Some bands are born in garages. Some in the flicker of a dream. And others, like Aiyana, were born in a haze of riffs, bar gigs, and quiet conviction — somewhere in the cool air of Tagaytay, where the fog never fully lifts but the music finds a way to rise.

Formed in 2021, Aiyana started, as many bands do, with covers and caffeine-fueled jam nights. But what separates them from the rest is what happened after the covers. The band decided to try crafting something original — just for the thrill of it. What came out wasn’t just a song, but a signal. A spark. And from there, the fire kept growing.

“We started out as a cover band, tumutugtog-tugtog lang sa mga bar,” kwento ng banda. “Then nagtesting kami gumawa ng original song, tapos ayun — doon na nagstart.”

Aiyana is composed of Jec Castillo (lead guitar), GB Castillo (rhythm guitar), Jing Gonzales (bass & backup vocals), Justin Bonavente (drums), and Jayce Castillo (lead vocals). There’s something magnetic about how they introduce themselves: no big declarations, no flashy intros — just pure confidence in what they bring to the table. And if the name “Aiyana” sounds unique, that’s because it is. Not only does it mean “eternal blossom,” but it’s also the name of Jec and Jayce’s daughter. A band, a name, a family — literally.

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Soundcheck: What Does Aiyana Sound Like?

Describe Aiyana’s sound and you’ll likely get a grin before an answer.

“J-rock, prog-ish, pop-punk-ish with metal-core and djent riffs and pop vocals,” they laugh. “Mahirap iexplain. Pag tinanong genre namin, sinasabi lang namin: ‘Aiyanacore.’”

It’s a sound that doesn’t sit still — it runs, it pivots, it plays. From the intricate riffs built by Jec, to the emotionally gritted lyrics penned by Jayce, Aiyana’s music sits in that rare place between chaos and clarity. Whether you’re in love, heartbroken, or somewhere in between, their songs will find you.

Kung pakikinggan mo nang buo ang catalog nila, mararamdaman mong bawat kanta ay may bitbit na kuwento. “Love, frustrations sa pag-ibig, mga gustong sabihin pero hindi masabi… ‘yung sakit, at kung paano mag-move forward,” they explain.

Think Typecast meets Up Dharma Down, but through the lens of anime intensity and emotional complexity. Their influences are an eclectic, beautiful mess: Jaya, Yosha, August Burns Red, Yoasobi, As I Lay Dying, and even Polyphia. If that doesn’t give you a clue on their sonic DNA, maybe it’s time to just hit play.

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Tagaytay: Scene of the Climb

Tagaytay isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think “indie scene,” but maybe it should be. For Aiyana, it’s not just their hometown — it’s their battlefield and sanctuary.

“Dati walang bar or place na nagca-cater sa mga indie bands,” they share. “Parang puro show band ang priority. Pero ngayon, nakakataba ng puso isipin na may ilang venues na sumusuporta sa indie scene.”

Their favorite? Lyleth’s Overlooking Restaurant. Hindi lang dahil sa malamig na hangin o masarap na kape — kundi dahil ito ang unang sumugal sa kanila at sa iba pang indie bands.

And when asked what makes Tagaytay’s scene different from, say, Manila?

“Sa Cavite, more on pop-punk and death metal. Sa Laguna, hardcore. Sa Manila, mathrock and shoegaze. But kami, we try to steer away from the usual para maging distinct yung sound ng Aiyana.”

In short: they’re not trying to blend in. They’re trying to bloom.

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Music, Blood, and Guts

Chemistry isn’t built in a day. But Aiyana? Their foundation runs deeper than most bands you’ll meet.

“Yung lead and rhythm guitarist, magkapatid. Yung lead guitarist at bokalista, mag-asawa. Yung bassist at bokalista, magkakilala since 2005. Yung drummer at guitarists, dati nang magkabanda.”

No wonder they click. This isn’t just a lineup — it’s a constellation of old ties, late-night rehearsals, shared meals, and inside jokes.

At kahit na may times na parang gusto nang sumuko — walang tulog, walang bayad, sariling gastos sa tugtog — the passion keeps them moving. “Masayang tumugtog e. Passion talaga. Tapos looking back, iniisip namin bakit ba namin ito sinimulan in the first place.”

This isn’t a band chasing clout. They’re chasing connection.

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Bigger Dreams, Braver Steps

Ask them what their dream gig is and the answer is delightfully humble: “Basta big stage!” they laugh. “Gusto namin ma-feature sa Wish Bus, tsaka sa Cozy Cove.”

They know that putting their music out there — sa Spotify, sa Facebook, sa live gigs — is not easy. Pero they’re in it for the long haul. And they’ve got something most bands struggle to find: vision. Hindi lang basta music para sa kanila. It’s therapy, it’s storytelling, it’s rebellion, and healing wrapped into rhythm and melody.

And for the younger bands trying to follow the same path?

“Hindi biro ‘to,” they warn. “Kailangan matibay ang loob. Bawal ang sensitive. Don’t be afraid to express yourself. Dapat iisa kayo ng goal. Time management din. And most importantly, love each other. Hindi namin sinasabing jowain niyo mga kabanda niyo — hahahaha — pero love and understanding talaga.”

In a world where egos often crash before the chords even do, Aiyana’s advice hits differently. It’s not just about skill or clout. It’s about building something that lasts — something that, like their namesake, keeps blooming.

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The Lighter Side of Aiyana

Of course, it’s not all tears and tuning.

Who’s always late to practice?

“Si Jing! Akala namin wala nang tatalo sa record ni Justin, pero Jing wins! Love you, Jing!”

One song they wish they wrote?

“ABC by Polyphia” — no hesitation.

Favorite Tagaytay food?

“Bulalord (bulalo!), Cecilia’s Buko Pie, at siyempre, sa Diner’s!”

If Aiyana was a movie?

“Sci-fi love story pero anime-ish tapos bida si Justin!” Hilarious. Fitting.

And three words to describe themselves?

“Unique. Experimental. Innovative.”

They laugh after saying it — almost sheepish. But you know what? It’s true.

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Aiyana Is Just Getting Started

There’s a kind of quiet power in how Aiyana talks about their journey. Walang pasikat. Walang pa-deep. Just real stories, good music, and the people who never stopped believing in them.

If you listen closely, you’ll hear it in their riffs — the sound of a band that didn’t just find itself, but fought to become something special.

So the next time you find yourself in Tagaytay, between the steam of bulalo and the chill of the fog, keep your ears open. Somewhere nearby, Aiyana is probably playing a set. And they’re playing like it’s the only night that matters.

Because to them — and to everyone who listens — it always is.