

Hemp club is a product of UP Los Banos. In 1999, most of the band members were very active in the university organization UP Jammer's Club and they had their own bands then. Mags Gahol (rythm guitars), thought about putting up a reggae band since reggae wasn't that popular before. Unfortunately, it never materialized until Bunny Liwanag (vocals) and Tonton Hatol (lead guitars) came into a serious decision of putting up their own regae band in 2000. After the jam sessions with Mabs Tolentino (bass), Al Sese (Drums), Alfred Pagsuyuin (keyboards), and supposed-to-be band front runner Mags, the band was able to come up with the song "Hey Body Rock".

 

The band preferred cover songs at first, most of it are from the "Jamaica Me Groovy" compilation album (a pirated one). Since then, they were on the way for gigs that'll define them as a band. The band's first performance was in fromt of a live audience together with the local band Sucker Fish. They were also able to play in a bar somewhere in Las Pinas that was called Z-bar. On their way to play some more gigs, they found a bar in Quezon City where they get to play a set which was quite inconvenient since they have to drive for hours to get there. The band got a little lucky when the school year started in UPLB. With the small bars near the campus, they were able to produce their own gigs usually by selling tickets and creating posters of their own. It was an opportunity for the band to mature as musicians with the additional member Caio Cadiz (percussions).

The band's affiliation with Put3ska's Bing Austria was quite a blessing - they were able to play in Freedom Bar for one of Club Ska's gigs. The dream of playing regularly in the metro is already coming true as they were booked by Bing in several occasions. After numerous auditions and rehearsals, they were finally given a regular gig on Mayrics - a place where most popular bands started, alongside the pioneer of the reggae music in the Philippines - CocoJam. In 2001, the opening of Xaymaca (now closed) in Timog Avenue opened the doors for the band to enter a much larger music scene as they shared the stage with established bands like the Brownman Revival. A year later, Glober Calambro (trumpet) and Arjo Ayende (trombone) joined the crew to add some spice in the band's reggae music.

"Welcome to Hemp Republic" was the shutout of the band's first album. The album's success paved way for music videos for the songs "Sabihin Mo" and "Fireflies" - The marker that Hemp Republic is already making a name in the Philippine music industry. Although there were some changes in the band lineup - Eggy Mallary (bass) and Jeck Cenidoza (trombone), the band is still committed to promote reggae music in the country. They are hopeful that someday, Filipinos will not only jive to their songs but also dig deeper into the essence of reggae music.

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Tags: hemp republic, homegrown talent, Pinoy Reggae, Reggae, reggae band

The music events in Bicol has been paving way for young artists to showcase their talents all throughout the region.  Some of the local bands have already reached a whole new level in the music scene and new bands are hopeful to earn a place in the country’s music industry. A few years ago, a local band from Albay was featured by Francis Brew of NU107 – the reggae band Stolen Shots, which was included in the 20 track compilation album “Musicmax Bicol” – featuring eight bands in Bicol from various genres Centerfold (alternative pop), Pepsi Paloma Experiment (Euro pop), Pentacle (rock), Pandora’s Box (Heavy Metal), Idle Pitch (alternative pop), Black Gulaman (alternative rock), and Buckyard Boyz (hip-hop). The album was officialy launched in 2008 in a concert produced by Rebolusyon Rekords in Naga and Legazpi city.

Stolen Shots is a local band from Albay that is composed of members Prime Ramo (vocals), Noel “Nhoy” Dollentas (bass), Lemon Brondial  (drums), Ryan Pasamba (trombone), Irle “Payirl” Sabdao (trumpet), and guitarists Ley Otilano and Jhoe Perez. Together they mix rock and reggae in an upbeat rhythm of ska. The fun loving band started performing in 10 years ago and they’ve been doing acts in schools, universities, festivals, and even band competitions. Soon they are already sharing the stage with other established local bands like Mudflow, Childsplay, and Pepsi Paloma Experiment.  The songs composed by the band guitarist Leo Otilano made a big difference the band’s success. The Song like “Chocolate Brown Coffee” was the talk of the town as the most energetic reggae beat you can listen to these days. With that, it was featured in the Standout Track of The Week in Nu107’s In the Raw program for two weeks in a row as a part of Musicmax Bicol album compilation. The band’s live performance is also one thing that sets them apart from other reggae bands you know of – they’ll pump you up with the beat they’re playing. Their exceptional showmanship truly is, one of a kind.

