The Dawn celebrates 20 rockin’ years

The Dawn turns 20!
       And gracefully, the group—widely regarded as “the most gorgeous enduring rock band in the Philippines” with rock hits “Enveloped Ideas,” “Salamat,” “Iisang Bangka,” “Alam N’yo, Alam Ko,” “Tulad ng Dati,” among others—celebrates 20 years with a yearlong nationwide tour, a Cinemalaya biopic film, two new albums and a new band member: Buddy Zabala, formerly of Erasherheads.
       “We’re getting better for sure and what we’ve become is a treat for those who continue to patronize us after all these years. It’s no joke to last this long,” says The Dawn lead vocalist and spokesman Jett Pangan.
       The 20th anniversary kick-off concerts were held recently in Boracay.
       Why Boracay?
       “It’s the place to start our anniversary. Those who’ve followed us have grown to be fulfilled professionals, executives and businessmen. Many have raised a family of their own. They know how to have a good time at the right place and time. They’re in Boracay,” says Jett. “Our sets were, of course, about our originals and a lot of pang-beach rock.”
       Hoards of beach bums flocked at Boracay’s Juice Bar and Summer Place, and more people showed up at the kick-off gigs at La Carmela, El Toro, Red Coconut and Aria. “All the shows were full-packed. They were record-breaking shows!” beams Jett.
       The Dawn released its 10th album Harapin, under Warner Music Philippines, in 2005 but by the next few months, the group will be releasing its 20th anniversary CD. It will have new songs plus its classic hits re-recorded and rearranged. Expect 20 or more songs in this new collector’s item that has yet to have a title.
       Come June, the band will continue its nationwide tour for the promotion of its 20th anniversary album. In August, under the banner of the highly prestigious 2nd Cinemalaya Film Festival, The Dawn will participate with its two-hour biopic, titled Tulad ng Dati, which is taken from the eponymous carrier single of Harapin.
       Jett explains, “We planned it for almost a year. The film will be half-fiction and half-documentary about The Dawn. It tells our story, our struggles. It’s about self-rediscovery. Our good friend Mike Sandejas wrote and directed it, of course, with lots of inputs from us. There will be lots of guest stars. It’s going to be extremely exciting—a special treat for our fans and ourselves as well.”
       In October a tribute album will be released by Warner Music, participated in by major music artists of today.
       November and December will also have lots of concerts and gimmicks.
       Amid all these, The Dawn is reinvigorated with the addition of bass player Buddy Zabala, another rock royalty who had played for the defunct Eraserheads and still with Cambio. Buddy started jamming with The Dawn in October last year, replacing Mon Legaspi (formerly of Wolfgang). Pioneering bass player Carlos “Caloy” Balcells got married last year and naturally became busier with family life. Caloy is based in Talisay, where he once served as town councilor.
       The addition of Buddy strengthens The Dawn’s solid new-wave rock foundation. “Buddy has new inputs. He spearheads the songwriting for our new album. He can think faster than we can act. He’s the best choice,” says Jett.
       The Dawn has forthcoming gigs at Hard Rock Café Makati on May 25, and Camarines Sur on May 27. For information: 0919-8134984.