DUBAI: If you are a Filipino, regardless of age, it is nearly impossible to not have heard a single Aegis song.
I can clearly attest to that, when I was in grade 3, I first heard the group’s, Basing Basa sa Ulan hit song when my classmates performed it during the school’s foundation day. Funny, how my classmates would act as if they truly understood the song’s meaning.
Fast forward to today, Aegis’ heartbreak rock anthems have remained a staple in karaoke sessions at home or at barangay singing contests.
In a Filipino Times encounter with the legendary OPM band, the group shared the secret formula on what has kept them stronger through the years, the story behind their hit songs and what’s next.
The band headlined this year’s first-ever, fun-filled Souq Pinoy Fiesta. The event is the official launching of souqpinoy.com, a Filipino e-commerce website at Al Safa Sports Centre on Nov. 4, 2016.
The day-long, free event was comprised of exciting and engaging activities such as a Food Fiesta participated by the Filipinos most loved restaurants like Little Manila, Cabalen City, Max’s Restaurant, and Tipanan.
The highly anticipated Job Fiesta with 18 recruiting companies on site on the other hand drew over 7,000 event goers.
Sports Fiesta also added to the fun, providing some intense sports action with basketball teams slugging it out at the Jazzville Inter-Emirates Cup that will run until January 2017.
Music Fiesta, aka Battle of the Bands, School Fiesta, Tiangge Fiesta and Kids Play also delighted the revelers.
Rommel Liwag, Chief Executive Officer at souqpinoy.com told The Filipino Times they were very happy with how the Filipino community has been accepting the brand.
“Souqpinoy.com was created to cater to the basic and immediate needs of the growing Filipino community in the UAE. Souqpinoy.com is a one-stop shop that aims to become a hub for Filipinos. Whether you go for shopping, paying bills, looking for a job, or looking for a new basketball league in town, souqpinoy.com is the site to be,” Liwag said.
Aegis mesmerize Dubai fans via concert
Souq Pinoy Fiesta was Aegis Band’s fourth Dubai gig.
The band, composed of sisters Juliet, Mercy and Ken Sunot on vocals, Rey Abenoja on guitars, Stella Pabico on keyboards, Rowena Pinpin on bass and drummer Vilma Goloviogo, received loud wows throughout their concert— proof that the crowd is still and will always be mesmerized by their vocals and great music.
The trio sisters Juliet, Mercy and Ken didn’t fail to give the audience the strange cringe whenever they successful hit their high notes.
Aegis has been very vocal with their secret to achieving high vocal notes: no ice cream, chocolates and anything salty.
During their two-hour concert, Aegis performed their popular pieces including Luha, Halik, Christmas Bonus and Basang-basa sa Ulan. They also sang May Bukas Pa, Habang May Buhay, Mangarap Ka and Pagsubok. It was indeed a happy day for OPM fans.
Vocalist Ken shared during their mini-presscon held at Little Manila a day prior to their concert that they too, just like their fans, relate well with their songs.
“Lahat naman tayo may pinagdadaanan or may pinagdaanan. Lahat tayo nasaktan at bumangon. Kumbaga, lahat tayo may hinuhugutan,” she laughingly explained.
Aegis has been in the Philippine music scene for almost two decades. Some members have come and go but when asked what keeps them stronger as a band, keyboardist Pabico said it all boils down to the love they have for the craft.
“We have managed to stay together because we respect the contribution each member give, the talent each possesses and the fact that we enjoy each other’s company,” Bassist Pinpin added.
On what’s next, the band said they have been busy doing shows in the US and Europe that they have had a struggle coming up with a new album. However, they said they were working on one which will be released soon.
