The Social Pyramid

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It was during the midst of militarization in our country and former President Aquino’s “Total War Policy” when the activists of the late 80’s and the early 90’s heard “Tatsulok” which helped them scream out their grievances.

Tatsulok was written and composed by Rom Dongeto of the activist folk-rock group Buklod – whose other members were Noel Cabangon and Rene Boncocan. It was released in their album called Tatsulok in 1992. With highly figurative language, the song obviously refers to the conflict between the government and the communist-led New People’s Army (NPA).

In 2007, the very same song hit the airwaves with its different flavor but still the socially related message remained. A remake was done by the famous band Bamboo. The said rendition has turn into a favorite among Filipino youth rock fans and stressed their inclination to socially relevant songs once more.

This track came off their album called, We Stand Alone Together. Bamboo – composed of Bamboo Mañalac, Ira Cruz, Nathan Azarcon and Vic Mercado – gave a more youthful interpretation to the song.

Those who have heard the original version of Tatsulok says that the guitar strumming and flute background was missed in the newer version. But Bamboo did an excellent job, the vocals invoke strong emotions.

The song represents the social structure of our country wherein the powerful, which are few, are those at the top while those at the bottom make up the prevalent sector. It advises Totoy, a symbol for the young Juan de la Cruz or the Filipino youth, to take a lot of care in his direction and avoid being killed, and it also calls on him to invert the pyramid that has been built by our social systems.

At the end of the song, it tells that the war between the NPA and the Aquino regime is not just the conflict. But the root of this fighting is poverty – the social pyramid.

Song of Colors

When the weather seems to be uncertain and everything in sight turns to be blurry, that’s the time to think back that “there’s a rainbow always after the rain.”

Rainbow, performed by the Philippines’ premier R&B band – South Border, is a feel-good song that did not only hit the airwaves and topped almost all radio stations’ charts but also touched people’s hearts and lives.

It was in 2003 when Jay Durias, South Border’s keyboardist and musical director, was asked to write a song for an upcoming movie to be released in December of the same year. Durias, along with the band’s manager Sharon Inductivo, started composing and arranging the said song.

Durias was the only one asked to sing and record the song as a movie soundtrack, but since the band had their new lead vocalists, Vince Alaras and Duncan Ramos, he decided to record it with them. The launch of Rainbow came along with the new members’ rise to fame and also bringing the name of South Border back to the music scene.

The soft melody of the song added to its sincerity that made it more heartfelt. The combination of the constant mellow drumbeat that goes with the bass, the slow strumming of the acoustic guitar, the windblown flute, and the smooth keys of the piano made the rhythm perfectly arranged for this feel-good song plus the refreshing blend of the singers’ voices.

Rainbow is not one of the ordinary R&B songs that contain lyrics about romance, drugs, and gangsterism, but it is one that gives hope to people who may have not clearly seen the reasons why trials occur in their lives.

Its lyrics of the song basically talks about certainty in times of uncertainty and “that no matter what happens, life goes on and on” for there are lots of people who tends to give up whenever they are not able to handle themselves in difficult situations.

It invaded airwaves and captured the hearts of listeners across the country and its message of optimism in the face of difficulty, loneliness and heartache has brought on refreshing confidence at a time in our country when the skeptic in most of us tends to float up.

The Big Man behind the Big Hits

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Jay Oliver Durias, simply known as “Jay”, is the mastermind behind the big hits of the premier R&B band in the Philippines – South Border – which has gone through ups and downs as a band.

Now, this six-foot-three musical genius is sending us his “way of saying thanks for the gift of music” through his new project album called, “Songs I Grew Up With”.

Born on August 26, 1975 in his hometown, Davao City, Jay has been living his life filled with inspiration to create good music.

“I started playing the piano at a very young age,” Jay says in an exclusive interview, “I was influenced by my dad and got me playing at music bars at the age of eight.”

Jay started creating jazz instrumentals at nine, and with jazz music as his main foundation, the songs he used to play back then vary from different genres – “from the mellow songs of Frank Sinatra to the groovy beats of The Beatles.”

