Category: Featured Artist

There’s something magical about a band that started “just for fun” and stuck around because it felt like breathing. Meet Freefall, a three-piece alternative pop-punk band from San Rafael, Bulacan—composed of Kevin David on vocals and guitars, Kiko Guanzon on drums, and Chic Muñoz on bass. More than a decade in, they still carry that same raw energy that brought them together in 2012—but now with a deeper sense of purpose, connection, and grit.

From Trip Trip Lang to Lifelong Bond

“Nagsimula kami noong 2012 dahil pare-pareho kami ng hilig sa musika,” Kevin recalls. What began as a spontaneous experiment grew into something much more meaningful. “Sa una, simpleng trip lang… pero habang lumilipas ang panahon, mas lumalim yung koneksyon namin sa isa’t isa at sa tunog na nililikha namin.”

For Freefall, the music wasn’t just about sound. It became a space where emotions are confronted, stories are told, and identities are embraced. There was no big dramatic backstory—just three people chasing something they loved. That honesty might just be what makes their music hit differently.

Why “Freefall”?

“Parang matinding sandali ng pagbitaw,” says Kevin when asked about the band’s name. “Bumibitaw ka hindi para tumakas, kundi para madama ang totoo.” That moment of surrender, of letting go—whether of pain, pressure, or expectations—is the essence of their name and, in many ways, the heart of their sound.

Soundcheck: What Does Freefall Sound Like?

Categorizing Freefall’s music is as elusive as catching smoke. “Palaisipan din ito sa amin,” Kevin admits, half-laughing. The band floats somewhere between pop-punk and alternative, but they’ve never been too concerned with fitting into a genre box.

What they are clear about is what moves them. Their influences span both local and international giants: Pierce the Veil, Coheed and Cambria, Anberlin, Slipknot, Kamikazee, Urbandub, and Franco, to name a few. It’s a wild mix of melody, chaos, and grit—mirroring the emotional highs and lows that make up their songs.

From Real Pain to Real Songs

Every Freefall track has roots in something real. “Oo, lahat ng kanta namin ay mula sa totoong pangyayari,” Kevin admits. They don’t write to impress—they write to express. From heartbreaks and breakdowns to friendships and hope, the band channels life’s most intense emotions into melodies and riffs.

Their songwriting process usually begins with the soundscape. “Tunog muna then lyrics and melodies,” they say. It’s an organic build-up where emotion meets structure, and where everyone has a say.

Creative disagreements? Sure. But the band swears by one rule: lahat dapat goods. “Kapag ayaw ng isa yung part na yun… irerevise namin hangga’t sa lumabas yung gusto namin,” they explain. It’s not always easy, but the respect is mutual, and the goal is shared—to create something they all believe in.

San Rafael Pride and the Local Scene

While the band humbly claims they “have no idea” how San Rafael has influenced their music, their roots run deep. They recently organized a local gig on May 3, playing alongside other hometown bands in what turned into a night of music, laughter, and a fair bit of drinking. “Ang tindi nila at nagenjoy talaga kami. Sana sila din haha,” they said.

Their advice to fellow musicians? “Todo lang natin lagi!”

There’s no gatekeeping here—just a genuine desire to see others thrive. And that attitude has made them not just a band, but a brotherhood others can rally around.

The Night That Started It All

Among the many gigs they’ve played, one stands out: their first-ever performance as a trio on December 21, 2012. It was Chic’s birthday. They played at their favorite bar on West Avenue, the drinks flowed freely, and their pulutan? Peking Duck—because birthday nga naman ni Chic.

“Tatlo lang kami sa mesa pero parang punong puno ng energy at saya,” they recall. “Di na namin maalala kung maganda ba talaga yung set, pero ang sigurado, isa ‘yon sa mga gabing hinding hindi namin makakalimutan.”

That night wasn’t just their beginning as Freefall. It was the first spark of something that would carry on for years to come.

What Keeps Them Grounded

Before every show, they huddle and give thanks to “Papa G” for the moment. “Usap at pasalamat… then ieenjoy lang talaga yung moment,” they say. There’s no need for grand rituals or complex mantras—just gratitude and presence.

And while they might joke about Chic wanting to collab with Kim Domingo, they also dream of sharing a stage with their musical heroes—Franco, Urbandub, and Kamikazee. “Feeling namin di kami makakapag salita kapag nangyari yun,” they admit. “Matutulala lang kami parang tanga.”

What’s Next?

