Bamboo (band)
Encyclopedia
Bamboo was a Filipino
alternative rock
supergroup
founded in 2002 by Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac
, Ira Cruz
, Nathan Azarcon
and Vic Mercado.
serves as the band's frontman. Contrary to popular belief, the band is not named after him. According to Ira Cruz, the guitarist, the word bamboo relates to strength and durability with an island feel to it. Also, it's very Filipino and Asian at the same time.
Two of its members, Bamboo Mañalac
and Nathan Azarcon
, were formerly part of Rivermaya
. The other two members, Ira Cruz
and Vic Mercado, were former instrumentalists of another band, Passage. Ira Cruz and Nathan Azarcon were also former members of the band Kapatid during that time.
Four years after their departure from Rivermaya
, Mañalac and Azarcon caught up again with each other, during which Azarcon introduced him to Ira Cruz and Vic Mercado.
, was released in February 2004 where it received positive response from fans and critics alike. The album also won numerous awards at the AWIT Awards, NU 107 Rock Awards
, and MTV Pilipinas 2004.
Their second album, Light Peace Love
, which was released in 2005, consists of ten songs with differing moods and subjects, and took only 3 months to record. This album has a softer sound with both its lyrics and delivery. For this album, the band added more strings and a variety of other instruments, including a trumpet. The band admitted that this album had a personal feel to it. They experimented with several new styles that may please new listeners, at the risk of disappointing fans of the more conventional rock of their first album.
Their third album, We Stand Alone Together
, was released in 2007 with participation of JOSHUA "JESSA". It contains revived local songs such as Buklod's "Tatsulok" and international songs such as Paul Simon
's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover", from different generations. It also includes bonus tracks like unplugged versions of their hit songs from previous albums such as "Mr. Clay", "These Days", and "Hallelujah". Once again, opting to do away with the conventional rock image that was attached to them, they produced sounds which were more jazzy than expected.
Star Records
--backed up by ABS-CBN
TV Production and MYX
--produced and created the official soundtrack for the tele-epiko "Rounin
", wherein the title track "Argos" was performed by Bamboo. A new avenue was opened to the band, as "Argos" is said to be the band’s first venture to record a song for a primetime television show. It is also the first time for the multi-awarded band and Star Records to work together.
The band is also part of the "Days of Peace" Campaign by UNICEF with Gary Valenciano
. The band's fourth album, Tomorrow Becomes Yesterday
achieved platinum status on September 28, 2008 - just two days after its release.
.
Montero clarified that all the members of the band "have decided to move on," and that he does not know why they called it quits. The group has not released an official statement on the issue, according to ABS-CBNNews.com.
Bamboo's lead vocalist Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac finally confirmed the breakup of his band in an official statement posted before midnight of January 11, 2011 on the group's website.
) and formed the band Hijo. Nathan Azarcon (vocals & bass), Ira Cruz (guitar & back vocals), Vic Mercado (drums), Junji Lerma of Wahijuara (guitar) and Jay-O Orduña of Cauio (keyboards).
The band's frontman Bamboo Mañalac pursued a solo carreer and released his first album as a solo artist in November 2011.
Awit Awards
NU Rock Awards
MTV Pilipinas
93.1 RX Year End Awards
89.9 TM Year End Awards
SOP Music Awards
SOP Pasiklaband
ALIW AWARDS
THE 2bU! CLICK AWARDS
Box Office Entertainment Awards
Music of the Philippines
Music of the Philippines are performance arts composed in various genre and styles. The music of the Philippines is a mixture of indigenous, other Asian, European, Latin American, and American influences.- Traditional music :...
alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
supergroup
SuperGroup
SuperGroup is a 2006 reality show on VH1 that follows five well-known hard rock and heavy metal musicians over a 12-day period where they live together in a Las Vegas mansion in order to create, plan and perform a live show together...
founded in 2002 by Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac
Bamboo Mañalac
Francisco Gaudencio Lupe Belardo Mañalac, popularly known as Bamboo Mañalac, is a Filipino musician and singer, who was known as the former vocalist of Filipino rock bands, Rivermaya and Bamboo, now performing as a solo artist....
, Ira Cruz
Ira Cruz
Ira Cara Cruz is a multi-award winning Filipino musician, composer and producer. He is the lead guitarist of Hijo and former member of Bamboo, Introvoys, Passage and Kapatid.-Introvoys :...
