Rivermaya
Rivermaya is a band of Filipino Rock, Alternative
and Indie Rock, Pop and OPM. It is one of the most influential bands in
the country. They were known by their hit songs such as “Ulan”, “214”,
“Himala”, “Kisapmata”, “Hinahanap Hanap Kita”, “Umaaraw Umuulan”, “Alab
Ng Puso”, “You’ll Be Safe Here”, “Balisong”, “Isang Bandila”, “Sumigaw”,
“Sugal Ng Kapalaran” and much more.
The group started during 1990’s. Rico Blanco and Nathan Azarcon auditioned to the management. Rico played the rhythm guitars & the keyboard, while Nathan with the bass guitars. The two were the first members. Kenneth Ilagan is the guitarist and Rome Velayo as the drummer while Rico doing the vocals. Jessie Gonzales was hired to assume the responsibility of the lead vocals. Mark Escueda replaced Velayo. Replacing Gonzales, Francis “Bamboo” Mañalac assumed the role and Perfecto de Castro replaced Ilagan. The five members formed the original Rivermaya, Blanco, Mañalac, Azarcon, Escueta and de Castro. With Mañalac, the band composed several song for demo on recording companies like “Ulan”, “214”, and “Awit Ng Kabataan”. Rico Blaco mostly composed these songs.
Their first self-titled album was released on November 1993. Its first single is “Ulan” followed by “214”. The album became one of the best-sellers in 90’s because of its fresh and exciting-new rock sound.
De Castro then leaved the band and formed his own group. Rivermaya’s second album Trip was released with “Kisapmata”, “Himala” and “Panahon Na Naman” as its singles. Whilce Portacio, creator of X-Men’s Bishop designed the album.
Atomic Bomb, their third album was released on 1998. “Hinahanap Hanap Kita” is the album’s single. They also released Rivermaya Remixed album with the help of DJ Toti Dalmacion of Groove Nation.
Rivermaya then went to U.S. for their tour. Mañalac decided to remain and eventually formed his very own band, Bamboo that is quite popular now. In spite of Bamboo’s absence, the band continued and Rico took the vocals and released their fourth album entitled It’s Not Easy Being Green on 1999 which produces singles as “Nerbyoso”, “Shattered Like” and “Rodeo”.
Its fifth album entitled Free was released on 2000. Azarcon then left the band and new members took place. Kakoi Legaspi and Mike Elgars are the new guitarists and Japs Sergio on the bass. This new line-up released Tuloy Ang Ligaya which was preceded by an EP Alab Ng Puso.
Tuloy Ang Ligaya and Between The Stars And The Waves which were released on 2001 & 2003 respectively, produced hits like “Umaaraw Umuulan”, “Wag Na Init Ulo, Baby”, “A Love To Share”, “Balisong”, “Sunday Driving”, “Table For Two”, “241” and “Atat”. Kakoi Legaspi left the band without any reasons.
Rivermaya composed the theme song of ABS-CBN’s TV Series “Spirits”. The song brought the band outside the country and was chosen to perform at MTV Asia 2006 Asia Awards. Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child introduced them and were backed-up on their live performance by Thailand’s Royal Symphony Orchestra. A compilation works album entitled You’ll Be Safe Here is being distributed in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Another song, “Posible” is used as the Southeast Asian Games’ Athletes Anthem. They embarked for their Asian tours including Pattaya Music Fest in Thailand, Mosaic Festival in Singapore, Bangkok’s Fat Fest and MTV Staying Alive Show in Indonesia.
Rivermaya Greatest Hits 2006 album was released under the label for Viva Records. On the same year, another album was released entitled Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo which was dedicated to its music heroes.
On 2007, at the end of March, their videos of You’ll Be Safe Here and the recent video remake of Balisong were featured in full-length on the Star World Channel.
On May 2007, Rico Blanco officially announced his departure of the band. But his departure does not spilt-up the band. Not a bit discouraged, the band released their new single “Sayang” penned by Japs Sergio. Rivermaya was chosen to compose new theme song for Studio 23 entitled “Sumigaw” which was released as the second single in two months. Bagong Liwanag, a 5-song EP was released under Revolver Music on August 11, 2007 during a mini-presscon licensed to Warner Music Philippines. The band also held an audition for a new member which was televised on Studio 23 entitled Bagong Liwanag also. The band members served as judges together with Lizza Nakpil, their manager, Francis Reyes, guitarist of The Dawn and Louie Telan, bassist of Razorback. On October 24, 2007, the winner was announced and out came Jayson Fernandez as a new member of the band.
Their new album entitled Buhay was released on February 2008 under Warner Music and “Sugal Ng Kapalaran” is the carrier single. The single was penned by Segio and together with Fernandez, they did the vocals.
Albums
The group started during 1990’s. Rico Blanco and Nathan Azarcon auditioned to the management. Rico played the rhythm guitars & the keyboard, while Nathan with the bass guitars. The two were the first members. Kenneth Ilagan is the guitarist and Rome Velayo as the drummer while Rico doing the vocals. Jessie Gonzales was hired to assume the responsibility of the lead vocals. Mark Escueda replaced Velayo. Replacing Gonzales, Francis “Bamboo” Mañalac assumed the role and Perfecto de Castro replaced Ilagan. The five members formed the original Rivermaya, Blanco, Mañalac, Azarcon, Escueta and de Castro. With Mañalac, the band composed several song for demo on recording companies like “Ulan”, “214”, and “Awit Ng Kabataan”. Rico Blaco mostly composed these songs.
