Last night will definitely be one of the greatest rockin’ nights I ever had. The night before the fiesta celebration here was rocked by two featured Filipino rock bands. The event was sponsored by Junior Chamber International and by Globe Tattoo (A telecom network). There were no tickets required, you only need to purchase a Tattoo SIM worth 40 pesos.

I just had, for the first time, watch a concert performance by the premiere band in the Philippines – Bamboo. Bamboo is the lead vocalist of the band, “Rivermaya” in the 90’s. But after being under the influence of drugs, he left the music scene and was rehabilitated in the United States. After sometime, he went back, turned into a new leaf and formed the band “Bamboo” (named after himself, ofcourse).

I’ve been singing Bamboo hits ever since they came out in the Music industry. Bamboo is an award-winning band, as their hit “Noypi”, became an anthem among the Filipino youth.

Last night, I was quite early for the concert, at five thirty in the afternoon, we were there already. I was with my girlfriend, Siobe. At first, only about a hundred were there inside the MSU-IIT Gymnasium but as time passed, throngs of people flooded in that before Bamboo’s performance, about 5,000 people were there.

Since it has been a promo tour for Globe Telecom’s new SIM, Tattoo, there were games and a lot of commercials and endorsements for the new product. There was a front act by a local Iliganon band, Dreamscape. They sang about five songs.

What followed was that of the first featured band, Sugarfree. They played the songs, “Tulog Na”, “Makita Kang Muli”, “Hari ng Sablay”, “Mariposa”, “Kwarto”, and more. The crowd was turned afrenzy, most of it was students from MSU-IIT.

My girlfriend and me stood and jumped in the crowd. It was a great and fun experience jumping and jamming with the rest. We were forming a large wave of people with hands raised high.

It can be noted that Sugarfree’s lead vocalist is good in easing and jamming with the crowd that situations were eased out even when a pit was made by some mobs. Ofcourse, the security team were dispersed to pacify those hyped up guys who consciously or unconsciously hurt other people in the crowd. Good thing I was able to put my arms around my girlfriend to protect her from the possible stampedic situation.

People all around were really enjoying, singing and all. After Sugarfree’s performance, was that of the most-awaited Bamboo. Everyone including me, was shouting, “Bamboo! Bamboo!”

A little while, Ira Cruz, the mestizo-looking lead guitarist of the band showed up, followed by the bassist, and the drummer. Loud rock guitar tune filled the gym, as the band started the intro for the song, “Kailan”. People were running wild as Bamboo came out.

He was a robust man, fair-skinned and hyped up like the crowd as well. He was wearing a black shirt with the statement, “Kill Your TV”.

Bamboo’s songs were known to be nationalistic and patriotic at the same time. During their performances, he would ask with his signature twang, “Do you want more? Then you got more!” The people were crazy.

I can’t help but stare at him either directly or through the large two screens placed beside the stage. Following the song, “Kailan”, were the songs “Elesi” and “Hinahanap-hanap Kita”. These two songs were one of their gargantuan hits when he was still in the band, Rivermaya. I jumped up and down to the melody of the songs. It was great!

Bamboo also sang other hits such as “Masaya (Happy)”, “Truth”, and “Tommorow Becomes Yesterday”. Bamboo rocked the stage with the Rivermaya’s hit, “Awit ng Kabataan (Song of the Youth)”. I believe that was one with the greatest participation of the audience. Everybody was jumping and shouting in unison. Even Ira, the band’s guitarist can’t help but be mesmerized by the five thousand Iliganon crowd.

People again roared to the nth decibel with the last three songs played by the band, which is of course, their greatest hits. I caught myself forming a triangle with my two hands lifted high when they played the social awareness song, “Tatsulok (Triangle)”. Two monster hits then followed, “Noypi” and “Hallelujah” which ended the night with fire effects and fountain sparks.

Bamboo rocks, and he will always do. It completed my night, the first concert that I was able to witness, was with the country’s best band. Just how cool is that? :-)