j u l y 2 0 0 5 i s s u e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


STARDOM IS HARD WORK!

These familiar faces show up on our TV screens, movie houses, and thousands of magazine covers. In the pantheon of modern-day gods, they’ve been idolized, immortalized, and become sources of inspiration to thousands of devoted fans.

But celebrity status did not come overnight. A life that sparkles with the glitz and glam was frequently earned by blood, sweat, and tears. Like the non-showbiz career people, the stars have paid their dues and keep on sharpening their skills. That’s how they can burn even brighter.

Once in a while, JobsDB.com will chat up-close and personal with these celebrities. Though not all of us have been bitten by the acting and concert bug, the values and lessons in their success story are pretty universal.


BAMBOO:
“SUCCESS IS…DELIVERING WITH EXCELLENCE”
Interview by Tinna S. Bonifacio

Today’s hottest Pinoy rock sensation is named after a plant famous for its ability to “go with the flow”.

That group, called Bamboo, is composed of ex-Rivermaya members Bamboo Mañalac on lead vocals and Nathan Azarcon on bass, and Ira Cruz on guitars and Vic Mercado on drums, both of whom used to be part of the Passage band.

Bamboo announced its arrival on the scene in February 2004 with the release of its now double platinum debut album As The Music Plays under the EMI-PolyEast label. The album’s carrier single was the anthemic Noypi, a song that has since been described as “phenomenally successful”—and how! In the MTV Pilipinas 2004 Awards, Bamboo won the Favorite Song Award for Noypi, as well as the Best New Artist and Best Group awards. Noypi also earned the band two trophies at the 18th Awit Awards (for Best Performance by a Group Recording Artist and Best Rock Performance), aside from being named People’s Choice for Favorite Song, an award decided by the fans themselves through text voting.

Bamboo’s sophomore effort, Light Peace Love, is no less impressive. The album turned gold on the day it was released via a jampacked launch last June at the Megastrip of SM Megamall. The group’s new single, Hallelujah, looks all set to follow in the esteemed footsteps of its predecessor and establish Bamboo as a major force in the Pinoy rock music scene, if it isn’t one already.

Here, the driving force behind this red-hot group—said to be a man of few words who’d rather let his music speak for him—shares with us the secrets of his and the group’s success.

How did you get started on your career as a musician?
I think I have the typical story of starting in high school, playing [music] with friends. Back then, it was a great way to make a quick buck. Then at some point it got serious and I asked myself , “Is this what I want to do?” Then I just dived in.

People look at musicians and think, "Lucky guys—they get to have fun while they work." But it isn't all that, right? What kind of hard work and/or sacrifices did your becoming a musician entail?
We are blessed doing what we love to do, playing live and recording, but that's only a small part of what we do (but again, it’s the best part!!) There is the business side of things and if you care about what you do, then you have to get down with the nitty-gritty. It’s all about detail, detail, detail! We're lucky enough to be surrounded by good people, so the load doesn't get too heavy.

Do you ever have any time to yourselves?
Time is something you never have enough of. The pace is sometimes straining, but we've all had a taste of that before. So when you don't have time, you truly appreciate quiet moments with your family and friends. You make time for that and that completes the whole cycle.

What's the best piece of career advice anyone ever gave you?
Get yourself in the game! EDUCATION!!!!!

What career advice would you give to young people wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I hate giving advice, because what do I know? But since you asked, I’d have to say, ‘Do what you love, and life will get a little easier. Learn and be informed, and don't be a pain. Respect others.’

If you hadn't carved out a career in music, what would you be doing now?
Any job that doesn't stick me in a cubicle. I like working and getting down and dirty.

Your band is currently one of the--if not the--most successful Pinoy bands today. Your new album, Light Peace Love, was gold upon release. What kind of pressure does that put on you, and how do you deal with that kind of career pressure?
Again we welcome the pressure. What do we do? We ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK!

Did you ever think that you would be able to start over again after leaving your previous band?
No I didn't. I didn't have plans of going back. I was enjoying my retirement, .but things just happened, and being silent wasn't an option.

What would you say to people who might find themselves in a similar situation—that is, having to start all over again, say, after leaving the company they work for?
Well to me, nothing beats the feeling of a fresh start. Yes, there’s the fear the uncertainty, but I'm coming from a different place. I welcomed being anonymous.

What does it take to succeed at a musical career? (What kind of training, experience, etc.)?
Only one thing: be true to what you do.

Any last words to your fans?
LIGHT PEACE LOVE--LUZ PAZ AMOR.....thank you.

<< previous