Ronnabelle Lora

How did Aegis start their journey as a band?

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

<p>Aegis, one of the most iconic OPM rock bands in the Philippines, has been a staple in the Filipino music industry since their formation in 1995. Their hit songs are karaoke staples.</p><p>Initially members of different bands, Aegis consisted of Vilma Goloviogo (drummer), Stella Pabico (keyboardist), Weng Adriano (bassist), Rey Abenoja (lead guitarist), and sisters Juliet, Mercy, and Ken Sunot (lead vocalists).</p><p>“Bago kami nabuo, galing muna kami sa iba’t ibang grupo pagkatapos ang nangyari nagkahiwalay yung mga miyembro namin tapos kami ang natira kaya kami nagsama-sama, “ Weng said in a previous interview with Rhea Santos.</p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz-3y76ytyC/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A2591450.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="588" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Despite not initially dreaming of becoming musicians, the band achieved success in the industry.</p><p>“Sadya ng pagkakataon. Sa hirap ng buhay, kailangan mong huminto ng pag-aaral. Hindi na kaya ng mga magulang mo na pag-aralin ka kaya kailangan mong kumita sa murang edad,” Weng shared.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2023/11/30/aegis-gusto-maka-collab-si-bruno-mars-2247"><strong>WATCH: Aegis, gusto maka-collab si Bruno Mars | PUSH TV</strong></a></div><p>In 1997, after returning from Japan, they recorded a demo tape that launched their career in the Philippines. The following year, they were signed by Alpha Records.</p><p>The group also shared that their band was first named as AG’s Sound Trippers. In an interview on Magandang Buhay, Weng explained that their name previously came from their two managers who were surnamed Abenoja and Galindo.</p><p>“Aegis kasi A atsaka G tapos apostrophe s. Tapos dinagdagan ng dalawang letters para mabuo yung word na iyon kaya naging Aegis. Dati A at G’s,” she explained.</p><div><iframe width="2026" height="814" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4WhLMXk6g38" title="The story behind Aegis band name | Magandang Buhay" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>By adding a few letters to their name, it became a Greek word which means “shield and protection.”</p><p>“Ginawa rin yung mga kanta namin para i-shield yung mga nalulungkot, yung mga broken hearted. Kasi ayun yung talagang nagagamot sila sa kantang iyon,” lead vocalist Juliet said.</p><p>The band released their debut album with a carrier single “Halik” which earned them recognition and popularity.</p><p>They then continue to dominate the Filipino playlists in early 2000s with their other songs such as “Luha,” “Basang-Basa sa Ulan,” “Mahal na Mahal Kita,” “Christmas Bonus,” “Sayang na Sayang,” among others.</p><div><iframe width="2026" height="814" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MBsQhMIXEsw" title="How did Aegis&#x27; life change because of singing | Magandang Buhay" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Aegis’s music also reached the theater stage with the long-running musical Rak of Aegis, which debuted in 2014 and has since been staged over 200 times. The musical, based on their songs, tells the story of Aileen, a young woman who dreams of becoming a YouTube sensation. in order to become rich.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2014/2/18/fresh-scoops/rak-of-aegis-brings-back-wellloved-songs-by-the-pi-16960"><strong>READ: &#x27;Rak of Aegis&#x27; brings back well-loved songs by the Pinoy rock band from Cebu<br/></strong></a></div><p>“Hindi namin alam na musical. Nagulat kami. Nandoon kami noong first niya. Naluha-luha kami. Naiyak talaga kami,” Mercy said sharing how they felt about a musical featuring their songs in an interview on Showbiz Pa More.</p><div><iframe width="2026" height="814" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SVFBPMXc5LA" title="Showbiz Pa More: Exclusive interview with Aegis" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>In 2020, they also released a hit television series official soundtrack “Ang Sa Iyo ay Akin,” which was composed by news anchor Bernadette Sembrano.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2017/8/9/fresh-scoops/aegis-vocalist-juliet-sunot-shares-the-secret-to-h-72543"><strong>READ: Aegis vocalist Juliet Sunot shares the secret to her powerful singing voice<br/></strong></a></div><p>They celebrated their 25th anniversary with a concert in December 2023, marking a major milestone in their career.</p><p>“Masaya po kami na naabot po namin ang pangarap [namin],” Juliet shared during their show.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/onemusic/articles-photos/aegis-thechristmasbonusconcert-thetheatreatsolaire-dec20-16460"><strong>READ: AEGIS to Give &#x27;The Christmas Bonus Concert&#x27; to Fans</strong></a></div><p>They had also planned a Valentine’s concert for February 2025, titled Halik Sa Ulan, featuring their timeless OPM hits.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2024/11/21/nadine-lustre-to-delve-into-darker-characters-beginning-with-uninvited-0833"><strong>WATCH: PUSH Bets Live feat. Aegis 20ble Dekada: Ang Soundtrack ng Buhay Mo concert<br/></strong></a></div><p>Tragically, on November 18, 2024, the band announced the passing of Mercy Sunot, who had battled cancer. The band shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering Mercy&#x27;s powerful voice and how it brought comfort and joy to many.</p><p>“Mercy’s voice wasn’t just a part of AEGIS—it was a voice that brought comfort, joy, and strength to so many. She has touched countless lives, inspiring fans and lifting spirits with every song she sang. Her passion, warmth, and unforgettable presence on stage will forever be cherished in our hearts,” the band expressed.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2024/11/18/aegis-member-mercy-sunot-passes-away-1115"><strong>READ: Aegis member Mercy Sunot passes away<br/></strong></a></div><p>As reported in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, the band already knew about Mercy’s condition but was actually hoping for her recovery at the time.</p><p>Despite Mercy&#x27;s absence, the band confirmed that their planned Valentine’s concert will go ahead in February 2025, with a special tribute to her. Part of the proceeds will be donated to her family.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2018/7/16/photos/look-20th-anniversary-concert-ng-aegis-star-stud-104813"><strong>LOOK: 20th anniversary concert ng Aegis, star-studded</strong></a></div>

<p>Look back on the journey of one of the most beloved Filipino rock bands, Aegis.</p>

How did Aegis start their journey as a band?

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Music

How did Aegis start their journey as a band?

Nikka Sabio

Published Nov 21, 2024 09:23 AM PHT

Read More:

Ken Sunot

Vilma Goloviogo

Rhea Santos

Juliet

Stella Pabico

Juliet Sunot

Bernadette Sembrano

Rey Abenoja

Weng Adriano

Japan

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.