Freefall isn’t slowing down anytime soon. They’re heading back to Whosoever Recording Studio to work on a new single, which they plan to release in the ber months. Expect more emotion, more honesty, and more of that unmistakable Freefall sound.

And to their supporters—especially those from San Rafael—they leave this heartfelt message:
“Maraming maraming salamat at sana mag last ng matagal yung energy… at pwedeng pwede tayong mag hang out basta walang pasok.”

The Truth in the Fall

At its core, Freefall isn’t just about music. It’s about being real—letting go, telling the truth, and trusting that the fall will lead to something beautiful. They never set out to be legends. They just wanted to play, feel, and maybe help someone feel a little less alone.

And honestly? That’s what makes them unforgettable.

“Back in 2016, Pepperbones pa pangalan namin—meme band lang talaga kami.” Robi laughs as he says it, the kind of laugh that tells you he’s told this story more than once, but it never gets old. Across from him, Aadritch leans back, already chuckling before he even adds, “Nagpa-practice lang kami noon. Cover ng Franco, Spongecola. Pero ‘di pa seryoso. Slickblack, Sputnik, French Fries Crisis—mga gano’n.”

That’s how ŌJO started. Four guys just throwing out random names, random jams, and random dreams. What makes it different is that somewhere along the way, everything started to align. Or as Robi puts it, “Everything fell into orbit.”

A Band Born From Chaos—and Kapampangan Words

There’s no deep philosophy behind the name ŌJO. No epic backstory. Just a bunch of friends throwing out random Kapampangan words one day at the studio. “Parang nagme-memes lang tayo noon e,” Aadritch says, looking over at Jazz. “Tapos ŌJO sa ‘Ō Jo Kaluguran Da Ka.’”

“My love,” Robi chimes in, half-singing it. “Aking sinta. Ano bang meron sa iyo~ HAHA.”

Ironically soft, they admit, for a band whose sound leans heavy, bold, and aggressive. But it stuck. Even when people confuse it for “Audio,” they don’t mind. “Okay na yun. Stick na e.”

From High School to Headbangs

It started with a high school band called Black Roses. Francis and Robi were part of it, and when Aadritch transferred schools, he auditioned with “Let It Be.” “Ayaw na akong pakawalan nung isang Francis,” Aadritch remembers. “Sabi niya, ‘Sali ka na sa banda.’ Hobby-hobby lang hanggang sa nag-graduate. Come and go yung members. Pero eventually, pinsan ko—si Jazz—naka-schoolmate nila. He clicked. Hindi dahil pinsan ko lang siya. May connection din siya with our vocalist.”

Robi tells the rest of the story like it’s yesterday. “Second year college, nasa klase ako. Biglang tumawag si Francis—‘Robs, punta ka dito, turuan mo drummer namin.’ Bored na ako, hinagis ko bag ko. Sabi ko sa prof, ‘Magbabanyo lang ako.’ Tapos studio na agad, and that’s where I met Jazz.”

“First jam naming tatlo—instant chemistry,” he adds, nodding.

Raw, Rough, Bold, and Sexy

Describe their sound in four words?

“Raw,” says Jazz.

“Sexy,” Francis replies without skipping a beat.

“Rough,” from Aadritch.

And finally, “Bold,” Robi concludes.

Their influences stretch far and wide: Slash, Metallica, Rage Against the Machine. Aadritch’s riffs come straight from the Metallica scale, while Jazz’s basslines channel the grit of Rage and Audioslave. Robi’s drums reflect that Red Hot Chili Peppers flavor with a backbone of metal, and Francis proudly brings in energy from Kjwan, Franco, and even Steel Panther.

The ŌJO Method: Feels First

There’s no single formula to how they create songs.

“Usually may dala yung isa ng riff or lyrics,” Jazz shares. “Tapos from there, i-bi-build up namin based sa kung anong gusto mismo ng song.”

Aadritch nods. “The feels. It’s always the feels. Hindi namin pinipilit kung ano lang yung gusto naming sound. Binabase namin sa kung ano yung gusto ng kanta mismo.”

Sometimes it’s collaborative. Sometimes one member just shows up with a finished idea and the others let it be. Either way, it’s instinct-driven. Real.

Into the Grave, Konsensya, and Darkness: When the Music Becomes Personal

They all write differently, but when it hits personal, it hits hard.

“‘Into the Grave’—yun yung pag-alis ko ng ugaling gumagamit ng tao nung college para lang sa magandang grades,” Robi shares without hesitation.

Jazz nods solemnly. “Ako naman ‘Konsensya.’ Sinulat ko ‘yon nung nasa darkness ako. Outlet talaga.”

