Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Three young musicians from Cagayan de Oro are quietly redefining Filipino progressive rock—crafting ambitious, genre-defying music that deserves a place on every serious rock fan's playlist.
There is something thrilling about discovering a band before everyone else does.
Every once in a while, a young act emerges with a sound so assured and distinctive that it reminds us why we fell in love with music in the first place. At a time when playlists are increasingly shaped by algorithms and fleeting trends, Cyber Band stands apart by choosing musicianship over formulas and artistic exploration over instant gratification.
Hailing from Cagayan de Oro City, Cyber Band is a three-piece progressive rock outfit formed in 2019. The band is composed of singer-songwriter and guitarist Andrew Patuasic, guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Isaac Villegas, and drummer, keyboardist and backing vocalist Cermund John Alcantara.
Inspired by progressive rock giants such as Rush, King Crimson, Queen, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Filipino rock legends Juan Dela Cruz Band, the trio has created a sound that is ambitious without being pretentious. Their music effortlessly fuses progressive rock, jazz fusion, funk, classical influences, and melodic songwriting into compositions that are both intellectually engaging and emotionally rewarding.
What makes Cyber Band remarkable isn't simply technical proficiency, although they possess that in abundance but their remarkable musical maturity. Still in their early twenties, they compose with a confidence and sophistication rarely heard from artists their age. Having started their musical journeys in grade school, they have evolved with astonishing speed, each release revealing greater artistic depth than the last.
Growing With Every Album
Their debut album, In My Dumb Perspective (2020), captures the uncertainty and emotional intensity of youth through melodic, guitar-driven rock songs that remain refreshingly sincere. It is a modest beginning compared to their later work, yet already hints at the band's compositional strengths.
Tracks such as "Puso," "Kulay," "Ako Na Lang," and "Everything" showcase an instinct for memorable melodies and heartfelt storytelling. Among them, Puso remains a personal favorite for its emotional honesty and beautifully restrained vocal performance.
Cyber Band's artistic leap becomes unmistakable in The Light (2022), later released as an analog remaster in 2024.
This is the album where everything comes together.
Sophisticated guitar arrangements intertwine with adventurous harmonic ideas, dynamic rhythm changes, and fearless experimentation, resulting in a record that feels cohesive rather than overwhelming. Every song reveals another layer upon repeated listens, making it one of those rare albums that continues to reward the listener long after the first play.
The recognition was well deserved. The Light received Best Album of the Year at the Indie Musicians Music Awards in 2023, affirming what many listeners had already discovered—that Cyber Band was quietly becoming one of the country's most exciting independent acts.
Favorites include "The Light," "As I Sail," "Where Are You," "Wars," and "A Million Things." Together they form an album that invites uninterrupted listening from beginning to end.
Beyond Genres
Cyber Band's standalone singles further demonstrate the band's refusal to be confined by expectations.
"Don't You Ever Give Up" carries shades of post-punk reminiscent of early U2 while maintaining the band's unmistakable identity. It is instantly memorable, infectious, and the kind of song that quietly becomes your latest last-song syndrome.
Meanwhile, "Kilos Ka Na" proves that an anthem can deliver conviction without sacrificing nuance or musical sophistication.
Through the Passages of Time
Released in 2024, Through the Passages of Time is arguably Cyber Band's most ambitious work to date.
This is progressive rock in its purest form—bold, immersive, technically demanding, yet deeply emotional. Rather than chasing conventional song structures, the album unfolds like a carefully constructed journey, allowing ideas to breathe and evolve naturally.
Listening feels like stepping into an expansive cinematic landscape where every instrument serves the story. The arrangements possess an almost orchestral quality, remarkable considering they are created by only three musicians. Guitar passages soar with elegance, keyboards create rich atmospheric textures, and the rhythm section anchors every transition with remarkable precision.
The album's 23-minute title track is nothing short of extraordinary.
"Through the Passages of Time" is less a song than a musical voyage. It moves through shifting moods, changing tempos, intricate instrumental passages, and moments of breathtaking restraint, inviting listeners into a world where time seems suspended. Every section reveals another dimension of the band's creativity, rewarding careful listening rather than demanding immediate attention.
It is an experience that reminds us why progressive rock continues to endure—not because it is complicated, but because it allows music the freedom to become limitless.
Final Notes
Cyber Band is not merely reviving progressive rock for a new generation. They are quietly redefining what contemporary Filipino rock music can sound like.
Their music asks listeners to slow down, listen closely, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every note. In an age of disposable singles and shortened attention spans, that commitment to artistry feels almost revolutionary.
