If you have been in the Pinoy rock scene for quite some time, you will most probably be familiar with the name Bamboo.

The Crew

Lead vocalist – Bamboo Manalac

Guitar - Ira Cara Cruz

Drums – Vic Mercado

Bass – Nathan Azarcon

“Something Special”

“From that first jam, we knew it was something special” recounts Bamboo (source: Bamboo's official website). And special it indeed was. Coming from different bands, Bamboo (from Rivermaya), Ira and Vic (from the Passage) and Nathan (from Kapatid band), got together after Bamboo decided to go back to the Philippines, abandoning his life in the US to risk for a new musical venture. And it all started with a phone call, reminiscing the music scenes. And it was more than enough to strike the chords of music within Bamboo's heart. 

Gigs upon Gigs

At first, they were just playing for free for some gigs, starting with Ira's father's lounge (who is also a musician in his own right for AnakBayan). Eventually, their fame spread and then by 2003, things started to kick off career-wise. They were already working on an album and going beyond the jam sessions they were increasingly becoming famous for. It was really a steady ascent up the ladder of success. 

What's in the name?
The name, though most people might expect an interesting twist, just sort of came around during one of their jam sessions. It came in a natural kind of way, with Bamboo acquiescing to using his name as the main name of the band. At first, they did not get much of the 'oomph' factor that other bands had at the time. But a few years later, the tides began to change..

Post-NoyPi

Their hit single “Noy-Pi” under the album with the same title, was their ultimate ticket that sealed the band to stardom. With this song, they were able to garner awards from Mtv and the nodding approvals of people who are active in the contemporary Pinoy rock music scene. After this, everything worked out well, from the release of their subsequent singles such as “Mr. Clay”, “Masaya”, and “These Days”. Their upbeat and groovy approach to rock music really stirred the heart of rakistas all over the country. The whopping debut had a great followup with their second album, LightPeaceLove, which has been well-received by the people who genuinely loved good music. 

Traversing Beyond NoyPi shores

Apparently, their success did not end there. They even had their album released in some other parts of Asia. They are now known in Indonesia, where they have also stayed for quite a time. Their song “Truth” became an internationally selling track. 

Stepping Back to Classic

The sentimental overtures from the second album is carried off as Bamboo takes a trip down memory lane with their third album, containing cover versions of some classic and classy songs. The challenge is to give an edgy Bamboo twist to each of the masterpieces they selected for their third album. And based from how the recent tracks are being received, there is much to expect from them on this one!

All contents copyright © 2007, Pinoy Rock Blog

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Comments (2)

1  Bamboo rock! Written by Michael Avila, on 30-04-2008 17:55 Keep rockin BAMBOO!!!!  nice article keep it up Report

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