WATCH: Bamboo sings Rivermaya songs, sparks reunion speculations

MANILA, Philippines — Is there a chance rock star Bamboo would play again with his former band Rivermaya?

This is among the things that loomed over people’s heads upon hearing Bamboo sing his classic Rivermaya hits “Himala” and “Hinahanap-hanap Kita” at the recent launch of Kuya J food service group’s franchise program in Taguig City.

Philstar.com tried to reach Bamboo for an interview after his performance to ask for his possible reunion with Rivermaya, but the singer and “The Voice PH” coach declined.

Bamboo, also known as Bamboo Mañalac, joined Rivermaya as frontman in 1994, but also left the rock band in 1998. After the band’s US and Canada tour, Bamboo decided to stay with his family in US. He later formed his own namesake band, Bamboo, while Rivermaya’s then songwriter and keyboardist Rico Blanco replaced Bamboo as the band’s lead vocalist.

During Bamboo’s stay with Rivermaya, the group released their critically-acclaimed, self-titled album “Rivermaya,” with the hit singles “Ulan” and “214.”

Bamboo also lent vocals for the band’s second record, “Trip,” which includes the hits “Himala,” “Kisapmata,” and “Panahon Na Naman.” Their third omnibus, “Atomic Bomb,” contains the song “Hinahanap-hanap Kita.”

At the Kuya J event, Bamboo also sang his post-Rivermaya hits “Noypi” and “Hallelujah.”

The “J” in the brand name, said Winglip Chang, Kuya J Group Holdings Inc. President, does not stand for “Jericho” or the name of the restaurant chain’s celebrity endorser, Jericho Rosales, but for every “Juan” who loves to share Filipino food with family and friends.

“I’d like to believe that we’ve not only created a restaurant that serves the best-tasting dishes, we’ve also made a home for one big happy family that shares the same values. We open our home to welcome more members, partners, and entrepreneurs like you into our growing family. Much like how we grew this home to more than 100 stores in less than three years, truly a great accomplishment,” said Chang.