If you've been searching for music that challenges, surprises, and rewards with every listen, Cyber Band deserves a place in your rotation. They may still be one of OPM's best-kept secrets—but perhaps not for much longer.
Follow Cyber Band on Spotify to keep tab on their discography and new releases:
Thursday, July 9, 2026
A thoughtfully curated Spotify playlist of indie gems, mellow pop, dreamy acoustics, and feel-good tracks to make every commute a little lighter.
Streaming platforms like Spotify have become the soundtrack to our everyday lives. Whether we’re rushing to work, staring out the window on a bus ride home, or simply trying to quiet a busy mind, there’s always a song that fits the moment. Music has a remarkable way of transforming ordinary routines into experiences worth savoring.
For someone like me who commutes to and from work every day, that daily journey has become a ritual in itself. Instead of letting traffic, crowded rides, and long queues dictate my mood, I reach for my earphones and let music take over. The right playlist doesn’t just make time pass faster—it softens the edges of a hectic day, eases a tired mind, and turns the commute into a welcome pause between responsibilities.
That’s exactly why I created Cool Commute.
Curated for rush-hour mornings, golden-hour drives, and after-work rides home, Cool Commute is a thoughtfully assembled collection of indie gems, mellow pop, dreamy acoustic melodies, ambient textures, pajama-pop, and feel-good tracks. It’s a playlist that balances energy with calm—music that keeps you moving while giving your mind room to breathe.
Rather than demanding your attention, these songs become companions on the road. They color familiar streets with fresh emotion, make ordinary landscapes feel cinematic, and remind us that even the most routine journeys can hold small moments of joy.
So the next time you’re heading to work, catching the train, or simply taking the long way home, press play and let the music carry you.
Because sometimes, the best part of the day isn’t the destination—it’s the soundtrack that gets you there.
Friday, July 3, 2026
The Iloilo River Esplanade and Jaro Plaza remind us that a city's greatest luxury isn't found behind gates, but in the public spaces where everyone belongs.
Living in a mid-sized city like Iloilo has its own unique rhythm. There are moments when it feels wonderfully familiar, and other moments when it feels almost too familiar—as though everyone knows everyone else. It feels like living in a fishbowl sometimes. On those days, I find myself gravitating toward the Esplanade or Jaro Plaza.
Not to escape the city, but to reconnect with it.
Walking beside the river reminds me how healing open horizons and wide spaces can be. Sitting beneath the trees in Jaro Plaza reminds me that slowing down is not wasted time. Both places offer something increasingly difficult to find in modern life: space.
Space to walk without rushing.
Space to think without distraction.
Space to watch the world move at its own gentle pace.
Space to watch the clouds go by.
Perhaps that is what makes Iloilo City feel so livable.
Its public spaces aren't designed merely to beautify the city. They are designed to be lived in. They encourage conversation, movement, reflection, and community without asking anyone to spend a single peso. This is the beauty of non-elitist public spaces where people of all walks of life are welcome.
In a world where experiences are often packaged, branded, and sold, there is something profoundly comforting about places that simply welcome you as you are.
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Thirty years after Wolfgang changed Filipino rock, Basti Artadi's solo work reveals the artist behind the roar—a songwriter of remarkable depth, vulnerability, and fearless reinvention.
Basti Artadi needs no introduction. The wildly charismatic frontman, singer-songwriter, visual artist, and creative force behind legendary Filipino rock band Wolfgang has long outgrown the shadow of the band that made him a household name. Three decades after Wolfgang reshaped the landscape of Filipino rock, Artadi continues to evolve—fearlessly chasing new sounds while remaining unmistakably himself.
For the longest time, I associated his voice with Wolfgang's crushing guitars and unapologetic heaviness. His unmistakable growl became the soundtrack of an entire generation of rock fans. So when Wolfgang 30 came around, it nudged me down a Spotify rabbit hole that led me, somewhat belatedly, into Basti Artadi's solo catalog.
It felt like reconnecting with an old friend only to discover there were chapters of his life I had completely missed.
There was a tinge of regret in realizing I hadn't followed his solo journey more closely through the years. Yet perhaps there was also something beautiful about discovering it all at once. Hearing the music today, free from the expectations that accompany new releases, allowed each record to unfold on its own terms.
Whenever I review an artist, I make time for uninterrupted listening. I slip on a pair of wired IEMs—the kind that disappear into your ears and let the music take over and spend an entire day living alongside the songs.
The music follows me everywhere.