The band has gone through many hardships but it never stopped them from playing the music they love and entertaining people with their unique style and repertoire. Just last year, they’ve performed in the annual Ska Festival held at Mogwai Café, showcasing their music with popular bands such as Jeepney Joyride, The Marcos Cronies Conspiracy, Pinkcow, and Skabeche. They’re also performing as regular front act for established bands and artists in concerts help in Legazpi City.

Still, the young band has a lot to face in the future. With the opportunities provided by the local music industry, we can only expect the young bands nowadays to showcase their true talent and be successful artists in the future.

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Tags: homegrown talent, Pinoy Reggae, pinoy ska, Reggae, reggae band, ska band, stolen shots

Usual bands come in three or four members. Now, imagine what it sounds like to mix a number of awesome talents into one unique band. Skabeche may be unusually huge with its ten members but it somehow creates a big difference in the Philippine music scene. As flavorful as the Filipino cuisine Escabeche – a sweet and sour dish of dried or poached fish, Skabeche offers a mix of blues, punk and jazz through the dance beat of ska. The humorous way of addressing political and cultural awareness in their songs captivated the hearts of many fun loving Filipinos.

The proud band from Bulacan, is composed of members Michael “Dadi Mike” Santos (vocals/guitar) – also a guidance counselor and professor, Noel Salonga (percussion), Kim “Kympwet” Patawaran (drums), Leonardo “Monz” Castillo (guitar), Daniel Quintero Jr. (bass), Lester San Juan (vocals/alto saxophone), Billy Adap (trombone), Mark “JR” Ibanez (trumpet), Roberto Santiago (tenor saxophone), and Roberto Villegas Jr. (baritone saxophone). Surprisingly, they were able to combine their talents and musical influences into one awesome vibe, Ska – the band’s common interest which is closely related to reggae with an upbeat pattern. Officially formed in 2000, the band came up with many names until they settled with Skabeche – derived from the usual Filipino dish “escabeche”. Years later, they are  already sharing the stage with other popular artists with the tag – “Ang pambanSkang banda ng bayan”.

The unconventional band has gone through many struggles as many other mainstream bands did, but their catchy music kept listeners wanting for some more. May it be recorded or live performance, you’ll be dancing to their rhythm. The humor embed in the songs such as “Lamok” and “Good Day”, is something that Filipinos can relate to – being able to address political and social issues in a very funny way. Earning the place in the hearts of the community is something that they’re very proud of. As a result, the proud Bulakenyos succeeded in the Philippine mainstream being considered as one of the best independent artists in the country. They’ve been performing acts for many years in different parts of the country and they’re also they mainstay in the cooking show “Ka-touque” aired in GMA News TV as live performers. Their songs are often heard in radio stations grabbing a place in the most played bands in the airwaves.

For the past 11 years, the band accomplished many things that earned them a place in the Philippine music industry and internationally as well. With that, they also share their success through the band’s album “Skabeche: Table for Ten” where part of its proceeds will go to the beneficiary called Earnest Support for Underprivileged Children Charity Association Inc. (E-SUCH) – a non-profit organization that offers education opportunities for underprivileged children of Bulacan

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Tags: homegrown talent, Pinoy Reggae, pinoy ska, Reggae, reggae band, ska, skabeche

The city of smiles has been haunted by the great Mount Mayon for many years. As the young unnamed band was on its way for an act in Legazpi City, a road sign “Mudflow ahead” caught them by surprise – they already have the name for the band. Their idealism in the music that they play keeps them active until today. 

The surprising fusion of the popular Bicol novelty song “Sarung Banggi” (One Night) of Potenciano Gregorio – a renowned composer of novelty songs, and reggae melody was a huge success for the band – Mudflow. The reggae band from Sto. Domingo, Albay is composed of Abraham Defeo (vocals), Ray Gerard Marquez (drums), Fidel Balin Jr. (bass), and guitarists Mark Andrew Ortiz and Fidel Balin III – all related by blood. In their early years, they shared various music influences but their passion for reggae and ska went on. The reggae band was officially formed in 2002 and played gigs all over the region of Albay with the goal of promoting the culture of their fellow Bicolanos.

Although the tracks sounded really great, the very first album of Mudflow - the product of the band's creative juices, was only backed up with a desktop computer. Being new to the music industry, they never had the chance to have it distributed by an established label. With the help of their friends and supporters, they were able to reach the farthest sides of the Bicol region. Aside from the novelty hit “Sarung Banggi”, other songs like “Ay Naku Po” - composed by Ace Thomas (a band relative), and “Paraisong Panaginip” - a song that talks about environmental awareness, are also being played in local radio stations of the region.

