Ulan, 214, Awit ng Kabataan, Elesi…
These, among other hit Rivermaya music comprises some of my memorable childhood. I remember, I was a high school student in Our Lady of Peace School in Antipolo and like my peers, we were exposed to Filipino band music.
It was the 90s and the Philippines is experiencing a boom when it comes to Original Pilipino Music (OPM) coming from young and talented bands in the likes of Eraserheads, Parokya ni Edgar, Teeth, Wolfgang, Rivermaya and a whole lot more.
During those years, having a guitar inside the classroom, and strumming and singing during breaktime was our way of having fun and making good memories. Music and lyrics coming from the bands at that time, has given us a platform that is also relatable to our lives back then.
Rivermaya will always have a special place in my heart because some of its songs has become my childhood soundtrack. Awit ng Kabataan will always be my anthem. Himala, with a funny anecdote about a friend , who wile taking a shower is singing, bursting his lungs out to the tune of this song. And
We all know what happened to these bands, sans for Parokya ni Edgar, who as we all know, are still rockin’ and creating fun and awesome music for its fans, both new and old.
Years passed, and new genre of music has conquered the airwaves. Add to that, with the ever changing technology, the way people consume music has changed. But the magic of the music will continue to live on. And for me, that is what exactly happened with one of my all-time favorite band, Rivermaya.
And on that fateful night last February 17, 2024 at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City, the magic that is Rivermaya came back.
Rivermaya’s Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon had an epic reunion concert at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City.
Nostalgia was an understatement as my rock icons performed their greatest hits from the ‘90s with a twist, with conductor Mel Villena and his orchestra ensemble jazzing up the music.
Except for the technical issues that delayed the show, the Bamboo, Rico, Nathan and Markshowed showmanship in executing the anthems that have been part of the lives of the ‘90s kids, such as Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo, The Princess of Disguise, and Ballroom Dancing.
My favorite part was when the production team inserted some Filipino culture elements with the Higantes of Angono dancing while swaying to the banging of the drums as the introduction of Awit ng Kabataan”. One can’t help but to dance to the beat with Bamboo leading the way.
The encore consisted of “214,” “Himala,” and “Kisapmata,” closing out what was ultimately a fitting show, to all the band’s legion of followers and fans.
At the end of the reunion concert, witnessing live, Bamboo, Nathan, Rico and Mark share the stage was worth the price of admission alone. Never mind if I attended the concert on my own. As the four of them thanked the crowd and made their final bow, it all soaked on me that this may never happen again. Or if and when it will do, not so soon.
Thank you Rivermaya. For on that Saturday night, you gave me back a piece of my happy childhood.
Rivermaya The Reunion Concert – Set List:
Check out the set list below:
- “Monopoly”
- “Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo”
- “The Princess Of Disguise”
- “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita”
- “Ballroom Dancing”
- “Sunny Days”
- “Ulan”
- “You’ll Be Safe Here”
- “Luha”
- “Bring Me Down”
- “20 Million”
- “If”
- “Fever”
- “Kundiman”
- “Hilo”
- “Flowers”
- “Panahon Na Naman”
- “Elesi”
- “Nerbyoso”
- “Mabuhay”
- “Awit Ng Kabataan”
- “214”
- “Himala”
- “Kisapmata”
