Tres Marias a musical powerhouse

“Wala ka bang napapansin sa iyong mga kapaligiran? Kay dumi na ng hangin, pati na ang mga ilog natin.” (Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran)

“Kung ang lahat ay may katapusan. Itong paglalakbay ay makakarating din sa paroroonan. At sa iyong paglisan ang tanging pabaon ko ay pag-ibig.” (Paglisan)

“Nangangamba ka ba ngayong malayo ka ako kaya ay magbago. Hinahanap ko ba sa iba ang ligaya ngayong tayo’y magkalayo. Manatili’t huwag matinag. Sa pag-ibig mo ay bihag ang puso kong ito. Isipin mo na lang, ang ating samahan at ang pag-ibig ko sa ‘yo.” (Isipin Mo Na Lang)

These are some of the iconic songs performed by Lolita Carbon and her folk-rock band Asin (Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran), Cooky Chua and Color It Red (Paglisan), and Bayang Barrios (Isipin Mo Na Lang).

Individually, these multi-talented ladies have made their indelible marks and have earned the respect of their colleagues in the music industry and music aficionados as well, but as a trio, they are a powerhouse known as Tres Marias.

Tres Marias was formed when the three girls kept bumping into each other at rallies which they attended and performed at separately. As a fan of each other’s music, the trio began doing shows “just for kicks” until they decided to make the group official in 2012 without leaving behind their respective solo careers. Tres Marias was chosen “for easy recall though it could also be a statement on femininity.”

With their distinctive voices and different genres, the ladies of Tres Marias bring an exciting combination of styles and musicality. Whether on recording or live gigs, some of their song numbers feature harmonies and solos that showcase each vocalist’s pop side.

What is the best thing about Tres Marias? Vic Valenciano shared, “The best thing about Tres Marias is you get a three-in-one package of best singers in one show.” Meanwhile, Lolita, Cooky and Bayang said, “Tres Marias is all about friendship, good fun and music.”

Tres Marias is under Curve Entertainment, Inc., a new force in the music industry that’s been signing up the next batch of important Filipino artists. The trio was brought to Curve’s attention by OPM icon Gary Granada.

The Tres Marias’ debut album contains originals as well as special versions of well-loved songs. These include Wika which is the first single that reminds people of love for the mother tongue, a cover of Dina Bonnevie’s coming-of-age classic Bakit Ba Ganyan, Rey Valera’s Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, Sana which they always perform in their shows for its uplifting message, another Rey Valera signature song Ayoko Na Sa ‘Yo and Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin, which is a salute to Gary Granada. 

Tres Marias will have its first major concert on Sept. 4, 8 p.m., at the Music Museum. The show will feature the best session musicians with Mel Villena as musical director and Ernie Duque as director. Aside from performing their respective hits, expect a night full of surprises and superb renditions of favorite Filipino songs by the trio.

Vic shared what we can expect from the show. “You’ll get to listen to songs you never thought they’d do.” The Tres Marias added, “A show that is filled with love and support for OPM. Not the usual stuff that people see in the usual Tres Marias set.”

The concert is being presented by Biguerlai, Sunsilk, Music Museum and Ticketworld.

In one word, describe Tres Marias. “Awesome,” answered Vic. “Beautiful,” chorused the trio.