Pupil: The songs that define its members

First, the good news: Award-winning band Pupil, a pop culture formation of key players from the most iconic rock acts of the ’90s led by Ely Buendia (Eraserheads), Wendell Garcia (Barbie’s Cradle), Dok Sergio and Jerome Velasco (Teeth), is set to perform in this year’s Sundown Festival in Singapore, Nov. 20 to 22.

Back in its sixth year with a fresh line-up of popular artists from all over Asia, the annual music festival will also see the addition of performers representing three more countries this year — Singapore, Malaysia and India. Sundown is a dynamic outdoor music event which brings Asian artists and fans onto one singular platform to celebrate and bridge the diverse Asian nationalities through music and culture, held at the F1 Pit Building each year.

Both a commercial and critical success in the Philippines as well as overseas, Pupil “has one foot in the past, (another) in the present, and both eyes dead set at the future,” as Ely puts it. “The band is very proud to represent the Philippines in this year’s Sundown Festival.”

Other pop Asian artists participating are Taiwan’s Chang Chen Yue (a.k.a. A-Yue), together with Kanika Kapoor (an Indian Punjabi singer known for her song Baby Doll) and girl group S.O.S. from Indonesia (whose song Drop It Low reached No. 3 on the Channel [V] music charts), plus Hong Kong TVB actress-singer Kate Tsui.

“We intend for Sundown Festival to be a signature showcase of Asian music talents which will further amplify the careers of these artists. Having the festival here, is part of our secret wish to transform Singapore to be the Asian music capital,” shares Samantha Chan, founder of Sundown Festival and Red Spade Entertainment, which organizes the festival every year. “The addition of Pupil in this year’s line-up will hopefully attract the Filipino community in Singapore and we’re excited to map the next milestone.”

Before Pupil flies to Singapore on Nov. 20, Funfare asked its four members what songs define them.

Ely Buendia, Lead Vocals

1. May Bukas Pa (Rico J. Puno). “My introduction to pop music is also notable for its gospel flavor.”

2. Laki Sa Layaw (Jeproks). “Mike Hanopol’s caustic rocker made me love distortion and rock riffs.”

3. Titser’s Enemy No.1 (Juan dela Cruz). “It taught me that you can sing about the Man and still have fun.”

4 . Bato Sa Buhangin (Cinderella). “Beautiful beyond words, it still makes me cry to this day.”

5. Tuloy Pa Rin Ako (Labuyo). “It defined the Manila/Kanto sound for me and the template for early Eheads. I’m still annoyed that Side A tried to claim it as their own.”

Dok Sergio, Bass (quoting lines from the songs)

1. Never You Done That — Turn around and look at me. You’ll find me on my knees, saying, please, please don’t never you go too far away from me girl.

2. Pictures Of You — I’ve been looking so long at these pictures of you that I almost believe that they’re real. I’ve been living so long with my pictures of you that I almost believe that the pictures are all I can feel.

3. My Way — Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew when I bit more than I could chew. But through it all, when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way.

4. You Decorated My Life — All my life was a paper once plain, pure and white, till you moved with your pen changing moods now and then till the balance was right. Then you added some music, every note was in place, and anybody could see all the changes in me by the look on my face.

5. Beautiful Boy — Out on the ocean sailing away, I can hardly wait to see you come of age. But I guess we’ll both just have to be patient, ‘cause it’s a long way to go. But in the meantime, before you cross the street, take my hand. Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.

Wendell Garcia, Drums

1. Here Comes the Sun. “I love the Beatles and the band loves the Beatles, this is a happy song for us.”

2. Disconnection Notice. “It’s one of many that we have in common. Hehehehe!”

3. First Circle (Pat Metheny). “One of my ultimate favorite songs of all time.”

4. Breathe (Pink Floyd). “Pupil breathes together playing music. One of our band’s favorite bands. I think...”

5. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (Michael Jackson). “We love to dance to this song anywhere, anytime. Now, it’s Love Never Felt So Good (MJ and Justin Timberlake!)”

JEROME VELASCO, Lead Guitar

1. How Soon is Now? (The Smiths). “I am the son and the heir of a shyness that is criminally vulgar.” 

2. Gonna Change My Way of Thinking (Bob Dylan). “Make myself a different set of rules. Gonna put my good foot forward and stop being influenced by fools.”

3. Skip Tracer (Sonic Youth). “The guitar guy played real good feedback, with super sounding riffs.”

4. No Quarter (Led Zeppelin ). “They carry news that must get through, to build a dream for me and you. They choose the path where no one goes.”

 5. Guitarman (Jesus and Mary Chain). “Hoping I could make myself a dollar making music on my guitar.”

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