, Nathan Azarcon
Nathan Azarcon
Nathan Azarcon is an award-winning Filipino musician, nationalist, songwriter, and producer. He is the lead vocalist and bassist of Hijo, and former bassist for Filipino rock bands Rivermaya, Pinikpikan, Kapatid and Bamboo....
and Vic Mercado.
Band origin
Francisco "Bamboo" MañalacBamboo Mañalac
Francisco Gaudencio Lupe Belardo Mañalac, popularly known as Bamboo Mañalac, is a Filipino musician and singer, who was known as the former vocalist of Filipino rock bands, Rivermaya and Bamboo, now performing as a solo artist....
serves as the band's frontman. Contrary to popular belief, the band is not named after him. According to Ira Cruz, the guitarist, the word bamboo relates to strength and durability with an island feel to it. Also, it's very Filipino and Asian at the same time.
Two of its members, Bamboo Mañalac
Bamboo Mañalac
Francisco Gaudencio Lupe Belardo Mañalac, popularly known as Bamboo Mañalac, is a Filipino musician and singer, who was known as the former vocalist of Filipino rock bands, Rivermaya and Bamboo, now performing as a solo artist....
and Nathan Azarcon
Nathan Azarcon
Nathan Azarcon is an award-winning Filipino musician, nationalist, songwriter, and producer. He is the lead vocalist and bassist of Hijo, and former bassist for Filipino rock bands Rivermaya, Pinikpikan, Kapatid and Bamboo....
, were formerly part of Rivermaya
Rivermaya
Rivermaya is one of the most influential, critically acclaimed and significant Filipino rock band formed in 1993. They are one of the several bands who spearheads the 90s Philippine alternative rock explosion...
. The other two members, Ira Cruz
Ira Cruz
Ira Cara Cruz is a multi-award winning Filipino musician, composer and producer. He is the lead guitarist of Hijo and former member of Bamboo, Introvoys, Passage and Kapatid.-Introvoys :...
and Vic Mercado, were former instrumentalists of another band, Passage. Ira Cruz and Nathan Azarcon were also former members of the band Kapatid during that time.
Four years after their departure from Rivermaya
Rivermaya
Rivermaya is one of the most influential, critically acclaimed and significant Filipino rock band formed in 1993. They are one of the several bands who spearheads the 90s Philippine alternative rock explosion...
, Mañalac and Azarcon caught up again with each other, during which Azarcon introduced him to Ira Cruz and Vic Mercado.
Music career
Bamboo's debut album, As The Music PlaysAs the Music Plays
As The Music Plays is the debut album released by Pinoy rock band Bamboo following the return of Bamboo Mañalac in the Philippine music scene after 5 years of hiatus in the USA. Bamboo immediately gained fame for the track "Noypi" which captivated the hearts of the youth and sparked patriotism in...
, was released in February 2004 where it received positive response from fans and critics alike. The album also won numerous awards at the AWIT Awards, NU 107 Rock Awards
NU Rock Awards
The NU Rock Awards was an annual recognition program sponsored from 1994 to 2010 by the defunct Metro Manila based radio station NU 107.1. 1994 saw the birth of what is to become the biggest annual gathering of the finest rock musicians in the country—the NU 107 Rock Awards! The very first NU 107...
, and MTV Pilipinas 2004.
Their second album, Light Peace Love
Light Peace Love
Light Peace Love is the second album of the Filipino rock band Bamboo. The song "Hallelujah" was released some time before the actual release of the album, becoming an instant hit...
, which was released in 2005, consists of ten songs with differing moods and subjects, and took only 3 months to record. This album has a softer sound with both its lyrics and delivery. For this album, the band added more strings and a variety of other instruments, including a trumpet. The band admitted that this album had a personal feel to it. They experimented with several new styles that may please new listeners, at the risk of disappointing fans of the more conventional rock of their first album.
Their third album, We Stand Alone Together
We Stand Alone Together
We Stand Alone Together is the third album of the Filipino rock band Bamboo and also their first cover album. The first disc contains 8 tracks plus 1 hidden song, 3 of which are Tagalog songs. The songs "Tatsulok" and "Probinsyana" have been released as singles and have become instant hits on local...
, was released in 2007 with participation of JOSHUA "JESSA". It contains revived local songs such as Buklod's "Tatsulok" and international songs such as Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Paul Frederic Simon is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.Simon is best known for his success, beginning in 1965, as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached number one on the US singles...
