A throwback to ’90s Pinoy rock

MANILA, Philippines — The ‘90s Overload lived up to its title. It brought Xennials (those who, described by experts, were born from 1977 to 1983) back to that era of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) rock with kaleidoscope, eclectic choices that resonate the feels (aspirations, angst) of the then youngsters (and now professionals). This was recaptured in the iconic hits of Afterimage (represented by Wency Cornejo), Color It Red (Cooky Chua), IAXE (Jek Manuel), Introvoys (Paco Arespacochaga), Orient Pearl (Naldy Padilla), Prettier Than Pink (Lei Bautista), Put3ska (Myra Ruaro), Rivermaya (Perf de Castro), Rizal Underground (Stephen Lu), Siakol (Noel Paloma), Teeth (Glenn Jacinto) and The Youth (Dodong Cruz). All paraded for the show’s opening with The Dawn’s Enveloped Ideas and Iisang Bangka. Singing the medley signaled the symbolic transition of Pinoy rock from ‘80s to the new decade (that saw the peak and popularity of the genre and artists who heeded its call.)

Perf de Castro.

Jett Pangan, The Dawn vocalist, reflected on the era in a video, somehow dividing the show into segments and interconnecting them as one massive musical throwback. Given his band’s reputation, Jett represented a credible voice that could give the crowd personal accounts and wisdom on how Pinoy rock dominated the ’90s music scene.

Myra Ruaro.

The first segment was Rockstars Inspire. Noel did Bakit Ba?. Wency belted out Mangarap Ka with Perf playing the guitar and Paco on drums. It was a rare moment of having Afterimage, Rivermaya and Introvoys, so to speak, collaborating on one stage. Wency said what Paco shared on what audiences could expect: A night of hit after hit after hit. Perf also took the microphone to render his version of Awit ng Kabataan. It was followed by Naldy Padilla’s Pagsubok.

Noel Palomo.

Hands down, Filipinos are indeed music lovers and along that line, they are sentimental, romantic people. Rockstars Can Fall in Love had Stephen and Paco singing Bilanggo and Kailanman, respectively. Many, for sure, wondered what’s cooking with Jonathan Buencamino? He did the movie Rollerboys with G Tongi.

Dodong Cruz.

Loving deeply and truly as a theme was sealed by Glenn’s Prinsesa. All this reminded one of the catchy, singing straight-from-the-heart slow and alternative rock. Then, Cooky turned to the danceable Na Naman. Then, Jett compared the music of ‘80s to the music of ‘90s by saying that the former was fast and (inspired by) funk, while the latter was grunge and distinct for its groove and massive sound.

Glenn Jacinto.

As part of the recollection, covers were also performed: Myra did Sunday Morning, Dodong Crazy for You, Lei (with her guitar) Zombie and Jek Smells Like Teen Spirit. With the likes of Pearl Jam and Nirvana as strong forces of music at that time in the global arena, the genre had a dominant presence in the local scene.

Stephen Lu.

Meanwhile, Jek did Ako’y Sayo at Ika’y Akin Lamang, Cooky Paglisan and Naldy Kasalanan. The playing of ‘90s big hits continued with Wency’s Next in Line, and Habang May Buhay. Perf did Ulan. Lei sang Cool Ka Lang. Paco performed Line to Heaven and Di Na Ako Aasa. The contemplative mood shifted to party with Stephen’s Sabado Nights, which literally reminded all that it was Saturday and everybody should dance. It was followed by the upbeat Manila Girl of Myra and “head-banging” Multo sa Paningin (Multong Bakla) by Dodong, Laklak by Glenn, and Peksman and Lakas Tama by Noel. 

From left: Naldy Padilla, Cooky Chua, Wency Cornejo, Jek Manuel and Lei Bautista.

From the time Wency asked everyone to stand up and join him singing Next in Line, many never sat down, sang along with artists, and enjoyed the every moment with family and friends.

For the encore, Manoeuvres did a ‘90s dance medley (Come Baby Come, Sweet Soul Revue, C’mon Ride the Train, Informer and Macarena).

Prior to that, Jett described the OPM ‘90s in three words: The rocking years. The Dawn’s Salamat was sung by the participating artists to cap the night.