From the timeless “Kahit Kailan”, which he crafted way back when he was in 3^rd year high school, to “Rainbow”, which hit the airwaves in 2003 and brought R&B music back in the scene, all the credit goes to Jay’s ingenuity in keeping South Border’s music alive and thriving.

But how does he keep the music playing?

The Saga Begins

South Border was born on July 15, 1993. Their name was a tribute to the roots of the pioneer members who all came from Davao. With Jay on vocals and keyboards, Tata Balane on bass, Ric Junasa on saxophone, Paul Benitez on drums, they tried to find their luck in Manila.

“We came to Manila, met guitarist Jack Ruffo and, a solo artist, Brix Ferraris (their first front liner),” he shares, “and we started playing in a bar called De Ja Vu.”

Jack resigned several months later and was immediately replaced by another talented guitarist, Butch Victoriano.

South Border first penetrated the national prominence in 1996 when they launched their first self-titled album that included Jay’s first pop love song, Kahit Kailan, which was awarded by several radio stations and different award-giving bodies in the music industry. It was their first big hit and it paved their way to stardom.

The following year, their album reached a gold record, then platinum. Their first major concert was set and it was held at the historic Araneta Coliseum. As expected, thousands of their new found fans filled the big dome.

By the end of 1997, while their debut album reached triple platinum and their songs played in different places, Brix left South Border to go back to his solo career and it shocked their followers.

“We had differences,” Jay simply shares, “we had to make a decision that was healthy for both parties.”

He claims that Brix was like the “powerhouse” of the group, and even had a very distinct character which surely gave them a hard time in getting up on their feet again.

“He (Brix) had this unique voice,” says Jay, “and his colored hair that everybody knows.”

Jay felt like giving up at first. It took them a couple of months before they decided to move on. They got inspired to continue playing after hearing words of motivation from peers in the music industry.

Bouncing Back

Around early 1998, the band’s bassist, Tata, met Luke Mejares who used to sing for a band called Red Line and asked him to audition for South Border which he took with no hesitations. After the audition, Luke replaced Brix on vocals and completed South Border’s new lineup.

Despite intimidating forecasts, they’ve got working again in no time. They finished their second album called “Bump!” which featured another romantic love song, “Sa’yo”. Their new single brought them back to where they left as it gathered numerous awards in 1999.

“I would say that South Border is dead serious about the craft,” Jay says, “We have great respect for music. We have always been true to the music.”

In the new millennium, the band released its first live album that was recorded in another concert they had at the Araneta Coliseum. It was well-received by their beloved fans and drew rave reviews from critics.

South Border once again hit the music scene with the success of “Habang Atin Ang Gabi”, a theme song from a local film called “La Vida Rosa”, which is considerably one of Jay’s best compositions and arrangements. The same song became their carrier single for their fourth album, “The Way We Do”, released in 2001.

But in the final quarter of 2002, another sad news came. The announcement that Luke is leaving the band to pursue a solo career surprised their avid followers once again. Jay says that the reason why Luke left the vocals position was same with Brix.

“It was sad, but it wasn’t hard like the first time.” Jay admits, “There will always be pressure and hard work, and if any one from the band just couldn't stand it anymore, they are free to leave South Border,” he adds.

New Arrival

Going through another major change in their lead vocals lineup, South Border achieved a major triumph when they got not one but two astounding vocal talents – Vince Alaras and Duncan Ramos.

Vince, a former member of La Salle’s Kundirana, was known as “the boy who sounded like Brian Mcknight”. He formed a group along with other ex-Kundirana guys then went on his own as a backup singer where Jay incidentally saw him perform.

“I saw him on TV, he was a guest singer for a lady rapper named Chill,” says Jay, “Since then, he was on my top list.”

While waiting for his big break, Vince kept himself busy as a barista at a Starbucks Coffee outlet in Katipunan. As he was making coffee for students of Ateneo and Miriam, he received a text message from Jay with an offer of making him the band’s new vocalist which he thought was a joke until he found himself jamming with the band at a bar in Quezon City singing Brian Mcknight’s “One Last Cry”.