It hums softly while I nurse a mug of coffee, read a few chapters of a book, potter around the garden, or spend an unhurried afternoon playing with my cats. By late afternoon, I bring it with me on my walks along the Iloilo River Esplanade, watching tangerine skies slowly surrender to crimson as daylight fades into evening.
Music always hits differently when you're in motion.
Somewhere between footsteps and sunset, melodies settle deeper into the bones. Lyrics breathe differently. I simply allow my synesthetic imagination to wander and follow wherever the songs choose to take me.
My first impression of Artadi's solo work?
He sounds expensive.
If I could bottle the feeling of his music into a fragrance, it would smell like Creed Aventus—bold without being loud, refined yet rugged, quietly luxurious without trying too hard. Some records don't merely entertain; they evoke textures, colors, scents, and movement. Artadi's catalog does exactly that.
Listening feels cinematic.
One moment I'm inside a dimly lit blues bar. The next, I'm driving down an endless highway beneath amber skies. Then suddenly the music veers into alternative country before settling comfortably into folk-inflected introspection.
It also struck me that Artadi's voice would be perfectly at home on an indie folk record—a genre I happen to adore. Beyond the grit lies remarkable restraint. He knows exactly when to lean into power and when to pull back into vulnerability. Few vocalists navigate those emotional extremes with such ease.
His 2014 album, Everybody Knows the Dice Are Loaded, may have been released over a decade ago, but hearing it for the first time in 2026 made it feel entirely new. Good music, after all, has no expiration date.
The album's title unmistakably nods to Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows," and much like its namesake, the record wrestles with the complexities of the human condition—love, regret, longing, resilience, and quiet acceptance.
This is where Artadi's greatest strength reveals itself.
His emotional range.
"Last Goodbye" aches with remarkable tenderness, proving that the same voice capable of commanding a stadium can also whisper heartbreak with devastating intimacy. On the opposite end of the spectrum, "Easy Leisure Ladies of Rock & Roll" swaggers with playful irreverence, infused with Latin rhythms and a delightfully loose, almost tipsy vocal performance that never loses its precision.
Whether he's delivering a hushed baritone or unleashing that familiar gravelly roar, every note feels lived in rather than performed.
For longtime Wolfgang fans like myself, the solo records offer something unexpectedly refreshing.
Without towering walls of distortion, acoustic guitars, blues influences, Americana textures, and melodic grooves create space for Artadi's voice to become the central instrument. Every subtle inflection, every breath, every pause becomes part of the storytelling.
What emerges is not simply a rock vocalist trying something different, but a songwriter completely at ease with his artistic identity.
His latest album, Black on Black/Blood on White (2023), continues that spirit of exploration, proving that even after decades in music, Artadi remains creatively restless. There is no sense of chasing trends or reliving former glory—only an artist following his instincts wherever they lead.
There are no obvious filler tracks.
No songs that merely occupy space between the singles.
Each piece possesses its own personality, inviting listeners to discover a different shade of the same artist. Rather than searching for "the hit," the joy lies in immersing yourself in the entire journey.
If Wolfgang introduced us to Basti Artadi's roar, his solo work reveals everything in between—the quiet confidence, the bruised tenderness, the restless curiosity, and the songwriter who has always existed beneath the distortion.
Sometimes the best musical discoveries aren't the newest releases.
They're the ones that patiently wait for us until we're finally ready to listen.
And perhaps that is what makes his solo catalog so rewarding.
My Top 12 Basti Artadi Solo Tracks
- Goodbye Rye
- Last Goodbye
- Blackness of Heaven
- In Shadow (with Perf de Castro)
- Darkness Calls
- Denim Blue/Salty Kisses
- Easy Leisure Ladies of Rock & Roll
- Azalea (Just Like the Flower)
- Bagong Siglo (with Christian Bautista and Gloc-9)
- Panay Abo
- In the Wind
- Stargazer (with Razorback)
New to Basti Artadi? Start here:
• For longtime Wolfgang fans: Blackness of Heaven
• For singer-songwriter lovers: Last Goodbye
• For blues rock: Goodbye Rye
• For something playful: Easy Leisure Ladies of Rock & Roll
• For a taste of his newer work: In Shadow
Final Thoughts
Basti Artadi’s solo catalog is one of OPM’s most rewarding rediscoveries. Free from the expectations of Wolfgang, he explores blues, Americana, alternative country, folk, and acoustic rock with remarkable confidence. It is a body of work that deserves to be heard in its entirety—not simply cherry-picked for singles. Longtime Wolfgang fans may come for the familiar voice, but they’ll stay for the songwriter.
