Somebody should one of these days take the trouble to ask Bamboo what they did to become the coolest, okay, let’s not take it that far, let us just say, one of the coolest bands in town. Maybe we should also try to find out from the makers and distributors of the products they hawk why they chose Bamboo to speak for them or to personify what it is they are selling.
Bamboo made its debut only for years ago with the explosive single Noypi and the CD As the Music Plays. It wiped away the competition to become the biggest selling and most awarded album of the year. From that time on and through well-received releases like Light, Peace and Love and the covers album We Stand Alone Together, we also saw the band or its frontman Bamboo Mañalac endorsing clothes, soft drinks, telephone companies, etc., and acquiring this cool, hip image that caters to both teens and yuppies.
The latest to join the Bamboo brigade is Pony Footwear which is famous for its retro-inspired sneakers with those attractive prints you see everywhere these days. The band claims that its Pony footwear is stylish. It looks good all the time. It is comfortable. You can wear it anywhere. Best of all, it does not have that stinky shoe smell. So you can wear it all day and you will still feel fresh. So because Bamboo says so, there will be more people around wearing Pony footwear.
Why is this so? Is this because Bamboo makes good music? But so do a lot of other local bands but we do not see those faces plastered on billboards all over the city. Maybe it is because they look good. Pwede na. But I can name a lot of members of other band who look better, like they should be in fashion magazines. Is it because they get talked about all the time? No way. Come to think of it, although they have figured in some controversies, the guys of Bamboo have actually been quite low-key about themselves.
I believe that what makes Bamboo effective as product endorsers is the fact that they are held in high regard as rock music artists. Integrity as musicians is what they sell and integrity in one area easily translates to others. The band is known for coming out with well-made, uncompromising recordings. Then nobody gets shortchanged in a Bamboo concert. The band always gives its best.
Then there is, the pop-rock pedigree of the award-winning members. Bamboo Manalac, an excellent vocalist was formerly with Rivermaya. Bassist Nathan Azarcon was with Rivermaya and Kapatid. Ira Cruz on guitar was with Passage and Kapatid. Vic Mercado was the drummer of Passage. There is certainly no need for gossip mileage if you have all these.
This must be the reason why Pony decided that the best way for Bamboo to endorse Pony is to put them on stage and make them perform their music. Bamboo in concert with songs like Noypi and Hallelujah! can really say a lot. You celebrate the music and celebrate the band. Then you can also celebrate the lifestyle of the people who would watch and want to wear Pony footwear.
Titled Rock N’ Rumble, the concert is presented by Pony Footwear in cooperation with Fudge Magazine and sponsored by SM Malls. which by the way, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, plus Sidebar Café and Yoshinoya. Media partners are The Manila Bulletin and Sugar Sugar Magazine. It will be held at the World Trade Center on July 5, 7 p.m.
This is a big treat for buyers of Pony Shoes. They can get a pair of tickets to the show for every single receipt with a minimum purchase of P2,395. They may claim their tickets by presenting their receipts to Pony representatives only at the following participating SM outlets: Megamall. Makati, North EDSA, Cubao, Sta. Mesa, Manila, San Lazaro, Harrison, Mall of Asia, Taytay, Fairview, Pampanga, Clark, Marilao, South Mall, Bacoor, Dasmariñas and Santa Rosa. The promo runs only until June 30. You have only this weekend to join. So hurry up and get your Pony stuff to be able to watch Bamboo rock and rumble.