Julia Christine Botin

'90s band InnerVoices returns with new vocalist, songs

Article (news)

Josh Mercado

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750288442042image1.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"/></div><div> </div>It has been claimed that activities in Pinoy band culture such as fans lining up under the heat, requesting songs, singing along, and bantering whether on open grounds or at bars have toned down for various reasons, particularly after the country was hit by COVID, and the scene, to be honest, remains quiet even after the pandemic.Those late-night gigs were most likely the highlights of both fans&#x27; and bands&#x27; lives. In previous interviews with ABS-CBN News, even the top Pinoy bands stated that they miss the experiences that created who they are now.While the top artists of OPM continue to sell tickets in large arenas, Pinoy bands stay committed to their profession as long as there are songs and instruments. They don&#x27;t follow rules; they make music. They don’t just perform; they create moments. Live music is part of their DNA.For InnerVoices, founded in 1992 as a pop band by Atty. Rey Bergado and now rebranded as a pop rock band with new vocalist Patrick Marcelino, band culture in the Philippines is still alive, with cult followings and bars welcoming them.Bergado told ABS-CBN News, “Hindi siya [namatay] kasi marami pang umusbong na mga bata. Ang gagaling pa. So dahil sa digital age, nabibigyan sila ng chance. Sa social media, nakikita sila. Unlike noong panahon namin na TV at radio lang. Ngayon, maraming venues like TikTok, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, at Instagram. Maraming avenues para marinig. Maraming bagong banda na lumabas na sobrang talented at sobrang gaganda ng mga kanta.”Regarding the bands performing on grounds, he added, “Buhay na buhay. Kahit ‘yung mga indie.”The pop rock band, with Rene Tecson (guitar), Alvin Herbon (bass), Joseph Cruz (keyboard), and Jojo Esparrago (percussion), is currently on their bar tours, promoting their latest songs “Idlip,” “Saksi Ang Mga Tala,” “Sayaw Sa Ilalim ng Buwan,” and “Handa Na Kitang Mahalin.”<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750288551422image0 (1).jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"/>InnerVoices performs at Aromata. Photo by Josh Mercado </div>In true InnerVoices style, they were lively on stage at their latest show at Aromata in Quezon City, bantering with one another and displaying smooth musical abilities. The band&#x27;s vocalist also energized the audience with rock numbers and hit them with ballads.Like other bands, they have learned to adapt to new, experimenting with different sounds before returning to their roots.“Actually, ‘yung narinig niyo ngayon, this is InnerVoices. Medyo nag-full rock lang kami the last time with the former vocalist kasi rock ‘yung boses niya. Now, bumalik kami sa rati,” said the band’s founder.Their return to the spotlight was well-received by both old and new fans, which made the vocalist extremely grateful.Marcelino shared with ABS-CBN News, “Masayang-masaya po ako. Kasi pangarap ko rin po talaga na magkaroon ng original song. And then si Attorney po ‘yung tumupad nun. Sa isang birthday wish lang po nag-start ‘yun. And then nadagdagan na po nang nadagdagan.”He went on to express that it&#x27;s still a learning process while ensuring that each show is a success, saying, “I&#x27;m doing my very best naman din talaga. I&#x27;m working so hard. Alam din ‘yan ni Attorney and nilang lahat. I want to step up every show, every night tuwing magpe-perform kami. I&#x27;m also still learning pa rin kahit matagal na akong kumakanta. Nakikita ko naman po na may patutunguhan itong ginagawa namin ngayon.”The 41-year-old vocalist also told ABS-CBN News that he once quit performing owing to his wife&#x27;s death.“Tumigil po ako almost a year. ‘Yun nga po ‘yung I lost my wife. That was 2018. Pero hindi nawala ‘yung love for music. Tumigil lang. First time kong tumigil nun. And then, nag-try ako ng ibang work. And then, accidentally, parang may tumawag lang. Naghahanap ng vocalist. ‘Yun nga, nag-start ako mag-freelance ulit,” he shared.Marcelino, Bergado, and the rest of the group stated that their return is intended to inspire the future generation to continue the band culture. Fans may be quiet, but they remain committed to the culture that promotes connection, love, friendship, and escapism through live music.InnerVoices will soon release a full album featuring songs composed by both the vocalist and the founder.

InnerVoices, founded in 1992 as a pop band by Atty. Rey Bergado, has now rebranded as a pop rock band with new vocalist Patrick Marcelino.

InnerVoices, founded in 1992 as a pop band by Atty. Rey Bergado, has now rebranded as a pop rock band with new vocalist Patrick Marcelino.