's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover", from different generations. It also includes bonus tracks like unplugged versions of their hit songs from previous albums such as "Mr. Clay", "These Days", and "Hallelujah". Once again, opting to do away with the conventional rock image that was attached to them, they produced sounds which were more jazzy than expected.
Star Records
Star Records
Star Records, referring loosely to two companies, Star Recording and Star Songs Music Publishing, is an ABS-CBN Entertainment Group company whose main lines of business include: producing, developing and distributing audio and video content; music publishing; events production and music artists...
--backed up by ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN
ABS–CBN Corporation is a Philippine-based media conglomerate. It is the Philippines' largest media and entertainment conglomerate. The corporation was the merger of Alto Broadcasting System which at that time owned by James Lindenberg and Antonio Quirino, and the Chronicle Broadcasting Network ...
TV Production and MYX
Myx
myx or MYX is the music channel of ABS-CBN brand and the #1 music channel in the Philippines. It is also a part of Studio 23's program line-up. In 2007, MYX North America was launched in the United States....
--produced and created the official soundtrack for the tele-epiko "Rounin
Rounin (TV series)
Rounin is a 2007 Filipino primetime TV series produced and aired by ABS-CBN. It is a fantasy and martial arts series shown in Philippine TV and is said to be one of the most expensive locally-produced TV series aired in the Philippines. It is also the first Filipino series shot using...
", wherein the title track "Argos" was performed by Bamboo. A new avenue was opened to the band, as "Argos" is said to be the band’s first venture to record a song for a primetime television show. It is also the first time for the multi-awarded band and Star Records to work together.
The band is also part of the "Days of Peace" Campaign by UNICEF with Gary Valenciano
Gary Valenciano
Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano , better known as Gary Valenciano or Gary V., is a Filipino musician. He is also dubbed as Mr. Pure Energy. He has released 26 albums, and won the Awit Awards for "Best Male Performer" 11 times. In 1998, he became UNICEF Philippines first national Ambassador...
. The band's fourth album, Tomorrow Becomes Yesterday
Tomorrow Becomes Yesterday
- Personnel :Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac - VocalsNathan Azarcon - BassIra Cruz - GuitarsVic Mercado - Drums...
achieved platinum status on September 28, 2008 - just two days after its release.
Break-up
News circulated on January 9, 2011 that Bamboo has allegedly disbanded. DJ KC Montero of Wave 89.1 confirmed the breakup on Wave's The KC Show and via TwitterTwitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
.
Montero clarified that all the members of the band "have decided to move on," and that he does not know why they called it quits. The group has not released an official statement on the issue, according to ABS-CBNNews.com.
Bamboo's lead vocalist Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac finally confirmed the breakup of his band in an official statement posted before midnight of January 11, 2011 on the group's website.
Aftermath
A few months after the band disbanded, the group reformed without the vocalist (Bamboo MañalacBamboo Mañalac
Francisco Gaudencio Lupe Belardo Mañalac, popularly known as Bamboo Mañalac, is a Filipino musician and singer, who was known as the former vocalist of Filipino rock bands, Rivermaya and Bamboo, now performing as a solo artist....
) and formed the band Hijo. Nathan Azarcon (vocals & bass), Ira Cruz (guitar & back vocals), Vic Mercado (drums), Junji Lerma of Wahijuara (guitar) and Jay-O Orduña of Cauio (keyboards).
The band's frontman Bamboo Mañalac pursued a solo carreer and released his first album as a solo artist in November 2011.
Albums
- As The Music PlaysAs the Music PlaysAs The Music Plays is the debut album released by Pinoy rock band Bamboo following the return of Bamboo Mañalac in the Philippine music scene after 5 years of hiatus in the USA. Bamboo immediately gained fame for the track "Noypi" which captivated the hearts of the youth and sparked patriotism in...
(2004) - Double Platinum (A 2-disc Repackaged Version was released in 2005) - Light Peace LoveLight Peace LoveLight Peace Love is the second album of the Filipino rock band Bamboo. The song "Hallelujah" was released some time before the actual release of the album, becoming an instant hit...
(2005) - Platinum - We Stand Alone TogetherWe Stand Alone TogetherWe Stand Alone Together is the third album of the Filipino rock band Bamboo and also their first cover album. The first disc contains 8 tracks plus 1 hidden song, 3 of which are Tagalog songs. The songs "Tatsulok" and "Probinsyana" have been released as singles and have become instant hits on local...
