Falls in love at first sight

Thought at first that there was a lady rocker in this group, initially mistaking the band name as Lady Maboram. Then when DJ Ram Dizon of 93.1 Smash FM told me it is Levimaboram, it dawned on me the Levi in the group might be the songwriter/composer or the main man.

Weeks back, I realized that Levimaboram is the stringed family names of Jan Michael Cedric "Janjan" Legaspi (bassist of Minglanilla), Christian "Pawiks" Villagonzalo (guitarist of barangay Hipodromo), Gaudencio "Max" Maquiling (drummer of Labangon), Alastair Lambo, Jr. (vocalist of Pardo), and Ray Christian "Chamboy Von" Ramos (rhythm-ist of Punta Princesa) whose membership with the Youth for Christ-South District established for them a rapport beneficial in their attempts to place their music over the airwaves.

The five bubbly students of Don Bosco Technology Center, fourth-year section Magone, have all fallen in "Love at First Sight", their very first song that made it to the air lanes via Smash FM's "YourVoice, YourChoice Tingog Kabataan" program.

Cool and crisp still, though the theme is as old as the universe, the boys centered on what they considered fifth element of existence.

"Kabalo na ka basta batan-on, mao man gyud nay theme na appealing, mga ibog-ibog, love at first sight," this a unified statement of the group.

Song opens with verses: usa ka adlaw, niadto ko sa balay sa akong amigo, nagsuroy-suroy kami, kay pista sa ilahang baryo, kita kog dalaga, puti sya og pa-a, wa ko mahadluk ila-ilahon siya....

Ing-ani jud di-ay/mahigugma sa usa ka bagay/ makalimtan ang tanan/makalimtan ang imong pangalan/this is what you called, love at first sight tonight.

With Chemical Romance for influence, as in the emo genre which finds appeal in most youngsters of this generation, the group is full to the brim with emotions in delivering "Love at First Sight". But with other musical influences - punk, alternative and grunge styles - Levimaboram also tackled the irritating sights of airheads in "Hambugero", the funny state of "bacon underwears" in "Brip", the need to keep cool during hot months in "Aircondition", and another love song inspired by themes about the rain in "Taligsik sa Purgatoryo".

Levimaboram had its debut on centerstage with the invitation for a graduation ball of March 2006 graduates of the University of San Carlos Main held at the Casino Español. This was followed with a gig at the Mactan Marina Mall last April 21 for the establishment's "Whattah Hottah Summah" concert.

The boys thought of coming up with an Extended Play album, but had to consider canning first the plan. This is because they are graduating students this schoolyear. They said they opt to focus first on their studies, as the album can come later.

For the meantime, the boys would just want to be listened to first over 93.1 Smash FM, saying they are happy there are people who believe in their songs and have come to place airplay requests via "YourVoice, YourChoice Tingog Kabataan".

This manner of expression carries with it the inspiration of their class Magone adviser Miss Arni Empuerto, Jafloma Computer Station in Punta Princessa and Vanrock Recording Studio, as well as the encouragement of Cyrene, family, friends and classmates for AyCen; Yvonne, residents of Victor Village in Punta Princesa, family and friends of Chamboy Von; Angel Irene, papzi Jethro, Sir Randy (English teacher) for Max; family and friends and Leove of Pardo for Janjan; to Magone class, to friend Pokay and Kokay for Pawiks; and also Siomai Boy, Inday Langga, Krystal of Linao, Minglanilla; Tiny, and YFC facilitator Kaycee and to all supporters of Bisrock.

Email Levimaboram at [email protected] and check their friendster account: [email protected]