Earning the title of Magayon Festival Band Competition later that year, Mudlfow reached a new horizon in the local music scene. The band was talked over in local airwaves and performed in many places in Southern Luzon. They were found in festivals, universities, and campus tours. They also performed as a front act for artists such as Slapshock, Kamikaze, the defunct Orange and Lemons, MYMP, and their fellow reggae band – Tropical Depression. Soon enough they've reached the reggae bars in Metro Manila like Xaymaca, Tiendesitas, and One Love Bar.

Mudflow somehow succeeded in reaching the mainstream music industry as their novelty song “Sarung Banggi” was included in Jam 88.3's compilation album entitled “Doobie Nights” in 2006 under Galaxy Records. Still, the band is hopeful for appreciation in the Philippine music scene by promoting regional diversity through their spicy taste of reggae music. With Mudflow's self-titled album last 2006, reggae lovers from different parts of the country awaits for the band's next album release.

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Tags: homegrown talent, mudflow, Pinoy Reggae, Reggae, reggae band

I recently bumped into a discussion of what reggae group/band first came in the Philippine music scene. Some said that it is Spy which apparently not the first reggae band. At some point, someone mentioned Cocojam, Eurasia and Tropical Depression. Well, there is really no exact information of who is really the first ever reggae band in the Philippines. Most people would gauge it on popularity but I think it's not how it's measured.  Famous or not, that is not exactly the point.

Well, if ever it is Cocojam, I managed to gather bits and pieces of information of the band. Got it from a Friendster account. I am not sure if this is reliable enough, maybe it happened somehow.

COCOJAM has pioneered and stayed alive in the music scene with its own brand of original sound. Through the years, it has played pivotal roles in festivals and concerts.

1980 - Cocojam was the only band in Palawan playing at the Kamayan Restaurant.

1985 - Cocojam started playing in Mayrics pioneering in reggae music here in the Philippines.1988 Cocojam played at the Coconut Palace Halloween Party with regular gigs in Larry's Bar, Fire and Rain, La Caribe and Paper Moon. For five years (1990 -1995) they played at the Kalye Bar and Restaurant in Legaspi Village in Makati.


1990 - a UP Diliman sorority sponsored CocojamMIN a solo concert at the Music Museum (February 1990). They played at the Baguio Arts Festival for three years (1990 - 1992 ), Woodstock Cebu (1990), Kageban

1996 - (Feast of the Forest) in Palawan, Sapon Ti Pasok (Rite of the Harvesting of the Grain) in Sagada (1995) and at the Roxy Park in Boracay Island for one month in 1990.

1992 - In Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro Cocojam lived in the island for seven years (1992 -1999). Cocojam planned and played at the Full Moon Parties in Kalaw Place and the Annual Puerto Galera Music and Arts Festivals in White Beach. 

1999 - Cocojam together with Stairway Foundation worked on a collaborative piece entitled GoldTooth, A Street Childrens' Musical. In its response for the need in educating the children of the horrors and bad trips of street life, Cocojam penned the music for GoldTooth. The musical was performed at the GSIS Museum in March of 1999. It was then brought on a European Tour through the help of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Together with 17 streetchildren, Cocojam performed in Europe, at the World Forum for Children in Helsinki, Finland. They also performed at the UN Palais for the 10th Anniversary of of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Geneva, Switzerland.

2000-2005 - Now based in Manila, Cocojam has done the Full Moon Parties at the Villa Romana in Baguio City. They have followed through with gigs from Lucena, San Pablo, Puerto Galera, Cebu and Davao. They have been part of various gimmicks and tours such as the Oktoberfest, NU Independence Day Celebration and the recently concluded Ooh-lola, Reggae Skaravan.

COCOJAM has done two albums. Their first album, Lakambini under the Viva-RJ Records was released in 1992 and got the band a nomination for the Best New Recording Group at the 1992 Awit Awards. Their second album, Cocojam, was released in 1996 under Neo Records. These are a compilation of all original songs with music and lyrics by Rolly Maligad, point man of Cocojam.

Rolly has also written songs for Binky Lampano (Manyikang Lansanagan) and Lolita Carbon (Bayle ta). Tropical Depression also did a cover of Lakambini in their second album.

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Tags: Cocojam, homegrown talent, Reggae