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Bamboo Mañalac was among the most applauded performers at the recently-concluded Tanduay Rhum Rock Fest |
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MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Filipinos trooped to the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds eager to celebrate the fifth edition of the annual Tanduay Rhum Rock Fest, which, apparently, many now consider among the biggest music festivals hereabouts.
The line-up of this year’s performers proved to be quite enticing indeed, with some of the music scene’s hottest acts like Urbandub, Typecast and Gloc 9 co-billed with legendary rock acts such as Sampaguita and The Dawn.
That said, among the much-anticipated segments of the show was the first-ever live appearance of Bamboo Mañalac—and he did not disappoint.
The former lead singer of Bamboo dished out well-rehearsed materials from The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, U2 and yes, even his former band.
He started his set with a somber “Across The Universe,” accompanied by a four-piece band and a whole orchestra section. Even before the screams subsided, he signaled the band to fire up the next number, which he embellished with the intro of “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” amid fireworks. It eventually morphed into an electrifying version of “Tatsulok.”
He quieted the crowd with a solemn reading of Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” prior to segueing into his previous band’s signature number of the same title, performed in a grandiloquent manner. He closed his set with his calming solo single, “Questions.”
Suffice it to say that Mañalac easily proved naysayers who easily predicted his career’s demise following the disbanding of his former group wrong.
Ironic that the organizers made Mañalac follow Rico Blanco’s set, making as if the latter is opening for his former Rivermaya co-hort. But Blanco more than held his own.
Seemingly aware that he’d be made to perform before Mañalac, Blanco dished out a rocking set composed of his anthemic hits “Umaaraw,
Umuulan,” “Antukin,” and “Yugto,” all of which were warmly received by the crowd. He closed his set with the requisite, “Ngayon,” his new single, which was chosen as the theme song of the event.
After which, the rest of the night seemed to be mere icing on the cake even as the concert organizers made sure there is still something left for everyone.
Rock heavyweights Wolfgang, Razorback and P. O. T. gave their all, performing as passionately as ever as if it was the ‘90s all over again.
Tropical Depression spiritedly performed their signature hits, allowing for a bit of a short but hearty dance-a-thon.
Comedic rock acts Kamikazee and Parokya Ni Edgar dished out their usual pedestrian fare.
Chicosci and Typecast allowed for some headbanging fun.
Sampaguita, the grand dame of Pinoy Rock, was well applauded for her energetic performance, with many youngsters screaming “I love you” to the 50-something legend.
“Talaga? Gawin mo pa akong cougar, huh?” She shot back at the unidentified fan. And as if it wasn't obvious, she added, “I’m as old as your mother. But yeah, I love you too.”
Another notable set is that of come-backing Paco Arespacochaga, who was, surprisingly, very much appreciated by the motley crowd.
Arespacochaga, who looked as if he had been devoting a lot of time at the gym, muscled his way to winning the crowd’s affection, singing the hits of his band, Introvoys, including, “”Di Na Ako Aasa Pang Muli” and “Line To Heaven.”
Buoyed by the warm welcome, he said, “Salamat. Maraming, maraming salamat. By next year, kasama ko na ang buong banda.”
We can’t wait.
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