(2007) - Gold - Tomorrow Becomes YesterdayTomorrow Becomes Yesterday- Personnel :Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac - VocalsNathan Azarcon - BassIra Cruz - GuitarsVic Mercado - Drums...
(2008) - Platinum (A 2-disc Repackaged Version was released in late 2010)
Compilations
- Full Volume:The Best Of Pinoy Alternative (2005 EMI Philippines)
- includes As The Music Plays (Jam Version)
- Rounin OST (2007 Star Records)
- includes Argos
- Astig...The Biggest OPM Hits (2008 Universal Records)
Singles
| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Noypi | As the Music Plays As the Music Plays As The Music Plays is the debut album released by Pinoy rock band Bamboo following the return of Bamboo Mañalac in the Philippine music scene after 5 years of hiatus in the USA. Bamboo immediately gained fame for the track "Noypi" which captivated the hearts of the youth and sparked patriotism in... |
| Mr. Clay | ||
| Masaya | ||
| 2005 | Hallelujah | Light Peace Love Light Peace Love Light Peace Love is the second album of the Filipino rock band Bamboo. The song "Hallelujah" was released some time before the actual release of the album, becoming an instant hit... |
| F.U. | ||
| Much Has Been Said | ||
| Truth | ||
| Peace Man | ||
| 2006 | Argos | Rounin OST |
| 2007 | Tatsulok | We Stand Alone Together We Stand Alone Together We Stand Alone Together is the third album of the Filipino rock band Bamboo and also their first cover album. The first disc contains 8 tracks plus 1 hidden song, 3 of which are Tagalog songs. The songs "Tatsulok" and "Probinsyana" have been released as singles and have become instant hits on local... |
| Probinsyana | ||
| So Far Away | ||
| 2008 | Kailan | Tomorrow Becomes Yesterday Tomorrow Becomes Yesterday - Personnel :Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac - VocalsNathan Azarcon - BassIra Cruz - GuitarsVic Mercado - Drums... |
| 2009 | Last Days on a Cruise Ship | |
| Muli | ||
| 2010 | Kalayaan | |
| Bagong Sigaw |
Awards
Philippine Radio Music Awards- Won: International Artist Award (2009)
Awit Awards
Awit Awards
The Awit Awards is the longest-running award-giving body of the Philippines that gives recognition to Filipino musical talents, performing artists and producers it was Philippines equivalent to Grammy Awards, organized by the Philippine Association Of The Record Industry .-Objectives and Winner...
- Won: Best Performance by a New Group Recording Artist - "Noypi" (2005)
- Won: Best Rock Recording - "Noypi" (2005)
- Won: People's Choice Favorite Song - "Noypi" (2005)
- Won: Best Performance by a New Group Recording Artist - "Hallelujah" (2006)
- Won: Album of the Year - "Light Peace LoveLight Peace LoveLight Peace Love is the second album of the Filipino rock band Bamboo. The song "Hallelujah" was released some time before the actual release of the album, becoming an instant hit...
" (2006) - Won: Song of the Year - "Hallelujah" (2006)
- Won: Best Ballad Recording - "Much Has Been Said" (2006)
- Won: Best Rock Recording - "Hallelujah" (2006)
- Won: People's Choice Favorite Song - "Hallelujah" (2006)
- Won: Best Performance by a Group Recording Artist - "Tatsulok" (2008)
- Won: Best Rock Song - "Tatsulok" (2008)
- Won: Best Musical Arrangement - "Probinsyana" (2008)
- Won: Best Engineered Recording - "Probinsyana" (2008)
- Won: Music Video of the Year - "Probinsyana" (2008)
NU Rock Awards
NU Rock Awards
The NU Rock Awards was an annual recognition program sponsored from 1994 to 2010 by the defunct Metro Manila based radio station NU 107.1. 1994 saw the birth of what is to become the biggest annual gathering of the finest rock musicians in the country—the NU 107 Rock Awards! The very first NU 107...
- Won: Guitarist of the Year - Ira Cruz (2003)
- Won: Artist of the Year (2004)
- Won: Song of the Year - "Noypi" (2004)
- Won: Vocalist of the Year - Bamboo MañalacBamboo MañalacFrancisco Gaudencio Lupe Belardo Mañalac, popularly known as Bamboo Mañalac, is a Filipino musician and singer, who was known as the former vocalist of Filipino rock bands, Rivermaya and Bamboo, now performing as a solo artist....