Their first self-titled album was released on November 1993. Its first single is “Ulan” followed by “214”. The album became one of the best-sellers in 90’s because of its fresh and exciting-new rock sound.
De Castro then leaved the band and formed his own group. Rivermaya’s second album Trip was released with “Kisapmata”, “Himala” and “Panahon Na Naman” as its singles. Whilce Portacio, creator of X-Men’s Bishop designed the album.
Atomic Bomb, their third album was released on 1998. “Hinahanap Hanap Kita” is the album’s single. They also released Rivermaya Remixed album with the help of DJ Toti Dalmacion of Groove Nation.
Rivermaya then went to U.S. for their tour. Mañalac decided to remain and eventually formed his very own band, Bamboo that is quite popular now. In spite of Bamboo’s absence, the band continued and Rico took the vocals and released their fourth album entitled It’s Not Easy Being Green on 1999 which produces singles as “Nerbyoso”, “Shattered Like” and “Rodeo”.
Its fifth album entitled Free was released on 2000. Azarcon then left the band and new members took place. Kakoi Legaspi and Mike Elgars are the new guitarists and Japs Sergio on the bass. This new line-up released Tuloy Ang Ligaya which was preceded by an EP Alab Ng Puso.
Tuloy Ang Ligaya and Between The Stars And The Waves which were released on 2001 & 2003 respectively, produced hits like “Umaaraw Umuulan”, “Wag Na Init Ulo, Baby”, “A Love To Share”, “Balisong”, “Sunday Driving”, “Table For Two”, “241” and “Atat”. Kakoi Legaspi left the band without any reasons.
Rivermaya composed the theme song of ABS-CBN’s TV Series “Spirits”. The song brought the band outside the country and was chosen to perform at MTV Asia 2006 Asia Awards. Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child introduced them and were backed-up on their live performance by Thailand’s Royal Symphony Orchestra. A compilation works album entitled You’ll Be Safe Here is being distributed in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Another song, “Posible” is used as the Southeast Asian Games’ Athletes Anthem. They embarked for their Asian tours including Pattaya Music Fest in Thailand, Mosaic Festival in Singapore, Bangkok’s Fat Fest and MTV Staying Alive Show in Indonesia.
Rivermaya Greatest Hits 2006 album was released under the label for Viva Records. On the same year, another album was released entitled Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo which was dedicated to its music heroes.
On 2007, at the end of March, their videos of You’ll Be Safe Here and the recent video remake of Balisong were featured in full-length on the Star World Channel.
On May 2007, Rico Blanco officially announced his departure of the band. But his departure does not spilt-up the band. Not a bit discouraged, the band released their new single “Sayang” penned by Japs Sergio. Rivermaya was chosen to compose new theme song for Studio 23 entitled “Sumigaw” which was released as the second single in two months. Bagong Liwanag, a 5-song EP was released under Revolver Music on August 11, 2007 during a mini-presscon licensed to Warner Music Philippines. The band also held an audition for a new member which was televised on Studio 23 entitled Bagong Liwanag also. The band members served as judges together with Lizza Nakpil, their manager, Francis Reyes, guitarist of The Dawn and Louie Telan, bassist of Razorback. On October 24, 2007, the winner was announced and out came Jayson Fernandez as a new member of the band.
Their new album entitled Buhay was released on February 2008 under Warner Music and “Sugal Ng Kapalaran” is the carrier single. The single was penned by Segio and together with Fernandez, they did the vocals.
Albums
- Rivermaya- 1994
- Trip- 1996
- Atomic Bomb- 1997
- Remixed- 1998
- It’s Not Easy Being Green- 1999
- Free- 2000
- Tuloy Ang Ligaya (EP)- 2001
- Alab Ng Puso Limited Edition Mega Single- 2001
- Live and Accoustic- 2002
- Between The Stars And Waves- 2003
- Liwanag Sa Dilim Special Edition Between the Stars and Waves- 2004
- You’ll Be Safe Here EP- 2005
- Makaaasa Ka- 2005
- Posible- 2005
- Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo- 2006
- Rivermaya: Greatest Hits 2006
- Rivermaya Asian Compilation CD- 2006
- Bagong Liwanag EP- 2007
- Buhay- 2008
- Rivermaya Silver Edition- 2008
- Philippines’ Favorite Artist- MTVASia Awards, 2005
- Philippines’ Favorite Artist- MTV Asia Awards, 2006
- Philippines’ Favorite Group- MTV Awards
- Top Price of Favorite Music Video 2006- You’ll Be Safe Here, 1st MYX Music Awards
- Favorite Media Soundtrack 2006- You’ll Be Safe Here, 1st MYX Music Awards
- Music Video of the Year- You’ll Be Safe Here, 19th Awit Awards 2006
- Best Song Written for Movie/TV/Stage Play- You’ll Be Safe Here, 19th Awit Awards
- 20 Million
- 214
- A Love To Share
- Alab Ng Puso
- Awit Ng Kabataan
- Balisong
- Basketbol
- Bochog
- Bring Me Down
- Bye Bye Na