Elesi by Rivermaya
About The Band Lyrics Rivermaya is a Filipino influential rock band in the Philippines, founded in 1993. Their musical direction has evolved through standard rock, hard rock, pop, progressive, and other genres. They have recently released work in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia; and have garnered the attention of fans throughout Southeast Asia. Early years The first line-up consisted of Jessie Gonzales on vocals, Kenneth Ilagan on guitars, Nathan Azarcon on bass, Rome Velayo on drums, and Rico Blanco on keyboards. They were managed by Lizza Nakpil and director Chito Roño who had the intention of molding the group into a rock show band. The band was called Xaga. [edit]Classic line-up and mainstream success In the process of grueling practice sessions, Ilagan was replaced with Perfecto de Castro; Azarcon recruited former Bazurak bandmate and childhood friend, Mark Escueta, to replace Velayo, as well as former classmate Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac to replace Gonzales. With Bamboo Mañalac as frontman, the band members themselves decided to disband Xaga and form the band Rivermaya. They started putting together original songs like "Ulan" [Rain], "214", and "Awit ng Kabataan" [A Song For The Youth] (mostly composed by Rico Blanco) in demo form for prospective recording companies. By November 1994, the band had released its first album, the self-titled Rivermaya, and its first single, "Ulan"; followed by "214". Critically praised for its fresh, excitingly new pop/rock sound, the album went on to become one of the best sellers in the 1990s. Citing artistic differences, de Castro was adamant in leaving the group and founded his own band, Triaxis, De Castro's departure made Rico Blanco the full time guitarist of the band. The band's second album Trip, followed with the singles "Kisapmata" [Blink of an Eye], "Himala" [Miracle], and "Panahon Na Naman" [It's Time Once Again]. Whilce Portacio, creator of the X-Men's "Bishop" and co-founder of Image Comics, designed the album art for Trip. In 1997, the band released its third album, Atomic Bomb, with the single "Hinahanap-hanap Kita" [Always Searching For You]. The album gained positive responses from listeners and received heavy airplay from radio stations. During this period, Rivermaya also released the "Rivermaya Remixed" album, put together with the help of DJ Toti Dalmacion of Groove Nation.