Music lovers see Tres Marias in different light

MANILA, Philippines - Many music groups are born out of friendship but few of them have members revered in different genres.

Super trio Tres Marias is composed of Lolita Carbon, Bayang Barrios and Cooky Chua. They have their respective careers for the longest time now yet they offer a pop side via their eponymous EP under Curve Entertainment, Inc. The tracks are Wika with a video released last year, and remakes of Bakit Ba Ganyan, Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin, Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, Ayoko Na Sa Yo and Sana.

“We’ve always wanted to show a different side of our artistry but have neither had the chance nor found the context to do so until now. Even our long-time followers would recognize that this is an entirely new direction we’re taking,” said Lolita, who’s popularly known as a folk singer.

Their excitement and the freshness of the project permeate the album. The harmonies, the musical arrangement, the rapport of the members redound to the free-spirited vibe of the EP. Tres Marias has been gigging since 2012 and those who’ve watched them agree that when all are on the stage, expect a fun and fulfilling engagement.

“We don’t even need scripts when we perform because we’ve known each other for so long that it seems we can read each other’s minds,” said the award-winning world-music artist Bayang. “When it comes to singing, it’s all heart, all instinct. One look at each other and we instantly know what is required in order to deliver on that Tres Maria magic.”

The idea behind the convergence: Often seen performing at rallies for their respective and shared advocacies (mainly children, women and environment), Lolita, Cooky and Bayang were convinced by fans to form a group.

“We didn’t take it seriously at first but we kept bumping into each other that we finally said, ‘Well, why not? Let’s do it,’” said Lolita. “There’s nothing manufactured about us — we were there, we are friends, we figured we all do the same thing, and now we are one.”

Gary Granada was instrumental in getting the Tres Marias a record deal.

“He told Vic Valenciano (Curve Entertainment, Inc. A&R manager) about us. One meeting led to another and before we knew it, we had signed a contract and recorded the EP,” said former Color It Red singer Cooky.   

Those who are looking to “brand” Tres Marias will be disappointed. The group’s lone agenda is to deliver great OPM songs as only singers of their caliber can serve up. They’re not out to change the world — not even theirs.

“We sing our respective hits in our shows because we know people would look for it if we don’t so why fight the tide,” said Lolita.

Bayang added, “Look at it this way: Tres Marias is about Lolita, about Bayang, about Cooky and about the three coming together. Our shows reflect that and people who watch us like it.”

The Tres Marias is available in selected Astroplus stores.