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Pinoy rock icons back together

Whenever I hear the new breed of musicians on the radio today, I cannot help but compare them with the musicians of the past, particularly those from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Well, I was not born in the time of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, but my father was, even before that era. He and my uncles used to listen to rock & roll music when I was a young kid. I grew up in an environment where music, especially rock & roll was part of everyday life.

I spent my teenage life in the 90’s, when “underground music” was the trend. I used to play “punk rock” with my high school band. Ramones, The Clash, and Sex Pistols were among the bands that gave us the kick. Locally, it was Juan dela Cruz and Maria Cafra who inspired us to put up a band. We did not succeed unlike the other mainstream bands. But I am proud! At least once in my life, I experienced playing in small gigs. Ang saya di ba? Thanks to our idols!

Anyway, this is not about my biography. I just want to share something about the first rock & roll band in the entire archipelago – the Juan dela Cruz Band. It was patterned after the American Uncle Sam. The group was composed of Joey “Pepe” Smith, Wally Gonzalez, Mike Hanopol and the late Raymund Fortuno.

The first rock festival in the country was in 1970 and Juan dela Cruz Band was among the those who performed in the said festival.

They released their very first album, “Up In Arms” in 1972, followed by “Ang Himig Natin” a year after. Their last was released in 1981 entitled “Kahit na Anong Mangyari.” (www.mb.com.ph)

For a long time, the group did not play together since their break up. But they had their own solo projects and performances here and abroad. Pepe Smith has been roaming in Baguio for quite sometime now. I remember when my cousin and I saw him along Mabini St. one night in February 2004. We were so excited to talk to him and I greeted him, “hi! Sir” and he replied with a smile and said “rock & roll!” We talked about rock & roll. I don’t have my own camera so I asked him to sign an autograph for me. While walking home, I called my friends and told them about it. Patay sila sa inggit! I met him again in the last quarter of 2004. He was sitting at the stairs front of St. Joseph Drug Store along Session Road. The people merely passed by the Pinoy rock icon. I guess he is not very popular with the people of Baguio. Fortunately, my officemate and I had the Nordis camera. Eventually, I got my very own photos with the rock icon. Yehey! Rock & Roll!

Last February 16, Smith and Hanopol were guests in the morning television show of GMA 7 “Sis”. The topic was Pinoy rock and the head-banging people of yesterdays. Among the other guests was 90’s Rocker Garry Ignacio of Alamid Band. The show started with loud but not the earbleeding sound anymore, as original jeprox Hanopol sang their popular song “Laki Sa Layaw.” The veteran rocker obviously can’t sing as hard as before but definitely, he is still good despite his old age. Smith, the “Hepe” also played “Balong Malalim.”

Once again, Hanopol explained the meaning of jeprox and other salitang kanto in the said show. According to him, jeprox pertained to those from Quezon City’s Projects (i.e., Project 2, 3, 4, etc.). But other than that, other oldies claimed that jeprox means rocker, and if we said rocker, we mean people who are rock & roll lovers.

As the show progressed, Gary paid tribute to their roots, especially to Smith and Hanopol. He recognized Juan dela Cruz Band as among their “tatay” (fathers).

For me, Juan dela Cruz Band was a force of nature. They contributed a lot in the history of Pinoy rock & roll. They are one of the most influential Filipino talents. The band inspired bands like Razorback, Yano and other young musicians. Maria Cafra, Anak Bayan, Sampaguita, Asin, and Cinderella were among the other influential musicians in the 70’s.

United once more

Due to popular demand, the classic triumvirate of Smith, Hanopol, and Wally Gonzalez is back – at least on stage (PhilMusic.com). They will have their reunion on June 11, 2005, their second, since their first in 1998 entitled “Pagbabalik”. In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, the group mentioned the possibility of a new composition, “Ang Pagkalas” written especially for the concert.

For me, this is an event a rocker should not ignore. But let me tell you that I am not promoting this for any reason. But a respect they deserve. Head bang tayo! # Joel A. Capulong for NORDIS

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