Francis chimes in, “Yung ‘Mundong Ilalim’ din. Lahat naman tayo nararamdaman ‘yon e.”

As for Aadritch? “Wala pa akong sobrang personal. More on feel-good, general themes. Influenced by current events. But who knows? Maybe someday.”

Indie in Pampanga: Loud and Proud

Ask them about the Pampanga indie scene, and there’s a mix of pride and realism.

“Medyo leaning siya sa mainstream,” Robi says. “Yung type ng lyricism na uso ngayon. Mga pang-sawi.”

But Aadritch sees the good too. “Welcoming naman. Kahit heavy kami, kahit distortion-heavy, naiinvite pa rin kami. Minsan nag-i-stand out kami, pero tinatanggap pa rin.”

Jazz adds, “Basta okay yung energy mo, tatanggapin ka ng crowd.”

Favorite Gigs and Humble Starts

“Muntinlupa,” Robi says with a smile when asked about their most unforgettable gig.

“Sullivan’s—Indie Pa’ko Ready V,” Jazz answers.

Francis agrees, and also recalls their performance at TTKD (Tigtigan Terakan King Dalan).

But Aadritch throws it back even further: “Favorite ko yung Sullivan’s. Pero pinaka-nakaka-proud? Yung first gig natin. First time natin ‘yon pero nakipagsabayan tayo agad.”

Real Talk: Indie Outside Manila

The struggles are real. Not all crowds are ready for their kind of sound.

“Hindi lahat welcoming,” Robi admits. “Pampanga indie is literally indie. Minsan acoustic-heavy.”

Aadritch laughs. “Imagine tumutugtog ka ng hard rock sa mga nag-a-acoustic. Pero kahit isang tao lang ang mag-headbang, solve na. Shout out kay Sir Ryan ng Songwriter’s Cabalen. Nakaka-ganang tumugtog pag nando’n siya.”

“Feeling ko lang,” Jazz says, “Manila has more ‘scouts.’ Parang basketball. More opportunities siguro.”

Who’s Listening?

Their music isn’t trying to fit into a mold. It’s for the people who just… get it.

“Para sa’kin talaga,” Aadritch says. “I just make music I want to listen to.”

“For the fans of classic rock,” Francis adds.

Jazz goes deeper: “Para sa mga gutom sa rock and roll. Hindi filtered.”

They all agree: it’s for people who want good vibes and rakenrol in this modern age.

And what do they want listeners to feel?

“Gusto ko yung mapapa-headbang, stomp, sabay,” says Aadritch.

Francis grins. “Yung stanky face. Kunot-noo face. ‘Yung parang, ‘grabe ‘yon ah!’”

Advice to the Next Generation

The band has seen gear come and go. But what sticks?

“Don’t obsess over the newest pedals or gear,” Aadritch says. “Hanap kayo ng isa or dalawa na core sound n’yo. ‘Wag gumastos ng sobra.”

“Confidence and energy,” Robi adds. “Kung nagkamali kayo, tuloy lang. Baka nga hindi nila alam na mali.”

“Simple lang sakin,” Francis says. “Be confident and humble.”

Jazz closes the advice circle: “Don’t make songs just to please people. Don’t fake it. Never play for clout.”

What’s Next for ŌJO?

They laugh when asked about new releases. “Dapat meron,” Robi says, smiling. “Actually, meron talaga. We’re recording an EP—finally.”

Six years in the making, the EP features “Mestiza,” “Hey Man!,” “Jack of All Trades,” and “Rage FM.”

“Hindi na nga ‘bagong ilalabas’ e,” Aadritch jokes. “Lumang ilalabas na. Ang tagal na.”

So what’s the dream?

“Stable fanbase,” says Aadritch. “Tapos makapag-tour, kahit Singapore lang. May makikinig, ‘di ba?”

Robi nods. “Tugtog sa mga big festivals. Castaway.”

Jazz adds, “Maka-jam yung mga idol namin like Kjwan and Franco.”

“Ma-mix ng mga producer like Angee Rozul,” Francis continues.

“Or Azi Acosta,” someone jokes.

“Angeli Khang daw e!” someone else shoots back, and everyone cracks up.

That’s ŌJO. Four guys, one chaotic origin, and a sound that never tries to be anything but theirs. Raw. Rough. Sexy. Bold.

And most of all—real.

It started with four names—Judy, Kyne, David, and Jonathan—representing their school in the Cluster Finals of a Battle of the Bands. What began as a one-time school gig quickly grew into something more. After the competition, the group realized they shared the same fiery passion for music. The spark was too strong to ignore, and so, they continued their journey outside of school walls.

