Like father, like son
DENNIS Glenn Fabunan revealed his father, the late Jun Fabunan, did not want him to play bass.
“Ayaw niya ako turuan mag bass kasi boring daw,” the young Fabunan says with a laugh.
It was all too ironic given that Jun himself is a bassist of note.
He was the original bass player of Maria Cafra, as fronted by his brother, the legendary guitaristsinger Resty Fabunan.
Jun succumbed to heart attack in 2002, playing onstage with a group of musician-doctors.
“Akala namin naiihi lang si Papa, kasi hawak nya ‘yung lower extremities nya, ‘yun pala heart attack na,” Dennis recalls.
He remembers his father being humble and good-natured. “He always takes me to his gigs in Olongapo. Offstage, he is quiet and unassuming and I would be the first to know and hear whenever he has a new song made,” Dennis says.
It would not be long until Dennis decided to follow his Jun’s footsteps. He also convinced his famous uncle to come out of retirement and play again.
Aside from Maria Cafra, Dennis also played bass for The Wuds, guitar great Gary Perez, and The Stoney Burke Project. He also does sideman or session work and musical arrangements for local and international artists.
“I was tapped to play for Sandara Park and Dan Hill when they had their concerts here. Later on, I completed the ensemble for ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ during my stint in ABSCBN,” Dennis says.
Fondly called Glenn by those close to him, he also did an Australian tour with iconic OPM band Hotdog, playing alongside the late, great singer-songwriter-guitarist Rene Garcia.
Apart from rock and pop, Dennis also appreciates jazz and soul music.
Dennis offers his unsolicited advice for those who want to make it big in the music industry: “Focus on your craft, keep on practicing, and stay humble.”