By Umer Nangiana
One of the most popular rock bands in Philippines, Spongecola along with reggae master Kokoi and singer Karylle are all set to create a Boracay Island atmosphere at Doha Sealine Beach next week.
Setting up a vibe of Boracay — from the stage, lights and sounds set up to a fabulous Boracay enhanced decoration — the star-studded event promises to provide the best entertainment in the town on April 24.
Spongecola was formed in 2002 and has produced many hits over the years. Ysmael ‘Yael’ Yuzon and Reynaldo ‘Gosh’ Dilay met through the school’s theatre guild, Teatro Baguntao. The two decided form a band with two other members of Teatro Baguntao.
To start with, the band won in several high school competitions boosting their popularity on campuses and in other schools. After a couple of line-up changes, drummer Christopher Cantada and guitarist Erwin Armovit joined the band permanently.
Initially named only Sponge, they later changed the band’s name to Spongecola, and officially launched it in summer of 2003. In the midst of touring the healthy local gig circuit during their senior year in high school, they released a 5-track, all original, self-titled EP in 2003.
It is from here that critics and music aficionados immediately took note of the songs Lunes (Monday) and Jeepney, slowly creating buzz in the underground music scene. In the same year, the band performed a cover of Madonna’s seminal classic Crazy for You.
In late 2011, the band released their much awaited and highly anticipated 4th full-length studio album under Universal Records. Titled “Araw Oras Tagpuan” (Day Time Setting), it contains 12 tracks including songs from the band’s “Tambay” (Hanging Out) EP, released earlier in 2010 via a Coca-Cola promo.
The outstanding sales of “Tambay” and “Araw Oras Tagpuan” gave Spongecola a diamond record award as it sold over 200,000 units that summer. In September of the following year, the band’s 6-track “District” EP was released and shortly after its release, XGF became the top download of MyMusicStore.com for 7 weeks.
Performing alongside Spongecola, the multi-talented Ana Karylle, commonly known by her stage name Karylle, is a Filipino singer, songwriter, actress, TV host, model, theatre performer, writer, blogger and entrepreneur.
Karylle entered the music scene with her first album “Time to Shine” from Universal Records with the dance single Can’t Live Without You, winning multiple awards.
Her second album, “You Make Me Sing” showcased her songwriting skills and was released in 2005. She wrote the songs Coz, I Love You and Hiling. Three years later, she released her third album, “Time for Letting Go” under a new recording company Polyeast Records. In this album, Karylle’s gifts as a distinctive powerhouse vocalist is showcased in the single I’ll never get over you getting over me.
It is a collection of songs that give the definition of moving on and at the same time divides grief in five different stages. The album also features a duet with her mother, titled Zsa Zsa Padilla (I Live for Your Love).
Her latest album, “K” was launched in November 2013. It features her dabbling into different genres. She shows her fun side in the catchy pop tune and carrier single Kiss You, goes edgy in the modern upbeat tune Bad Boys and turns sentimental in the ballad Kapiling Kita.
Backing the Spongecola and Karylle, will be the reggae Master Kokoi from the islands of Boracay in Philippines, who had wowed thousands of people as well as the coaches of the ‘Voice Philippines Season 2’ with his live performances in the competition.
BESTSELLING BAND: Spongecola got a diamond record award with the sale of its album “Tambay”.
BESTSELLING BAND: Spongecola got a diamond record award with the sale of its album u201cTambayu201d.