Essential Listening
Friday, June 26, 2026
A leisurely Saturday at Makati's beloved weekend market proves that the best adventures often begin with good food, lively crowds, and an appetite for discovery.
There are few things I love more than discovering a good food market on a Saturday morning.
Before making our way to Alabang for the much-awaited Manila 2.0 Wolfgang Reunion Tour, we made an essential detour to one of Makati's most beloved weekend institutions—the Salcedo Weekend Market.
Held every Saturday at Jaime Velasquez Park, the market has become something of a ritual for city dwellers looking to trade fluorescent supermarket aisles for fresh produce, artisan treats, and food prepared by people who genuinely love what they do.
By the time we arrived, the late morning sun was already unforgiving. The air was thick with humidity, yet the market buzzed with energy. Under rows of white tents, Makati residents, expats, young professionals, families, and tote bag-toting millennials moved from stall to stall, coffee in one hand and shopping bags in the other. It was lively without feeling chaotic—the kind of organized weekend bustle that somehow makes you want to stay a little longer.
What immediately struck me was the sheer variety.
This wasn't just a farmers' market.
It was an open-air culinary playground.
One stall offered freshly baked sourdough still warm from the oven. Another showcased colorful bouquets of flowers and potted herbs. Nearby were vendors selling farm-fresh vegetables, handmade cheeses, gourmet dips, artisan chocolates, small-batch pastries, local delicacies, and enough international cuisine to make your passport jealous.
The aromas alone were intoxicating.
Smoky barbecue mingled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee, buttery pastries, fragrant spices, and herbs sizzling in hot oil. Every corner tempted us to abandon our original plan and order just one more thing.
Choosing where to eat quickly became the hardest part of the morning. When you're spoiled for choice, I've always believed in following the longest queue. Filipinos know good food when they see it, and a busy stall is usually the safest bet.
Our reward? Soft, pillowy Arabian pita wraps generously filled with juicy, well-seasoned beef, crispy falafel with beautifully spiced interiors, golden fried savory pastries fresh from the fryer, and handcrafted flavored soda that were delightfully fizzy and wonderfully refreshing against the sweltering heat.
It wasn't fancy.
It wasn't plated for Instagram.
It was simply honest, satisfying street food prepared exceptionally well.
One thing worth noting: seating is limited. The market isn't designed for long, leisurely brunches. Most visitors grab their food, find whatever shade they can, eat standing up or perched on a curb, then continue exploring. It's part of the experience—and somehow adds to the market's easygoing charm.
More than just a place to eat, Salcedo Weekend Market celebrates Manila's wonderfully diverse food culture. It's where neighborhood favorites sit comfortably beside hidden culinary gems, and where small local businesses get the chance to shine.
We left with happy stomachs, lighter wallets, and absolutely no regrets.
It turned out to be the perfect prelude to an afternoon of nostalgia, loud guitars, and Wolfgang classics.
The next time I visit, though, I'll come a little earlier—and hopefully during the cooler months. I have a feeling Salcedo Weekend Market is even more magical when the weather invites you to linger just a little longer.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
A signed album, lingering concert euphoria, and the joy of growing older with the music that shaped us.
I'm still reeling from the euphoric high of Manila 2.0: The Wolfgang Reunion Concert Tour held at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang, Muntinlupa. It may take weeks before this nostalgia-fueled hysteria finally wears off.
I can still feel Wolf Gemora's thunderous drumbeats and hear Basti Artadi's warm, full voice filling every corner of the venue. Manuel Legarda and Marco Cuneta's dynamic guitar tandem remains etched in my mind, their interplay so intuitive it bordered on telepathic. The earth-shaking riffs. The raw energy. Pure rock and roll sorcery.
When Basti urged the crowd to raise their middle fingers in collective defiance—a salute to a generation that refuses to be subdued by age, expectations, or BS—we were officially transported back to 1995.
As I slip back into the daily grind, I can't help but feel grateful for the rare privilege of witnessing a band that defined my youth celebrate three decades of music. For one night, we relived the old days. We sang every lyric. We became 23 again.
On June 20, 2026, the kids of the '90s were one tribe once more.
To stage a reunion concert after thirty years is perhaps the greatest measure of a band's success. When your songs become life anthems—soundtracks to heartbreak, triumph, resilience, and growing up—you know your music has fulfilled its purpose.
As a fan, I couldn't be happier for Wolfgang. As Basti once wrote on Facebook, the fans are the band's fifth member. And somehow, that makes this journey feel even more special.