Duncan, a former part of San Beda Taekwondo team, was a child prodigy who was then known as the “young Gary Valenciano”. He used to sing and dance in concerts of Gary Valenciano, and this was how Duncan honed his skills during his younger years.

“We found him few months after Vince joined the band,” he says, “We were really looking for two vocalists and Duncan completed the line up of the new South Border.”

In Duncan’s audition, he sang the classic ballad “Open Arms”; it showcased his high-pitched voice including his abilities in shifting to falsettos which has been one of South Border’s distinctive trademarks.

The two new young talents gave a more youthful glow on the band’s image; they dance as well as they sing. The biggest break they had was the launch of “Rainbow”, composed by Jay and their manager, Sharon Inductivo, in December 2003 for the promotion of a top-grossing film, “Crying Ladies”. It invaded the music scene, captured the hearts of people, and became everyone’s feel-good song.

South Border released another award-winning craft, “Episode III”, which featured Duncan and Vince as their new front liners, and included the said hit song plus other singles that would make everyone groove with their danceable R&B sound and more refreshing romantic love songs.

In early August 2007, the band officially announced the departure of its two lead vocalists and they claimed that the two wanted to pursue solo careers in the future.

It was the third time for them. The first two vocalists, Brix and Luke, were in the same situation. But Jay made clear that this was not like the previous “breakups” they had back then. This time, they have no ill feelings toward Duncan and Vince.

“It was like a creative fall out but we still remain friends. They still are doing shows with South Border but in a separate entity,” Jay discloses, “Right now it's South Border featuring Duncan & Vince,” he adds.

Nostalgic Trip

Late in August 2007, a new song with a familiar voice has been played in some radio stations. Jay’s latest composition that comes from his new solo album called, “Songs I Grew Up With” which simply explains the tracks inside it.

The said album contains ten tracks wherein nine are remakes of Jay’s top favorite songs since he was a young boy who has been embracing music with all his might. He came to realize how these songs have honed him into what and where he is right now.

Jay’s new project includes the “Light and Shade”, a Fra Lippo Lippi original that reminds him of how he and his classmates would wait for a jeepney with a good sound system while listening to this song. Rupert Holmes’ “Him” which he first heard when he was in prep, Basia’s “Reward” was when he had a huge crush on the female vocalist of the band he in during his mid teens, and Don Mclean’s “Birthday Song” that he learned through his father’s collections.

As a kid, Jay recalls playing “sipa” with his friends wherein he used to do his so-called magic tricks and make him sing “You Can Do Magic” by America. The song that made him hooked to Stevie Wonder, “My Cherie Amour” which he dedicates to this musical great.

Jay also made a head-nodding remake of Jim Croce’s “I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song”, “Do That To Me One More Time” by Captain and Tenille which he finds himself humming them every now and then, and the song that gives him confidence, Wet Wet Wet’s “Goodnight Girl”.

Completing the album is his most favorite song in it, “The only original track on the album ‘Sa Hangin’ – that song is so, so special,” he claims.

Jay is still promoting his album right now and a lot of people thought that he is now officially going solo and leaving South Border behind. In his shows, he had been constantly announcing that it was not like what the people think.

“You (audience) might be thinking that I’m on a solo career but I’m not,” he says, “I’m still part of South Border.”

He also stated that his only purpose for this album is “to share the songs that honed him as a musician.”

But unfortunately Jay was known with South Border and South Border was known as a band, they were known as one, nor as individuals. The music must still keep on playing.

Music Master

For Jay, he may not have any idea on how he wanted himself to be remembered by people, his music will still live on.

“I just love making music,” he says, “and if it happens to make a good impact on somebody else's life, it makes me feel better as a person.”

Through the years in the music industry, Jay remained strong despite of all the issues and controversies that had been thrown against the band that he took so much concern of. South Border has become an icon, and Jay is a living legend who will keep on creating more good music, and will continue to inspire people from all-over the world.

