Bamboo Mañalac rendering a song onstage. Photo by Mic Diaz
FOR the first time Filipinos from all over Southern California gathered to witness one of the most-awaited historical and life-changing moments of the year, the Rivermaya Reunion Concert at the Greek Theatre on Friday, October 4.
It was as if Rivermaya fans were transported back to the ‘90s when the Philippines experienced a renaissance in Pinoy rock. The emergence of Rivermaya in 1994 along with several bands that produced seminal “anthems” spewed an alternative rock explosion in Original Pilipino Music history.
It was a reunion of sorts at the world-renowned Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Not only was it a long-awaited assembly of original band members — lead singer Bamboo Mañalac, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Rico Blanco, bass player Nathan Azarcon and drummer Mark Escueta — but it was also a gathering of friends who drove several miles from all corners of California to the Greek Theatre to see one of their favorite bands come together after a long hiatus.
The quartet opened their show with a performance of “Monopoly” and progressed on to a staggering barrage of hit after hit such as “Hinahanap Hanap Kita,” “Elesi,” and “Awit ng Kabataan” with electrifying performances by frontmen Bamboo Mañalac and Rico Blanco as they shared the stage and rendered these showstoppers alternately and together in a duet.
One would imagine such high production with stunning lighting, exceptional sound system and turnkey operations associated with concerts of this magnitude and Charles Victor Entertainment certainly delivered. What’s even more impressive is the addition of a horn section made up of local musicians behind the band.
Several sponsors, local businesses and community leaders from Los Angeles such as Wacky Face Photobooth, DJ Wapcharles, Prieto Prints, Hannah and Hazaiah Fashion Boutique, Vivamax, Viva One, QD Skinnovations, M Lhullier Kwarta Padala and State Farm by Marsha Isabella were present to show their support.
Food sponsors such as Charina Vergara of Titas of Manila and Tito’s Bar & Grill, Fiesta Fast Food, Chow Fun, Dollar Hits, Cebuchon, Jollibee, Max’s Restaurant, Kan-Anan, Manila Inasal, Take Out Corner, Baker’s Lab by AnJ and Bakes and Paste made sure that the band, production crew and staff were well fed during the duration of the pre-show and post-show activities.
Event partners and community partners including Ed Rame Flowers, Autohouse LA, Royal Ground Transportation Services, DJ Headthrasher, Meryl M Photography, Angel Mejia Photography, Quint’s Lens, Kiddo Dong Films, Dwight Jehan Photos, Photoopsstudio.com, Six Paths Photography, Tambuli, Kabataan Culture, Philippine Badminton Club of America, Los Angeles Kids Fashion Show, Kubo.com.ph, PK Luxury Drambags and Pass Review Center & Psychup Nursing PC were also instrumental in making this show come together.
This outstanding concert concluded in a climax with the most impressive display of energy from everyone on stage as they performed some of their most-loved and most-memorable hits such as “Himala” and “Kisapmata.” And in one blink of an eye, this utterly magical show was over.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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