Music Hero’s ‘Walang Papalit’ tops Spotify PH’s Viral playlist
Eat Bulaga’s resident pop band Music Hero is set to conquer the local music scene with its debut single “Walang Papalit.”
Recently launched in the longest-running noontime variety program in the country, the song speaks about love, heartbreak and finding happiness again.
“This is a relatable song because, one way or another, we all experienced love and heartbreak. Through this song, we want them to feel that there’s always a second chance at love,” said vocalist Manly Ocampo.
Manly leads the nine-piece band that originated from the program’s music competition with the same title. He was hailed the ultimate vocal hero after participating in a rigorous nine-month vocal battle last year.
He said “Walang Papalit” is a full collaboration among himself, his band mates Radlee Laquian (acoustic guitar), Fender Dimalanta (electric guitar), Joaquin Rodrigo (drums), Jim Tan and RD Benavides (keyboards), JayR Corre (bass), Brian Feliciano (saxophone) and Dominique Casacop (violin), who were all featured in the competition’s instrument edition in August 2016.
Speaking about their first single, Manly said it took them about a month to record the whole thing.
“Because we came from different places and we have different backgrounds, we had to go back and forth on what kind of music we want to produce and offer the audience,” he said.
Guitarist Dimalanta said, “We had full control of the song, especially with the arrangement and style. We were initially given individual time to study it. Then we had to brainstorm as a group. We tried to give it a different flavor and take advantage of the full band. It’s a challenge but we like collaborating with each other.”
Dubbed by the program as an “elite revolutionary band” because of the variety of musical instruments each member plays, they want to follow the success of ‘90s Filipino pop and R&B group South Border. In fact, during their recent live guest appearance in “The Roadshow” on Wish FM 107.5, the group performed “Ikaw Nga,” one of South Border’s popular songs.
Keyboardist Benavides said the veteran group has had a big influence on them growing up. “They play timeless music that we want to produce also. We want to sound like them but at the same time, we also want to have our own flavor in every song we play. We also want to connect not just to the youth, the Generation Z, but across all ages because music knows no boundary.”
Aside from focusing on their music, the band is also keen on influencing the younger generation to embrace music in the digital age.
“We encourage everyone, especially the youth, to try and play instruments or hone their vocal skills. We want them to find their own voices and have that confidence in owning their talents,” bassist Corre said.
As for violinist Casacop, the only female member of the band, she’s just grateful to be in the company of talented individuals. “Among the hundreds who auditioned, it’s already a blessing that we were all chosen to be part of this group. I’m used to playing with an orchestra and it’s a big adjustment to be part of a pop band, but I like that we are all challenged to think outside the box and make full use of our own instruments.”
The band also sends its heartfelt gratitude to “Eat, Bulaga!” for creating a competition that highlighted the Filipino talents.