Rivermaya

Rivermaya formed in Manila in the late 1990s with founding members Rico Blanco on vocals and guitar, Japs Sergio on bass, and Mark Escueta on drums. Their early albums like 'Rivermaya' and 'Atomic Bomb' had a raw, anthemic rock sound that quickly found an audience. Songs like 'You'll Be Safe Here' and 'Awit Ng Kabataan' became staples on Filipino radio, blending straightforward rock with pop melodies that felt both personal and communal.

Over time, their sound shifted toward more introspective territory on albums like 'Rollercoaster' and 'Between the Sun and Moon'. Blanco remained the band's primary creative force through various lineup changes, steering them through different phases while keeping their core identity intact. Tracks like '241 (My Favorite song)' and 'Hinahanap Hanap Kita' showed a band comfortable exploring quieter, more reflective spaces without losing their melodic touch.

In 2006, Blanco left the group, which led to a period of uncertainty. They returned in 2013 with the album 'Eres', which incorporated some electronic elements while maintaining their established sound. The band has continued performing and recording with a modified lineup, releasing 'Sa Kabila ng Lahat' in 2016. Their catalog, which spans ten studio albums, remains a reference point for Filipino rock, built on songs that balance immediate appeal with enough substance to last.