Back at work today, a long-awaited parcel finally arrived in the mail: the Batch 2 limited-edition Wolfgang 30 CD that I ordered from Jeepney Rock Stop.
It's been ages since I've held a CD in my hands. It's been even longer since I've ripped one onto a computer. I don't own a proper CD player anymore—just an external drive connected to my laptop. Maybe it's time to buy a portable CD player. Am I officially back in 1990s mode?
I think so.
The Wolfgang 30 album packaging is artsy yet straightforward, featuring Paolo Cagampan's striking artwork in a blue, gold, and white color palette. The sleeve includes song lyrics and short anecdotes about how the tracks came to be. The only problem? The lyrics are printed in microscopic nano-sized fonts.
Seriously, Wolfgang?
Your 50-year-old fans need a magnifying glass.
I also love how the band was cheeky enough to include a tiny group photo with a taho and balut vendor. It's roughly one inch by three-quarters of an inch, and it perfectly captures Wolfgang's offbeat sense of humor.
The CD itself embraces a clean, minimalist aesthetic—black on white, simple and masculine. Since this copy is signed, it automatically earns a permanent spot in my Wolfgang treasure box.
And yes, I'm already eyeing the upcoming Acoustica vinyl release.
If physical media isn't your thing, by all means stream Wolfgang on Spotify and other music platforms. They deserve far more than a million monthly listeners.
What I particularly love about Wolfgang 30 is the band's decision to re-record these songs with Basti's present-day voice. Time has given his vocals a warmth, depth, and richness that add new dimensions to familiar tracks. The songs haven't aged.
They've matured.
Like fine wine—or your libation of choice.
A new song, The Blackened Sea of Carrion is also included in this limited-edition CD. I loved the song the first moment I heard it. I believe a video version is available on the band's YouTube channel.
The album is masterfully recorded, mixed, and mastered by guitar wizard Manuel Legarda at Loudbox Studios. Listening to it, I couldn't help but wonder what a future spatial audio remix might sound like.
A fan can dream.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Wolfgang 30 isn't just a commemorative album. It's a celebration of survival, brotherhood, and the enduring power of rock music. Thirty years later, Wolfgang still sounds hungry, dangerous, and unapologetically alive.
And for those of us who grew up with their music, that's exactly what we needed.
Stream Wolfgang 30 here:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
In a world that rewards speed, Earth Market offers a gentle reminder that some of life's richest experiences are best enjoyed slowly.
Not to be confused with a sleepy city, Iloilo has long carried a reputation for being laid-back and languid. Free from the boisterous energy and overstimulation of larger urban centers, it pursues growth in its own measured way, balancing big-city aspirations with enduring provincial charm.
When the tempo is a half-beat slower, life naturally follows. On a leisurely Sunday afternoon, I slowed things down even further with a mindful walk along the River Esplanade, keeping watch on the monochromatic clouds that threatened rain on an unusually hot day.
It had been a while since I last sat by the river. The tide was low and the water was not particularly picturesque, but I found myself appreciating the singular flutter of avian life that briefly interrupted the stillness. On that day, the usually busy river walk was surprisingly empty. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though I had the river all to myself.
The plan was not merely to soak in the calming riverside views. I was also headed to the Slow Food Community at Riverside Boardwalk, one of the local advocates of the slow food movement that champions food that is good, clean, and fair for everyone.
That weekend, the community was staging Earth Market, a pop-up gathering that showcased seasonal produce, local ingredients, and innovative culinary creations from food artisans and advocates.
Iloilo City is certainly not on its way to becoming a fast-food wasteland. In many ways, the city's designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy has strengthened efforts to preserve culinary traditions while promoting sustainable farming and responsible food production. Beyond celebrating heritage dishes, it has also encouraged conversations about building a healthier and more equitable food system.
For me, this unhurried Sunday was about savoring food thoughtfully prepared with local ingredients such as Darag native chicken, ube kinampay, and Criollo cacao—ingredients that speak of place, tradition, and craftsmanship.
I gravitated toward dessert. The best-selling Kamuros Ibos with mango and homemade tultul-salted ice cream proved irresistible, especially when paired with a slow-crafted matcha concoction from Neighbor Coffee. Together, they created a gentle waltz of sweet, earthy, and savory notes on the palate.
More than the food itself, I appreciated the luxury of unstructured time—the simple pleasure of sitting down, lingering over every bite, and feeling no need to rush. In a culture that often celebrates speed and productivity, perhaps the slow food movement offers a quiet reminder that some experiences are best savored.
After all, slowing down is not about doing less. It is about paying closer attention to what truly nourishes us.
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