That spark soon had a name: YUGEN.

“At first, trip lang talaga,” they shared. Each member threw in a word they felt connected to, spun a roulette, and landed on YUGEN. What was once a random pick eventually grew to represent their identity—the name that ignited their burning passion for music and performance.

The original lineup featured Judy on vocals, Nico and Kyne on guitars, David on bass, and Jonathan on drums. But recently, they welcomed a new member: Hiro Ozaki, who adds not only his guitar skills but also takes part in music production. “Yes, six na kami!” they said with joy. Nico, described by the group as “the brain of the band,” plays a crucial role in songwriting and arranging their music.

YUGEN’s sound has evolved over time. They started off heavily influenced by nu metal and alternative rock, with traces of rap metal in their early days. Now, they’re entering a new era, embracing an emo pop punk sound reminiscent of the 2000s to 2010s. Influences range from local legends like Slapshock, Talata, Kamikazee, and Even to international icons such as Rage Against the Machine.

When it comes to writing music, Nico explains:
“Usually yung mga story lang din ng friend ko nagiging inspiration ko para sumulat, pero sometimes meron din ako naisusulat na story ko yung topic.”

Their lyrics often delve into one universal experience: heartbreak—in all its forms. One of their most heartfelt songs, Paglisan, tells a deeply personal story.

“Itong Paglisan kase is about talaga sya sa tito ko, kase yung tita ko non ay pumanaw at nakita ko kung paano nalungkot yung tito ko kaya ko sya sinulat, pero ang intindi ng mga tao don is about sa mga na ghost so I think it’s a song para sa kanila (mga na ghost).” – Nico

Among all their tracks, “Paglisan” holds a special place. It was the band’s debut release—the moment they all realized this wasn’t just a hobby anymore. It was the beginning of something real.

Two performances stand out in YUGEN’s journey so far. The first was their gig at Takeover Lounge, where they opened for Lily—a band they admired for years. “It feels surreal,” they said, recalling the moment. The second was their first performance at Sta. Maria Town Fiesta, where they received overwhelming support from a massive crowd. It was a turning point, marking the start of their growing fanbase.

Despite being from Bulacan, the band faces challenges unique to indie artists outside the metro. “Pamasahe,” they joked, but then shared the real struggle—limited venues and fewer production opportunities. Still, they remain grateful to the producers and supporters keeping the scene alive in Bulacan.

In terms of collaboration, the group stays tight. “We always ask each other ng ‘Ano sa tingin mo?’, ‘Okay ba sa’yo ito?’” Their synergy minimizes creative clashes, proving that communication and shared vision fuel their momentum.

So how does YUGEN want to connect with listeners, especially the youth?

“We wanted to be there for them. Gusto namin na even if masaya sila or malungkot, they will still listen to our songs… Gusto namin silang samahan through our music.”

And as for the local music scene?

“It’s improving,” they say. “Sobrang diverse na ng music scene dito sa’tin and we love to see it.”

Looking ahead, fans can expect a new sound as YUGEN embraces a fresh chapter. “Nasa process kami ngayon ng pagpapalit ng era (parang butterfly lang),” they teased. While no exact release date is set, new songs are on the horizon.

To their supporters, YUGEN sends their love and gratitude:

“Salamat sa pag support sa banda namin at asahan nyong patuloy kaming maglalabas ng mga musika para sa inyo!” – David
“Maraming salamat sa mga nakikig at sumusuporta samin sana patuloy nyo kaming supportahan pangako na gagalingan pa namin at mas mag- iimprove para sa inyo! Mahal namin kayo!!” – Jonathan
“Sobrang thankful kami sa inyo. Kayo yung dahilan kung bakit kami naggrow at kung bakit we still have this burning passion. Mahal namin kayo!” – Judy

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YUGEN is just getting started. With a name born from spontaneity and a sound forged in emotional truth, this Bulacan-based band is ready to carry the emo pop punk torch for a new generation.

There’s a certain kind of magic when a band forms not out of auditions or classifieds, but out of real human connections—tight-knit friendships, school ties, and mutual friends. That’s exactly how Amere was born.

Amer, the de facto glue and founding point of the band, lays it down.
“Ako kase yung may mutual sa lahat ng bandmates,” he says. “Si Emong I’ve known since 2010. Tropang-tropa. Si Marvin, kabanda ko sa high school. Si Dan, boyfriend ng friend ng girlfriend ko. Si RJ, ka-schoolmate ko rin. Si Ty, classmate dati nila Dan and Gabon.”