“(Just) be true to your craft. If you have the gift, don't rely on it alone, work hard for it. Music to me is not a hobby, it's my life. I believe in passion, dedication, and hard work.” Jay ended.

Beyond the Shining Stars

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The Pinoy pride still lives on, everyone said they wouldn’t reach this far, but the All Stars proved them wrong.

The All Stars is a Filipino-based dance group popularly known for their hip hop and R&B grooves. Initially made up of 12 young and brilliant dancers, they have been to great opportunities and reached an international status.

Moves such as break dancing, pop locks, freestyles, and even old-school-new-school combinations – name it, they have it. Though each member has different abilities and style, but once they heard the beat of every song, they dance as one.

The All Stars’ members started as close friends coming from different places and each having different backgrounds and were created for the 4th World Hip Hop Championships which was held in Los Angeles, California wherein out of 26 competing teams, they placed 6th.

They chose to name their group All Stars for believing in having each member’s individuality, uniqueness, and specialty.

What can be called their turning point was when they made the Filipinos proud when they won the first place in the 2nd International Hip Hop Open D'Italia in Torino, Italy which was followed by the 5th World Hip Hop Championships in Redondo Beach, California.

They carry on while wishing for the constructive development of the standards of our country in the entertainment industry by sharing their knowledge and spreading their talents thru the art of dancing.

Have-A-Jabba

The JabbaWockeeZ is a hip-hop dance crew formed in San Diego, California whose members are Vietnamese Jeff Nguyen, Chinese Ben Chung, African-American Kevin Brewer, Hispanic Chris Gatdula, and the two Filipinos – Phil Tayag, and Rynan Shawn Paguio.

MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, produced by American Idol judge Randy Jackson, is an American television show that has played a major role in exposing and sharing to the people how impressive the JabbaWockeeZ could be.

The said show features dance crews from all over the United States judged by rapper Lil Mama, multi-awarded hip-hop choreographer Shane Sparks and former Nsync member JC Chasez.

The JabbaWockeez possesses a trademark of wearing plain white masks and white gloves which make them appear like mimes, dark-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, and headgears such as caps, hats, or bonnets which show more uniformity in their craft.

In the Live Auditions Special of the show aired on January 26, 2008, one of the members shared, “We wear the mask for the audience so when they watch us, they have to watch us, they are forced to watch us as a whole not as an individual.”

They worked on Apologize by Timberland featuring One Republic in the first official episode of the show wherein a video clip of their rehearsal was shown before they danced and people saw them goofing around event in practice but after their dance number, they showed that no matter how they goof around in practice, they can still hit the high notes of dancing that shows the personality of their group.

Freezing and body-snapping moves of Omarion in his Ice Box video was the challenge to their routine in the second episode which impressed the judges and Sparks even told them that this was the “best performance” of the dance crew he has ever seen.

Each crew has to carry out to a dance craze but still not losing their style in episode three. While performing, there were challenges that each has to do while performing since some of the dances are very simple and for the JabbaWockeeZ, they had to create an illusion that defies gravity with Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It by Dem Frachize Boyz which made them think of routines that made some of their members to appear like flying.

Episode four needed a storyline as a character in a movie, while performing on the set of a street. For them, it’s Ayo Technology by 50 Cent featuring Justin Timberlake and they had to act thieves hiding from a street set containing garbage bins, vandalized walls, and a parked car wherein one of the members had to dance above its hood. Chasez picked on their dance steps as “simple”, but Sparks disagreed with this and said, “(It’s) not about the choreography this time, it’s about the story, (and) the choreography was just a compliment to the story.”

With Michael Jackson’s Thriller album celebrating its 25^th year, each crew must perform a track in honor of its anniversary. It was the upbeat P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) that they had to perform, and they still stunned the audience and their judges which made Lil Mama say, “You (guys) never forget that it’s a competition. (I) felt like watching Michael Jackson but I never forgot that I was watching the JabbaWockeeZ.”