MANILA, Philippines - In recent years, a quartet of talented young men has captured a niche market in the local music industry. The group has made a name that easily distinguishes it from other boy bands who often deliver run-of-the-mill performances. Gaining headway in the music scene, they are The Bloomfields.
Composed of four distinct personalities who share a common interest in music, The Bloomfields has been entertaining people, young and old alike, with signature renditions of the ’60s and ’80s rock music.
The band’s repertoire is predominantly upbeat, but its line-up also carries ballads and original compositions. To date, the group has been featured in several night haunts across town and has become in-demand for corporate gigs and private functions.
The Bloomfields is one of the few bands that can incorporate harmonies into high-energy numbers. The group’s performance is brought to life by the chemistry of four male talents who ignite the band scene with their unique voices.
Leading the quartet is Dino Pascual, the resident balladeer who also plays rhythm guitar, harmonica and occasionally, keyboards. His diverse musical background and soothing voice allow the band the opportunity to experiment on their choice of songs and extend their repertoire.
Bass player is Louie Poco, who has the ideal raspy, high-pitched voice for authentic rock ‘n roll. The master of big-band showmanship, he is also the go-to guy for some real blaring songs.
Playing lead guitar and keyboards is Lakan Hila, who is also the group’s musical arranger. Credit him for the amazing lead guitar riffs and wild keyboard solos that highlight rock ‘n roll instrumentation.
The band’s drummer is Rocky Collado, famous for his talent to consistently wow the crowd with his improvised swing-drumming solos. He also has the ability to croon and boom at the same time, singing lead and back-up vocals.
The quartet’s repertoire includes rock ‘n roll tunes like the Beachboys’ Surfin’ USA, Chuck Berry’s Rollover Beethoven, Elvis Presley’s Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock, Richie Valens’ La Bamba, Rolling Stones’ Satisfaction and Jumping Jack Flash, Queen’s Crazy Lil’ Thing Called Love, Roy Orbinson’s Pretty Woman, James Brown’s I Feel Good, Stevie Wonder’s Superstition and Everly Brothers’ Wake Up Little Suzie.
The diverse line-up also carries The Beatles hits including Help, Ticket To Ride, I Saw Her Standing There, Eight Days a Week, Hard Day’s Night, Hey Jude, Let It Be, Love Me Do, I Will, Here Comes the Sun, Michelle and John Lennon’s Imagine.
The Bloomfields also does OPM like its hit Ale, ‘80s music (Melt With You, Stuck With You by Huey Lewis) and instrumentals.
To date, The Bloomfields has not only performed locally but also abroad. The group has done shows in Kuwait, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau.
In the local scene, catch the Bloomfields perform every Tuesday night at Merk’s Place, 2nd floor Colbella Arcade 910 Pasay Road, Makati City.