It was Marvin who invited Amer to play drums for their old band. That band included Marvin, Dan, RJ, and their former drummer. Then came the idea:
“Why don’t we form a band since same lang naman mga trip natin genre?” Amer pitched. He brought in Emong. The rest? That’s history. Or as Amer jokes,
“Teka nasabi ko ba kung baket Amere? Haha.”

It was never meant to be named after Amer, not directly. “Basta feeling ko kase ako ang pinakamutual nila na band member… kaya sabi ko lagyan nalang natin ng ‘E’ sa dulo para may variation. Saka E for Emong para cute.”

And so, Amere was born. But there’s more. The name itself has layers—Amere as a masculine name can trace roots to Latin “amare” meaning “to love”, or Arabic “Amir”, meaning “commander.” The band? A force that commands with love, through music.

If you ask Amere which song represents their soul, the answer’s easy: “Better Days” by Franco.
“We always think positively in every tough situation… lalo if it’s about our band,” they say. Better days are always coming.

But it’s not all sunshine. The indie grind in the Philippines? It’s real.
“Yung lawak ng audience ngayon is medyo limited. Hindi naman kasi lahat easily makakaappreciate ng isang obra…” they admit. And while every generation has its tastes, they’re pushing through with honesty and grit.

So what does it feel like when people scream your lyrics at gigs?
“Haven’t experienced it yet in a big crowd,” they confess, but quickly add:
“Unang mga naging tagahanga naming is ourselves, our families, and friends… we will get there. Soon.”

VOCALS THAT BLEED TRUTH

The frontman of Amere doesn’t just sing—he translates the soul of the band.
“I need to express the holistic emotions of my bandmates… gestures, facial expressions, rhythm,” he shares.

When asked if he’s ever broken down onstage, he recalls something better:
“One time I saw my ex-situationship watched one of our gigs… instead of being nega, I just felt proud. A lil bit of revenge and ego, pero konti lang. Hahahaha!”

THE GUITARS THAT SING IN SILENCE
Marvin, one of Amere’s guitarists, doesn’t overcomplicate his tone.
“Mas simple yung guitar riffs mas tingin kong tunog Amere… add nalang ng modulations and delays sa effect,” he says.

His first electric guitar? A Wasburn Les Paul.
“Mura ko lang naiskor. Bentang adik,” he laughs. That axe still holds weight.

THE GLUE IN THE LOW END

RJ, the bassist, knows his role often goes unnoticed—until it doesn’t.
“Madalas talaga… hindi ko din napapansin yung mismong part ko eh,” he admits. But the moment the amp dies or he slips up, the silence screams.
“Importante din pala yung ginagawa ko… halata talaga. Maririnig mo yung difference.”

Balancing technique and feel?
“Once na gusto mo yung tinutugtog mo… automatic na bumabalanse na yung technical playing, flow, groove, at feels.”

DRUMS THAT DRIVE THE STORM
Every Amere song is physical for the drummer, but one hits harder than most.
“Yung ‘Season’ ng Franco… sobrang bangis ng bagsakan lalo na sa riff parts,” he shares. The timing’s tricky, the payoff huge.

Pre-gig nerves? Totally normal.
“You just have to think of what you’ve practiced… Presence of mind lang talaga.”
Mistakes? “Ok lang kahit magkamali… tuloy lang ang tugtog. We’re here to enjoy and have fun.”

THE QUIET STORM RETURNS

Then there’s Ty—the quietest member, but the one with the wildest potential.
“Madalas tahimik, minsan makulit… pero about sa wild inputs hindi ko pa mapapatunayan ito sa ngayon,” he admits. After years away from playing, he’s back in the fold and ready to roar.
“Thanks sa Amere sa tiwala… para mashare ko yung hidden talent ko na muntik ko nang itago nalang sana.”

What’s he brewing for Amere’s audience?
“Abangan niyo nalang yung mga kanta… mapapa-headbang kayo sa bigat na may lambing at pait.”

Amere might still be working their way into bigger crowds, but their chemistry, heart, and raw narratives scream louder than any mosh pit. They are a band built on friendship, shaped by shared heartbreaks, and powered by belief.

And if you listen close, you’ll hear it—that sound that says: you’re not alone, your feelings are real, and better days are always just a few chords away.

MEET THE BAND:

• Amer – Drums, Founder
• Emong – Vocals
• Marvin – Guitar
• Dan – Guitar
• RJ – Bass
• Ty – Guitar