(2004) - Won: Drummer of the Year - Vic Mercado (2004)
- Won: Listeners Choice Awardee (2004)
- Won: Album of the Year - "Light Peace LoveLight Peace LoveLight Peace Love is the second album of the Filipino rock band Bamboo. The song "Hallelujah" was released some time before the actual release of the album, becoming an instant hit...
" (2005) - Won: Vocalist of the Year - Bamboo Mañalac (2005)
- Won: Listeners Choice Awardee (2005)
- Won: Artist of the Year (2007)
- Won: Guitarist of the Year - Ira Cruz (2007)
- Won: Bassist of the Year - Nathan Azarcon (2007)
- Won: Drummer of the Year - Vic Mercado and Mark Escueta of RivermayaRivermayaRivermaya is one of the most influential, critically acclaimed and significant Filipino rock band formed in 1993. They are one of the several bands who spearheads the 90s Philippine alternative rock explosion...
(2007) - Won: Listeners Choice Awardee (2007)
- Won: Best Live Act (2007)
- Won: Music Video of the Year - "Last Days On A Cruise Ship" (2009)
MTV Pilipinas
- Won: Favorite New Artist in a Video - "Noypi" (2004)
- Won: Favorite Song - "Noypi" (2004)
- Won: Favorite Group Video - "Noypi" (2004)
- Won: Guitarist of the Year - Ira Cruz (2004)
- Won: MTV Ayos! Best Commercial Video - "Fiestamazing" (2005)
- Won: Best Cinematography in a Video - "Much Has Been Said" (2006)
- Nominated: Favorite Group Video - "Masaya" (2005)
- Nominated: Favorite Group Video - "Much Has Been Said" (2006)
- Nominated: Favorite Pop Video - "Much Has Been Said" (2006)
- Nominated: Best Production Design in a Video - "Much Has Been Said" (2006)
93.1 RX Year End Awards
- Won: Song of the Year - "Noypi (2004)
- Won: New Local Artist of the Year (2004)
- Won: Group of the Year (2004)
89.9 TM Year End Awards
- Won: Song of the Year - "Masaya" (2004)
- Won: New Local Artist of the Year (2004)
- Won: Song of the Year - "Noypi" (2005)
SOP Music Awards
- Won: Strictly Alternative Category Winner - "Hallelujah" (2005)
SOP Pasiklaband
- Won: Best Rock Band (2006)
- Won: Vocalist of the Year - Bamboo Mañalac (2006)
ALIW AWARDS
- Won: Most Promising Entertainer (2006)
- Won: Best Major Concert-(Group) (2006)
THE 2bU! CLICK AWARDS
- Won: Most Clickable Band (2006)
Box Office Entertainment Awards
- Won: Most Popular Recording Group (2007)
Commercial endorsements
- Smart
- NescaféNescaféNescafé is a brand of instant coffee made by Nestlé. It comes in the form of many different products. The name is a portmanteau of the words "Nestlé" and "café". Nestlé's flagship powdered coffee product was introduced in Switzerland on April 1, 1938 after being developed for seven or eight years...
- Colt 45
- Pepsi
- Yamaha Motors
- Tanduay Rhum T5 (with 6cyclemind6cyclemind6cyclemind is a Filipino band composed of Tito Fortunato "Tutti" Caringal on vocals, Ryan "Rye" Sarmiento on rhythm guitars and backing vocals, Roberto "Bob" Cañamo on bass guitar and Herbert Hernandez on lead guitar...
, ChicosciChicosciChicoSci is a 5-piece Filipino rock band based in Manila. The band is composed of Miggy Chavez, Mong Alcaraz, Calde Calderon, Macoy Estacio and Ariel Lumanlan.-Formation and early days:...
, KamikazeeKamikazeeKamikazee is a Filipino rock band formed in 2000. The band is composed of Jay Contreras, Jomal Linao, Led Tuyay, Puto Astete and Bords Burdeos.- History :...
, and SandwichSandwichA sandwich is a food item, typically consisting of two or more slices of :bread with one or more fillings between them, or one slice of bread with a topping or toppings, commonly called an open sandwich. Sandwiches are a widely popular type of lunch food, typically taken to work or school, or...
)
External links
- Bamboo profile at Onlypinoy.com Rock Music Updates
- Bamboo on Rockstar Bembang!
- Bamboo PinoyBanda Profile
- Bamboo Yahoo! Music Page
- Bamboo profile at EMI Philippines