Whereas the popular phrase is “sibling rivalry” when it comes to competing folks of the same parents, members of a Zamboangan pride band prefers dealing with “sibling synergy” the fact they’re not elbowing each other out, but rather embracing as one to create a musical unit that deserves to be heard in and outside home.

The four-piece from the Calisang family, calling themselves Revelation, is indeed a revelation as a music force, combining various musical tastes, dodging sibling differences, and working harmoniously. Just last Friday at Ratsky’s Tomas Morato, they launched their debut CD entitled “Amor y Sueno,” a chabacano phrase meaning “love and dream.” The singing-keyboard playing Jimboy, bass playing Nuel, drumming Isaac, and singing lady Shalmai coolly showed their oneness both as members of the same brood and a band that hopes to perfect what fusion really is.

The album comprises of 12 tracks all written by the Calisangs themselves, with carrier single “Ikaw” opening the list and the edgy power pop rock “Sueno” closing the pack, its lyrics, even for those who can’t speak the tongue, essentially delightful to hear.

“We want to be as versatile as possible and not just concentrate on one genre,” says the youngest of the four Jimboy who admits he is the most serious as well.

True enough, Jimboy seems insistent that the group is bent on putting all kinds of sounds in their repertoire to create fusion in its strictest sense. That effort is given justice in the album, as they have offered songs with appeal of varying degree. The sweet acoustic number “No More” finds Shalmai’s vocals caressing through the feel-good strums, especially with its hook “Lil’ Sunshine.” Shalmai’s songwriting, however, finds peak on “Daddy’s Girl” which she wrote for their sister who passes away.
Inspirational music is spelled in capital letters when listening to the “Hymn To The Sea,” beginning in a soft enlightening mood and taking a leap to a grander arrangement that really “soars above the storm.” Jimboy wrote the touching piece, along with “Peace For Our Motherland,” which he wrote at age 12 as a hymn, this time to Zamboanga. He’s someone who always gives credit to others. “In ‘Hymn to the Sea,’ the bass player hugs the spotlight,” he pinpoints.

While so proud of being from Zamboanga, Revelation equals their love for their hometown with their heart for their flag. They represented Philippines at the 2007 WYCOPA held in Hollywood and took home medals. They were champs on categories “Jazz Cover,” “Original Work” and “Solo Guitar Instrumental.”

Back in Zamboanga, they’ve already performed with the likes of Jed Madela and Carol Banawa. They were awarded Orgullo de Zamboanga (Pride of Zamboanga) in 2006. Now it’s time for them to conquer Manila.

Meanwhile, another talent from the South is emerging, having released their debut CD and carrying the pride of Cebu. The band Janra & Zzubu came out with their self-titled album distributed by Candid’s Zone 7 Label, with 10 original songs to boast.

The group is led by Janra Rivera, whose vocal range is wide as his muscled body is. Most interesting tracks are “Nalumay Nagayuma,” a likable English piece that showcases Janra’s ranges and the band’s affection to Santana sound, “Sabihin Mo Na,” a slow-tempo that should be a favorite among masa listeners, and “Shake,” a sexy classic rock-sounding ditty anchored on Janra’s macho vocals.
Other songs in the album are “Nais,” “Somehow,” “This Is For You,” “Love Gone,” “Ayg Ilara,” “Payo ni Lolo” and “Hoy Pare.”

Janra & Zzubu’s album is partly dedicated “to all the dudes out there who believe in raw and hard rock n roll” which Janra stated in his thank you notes, and to a former member of the band who tragically died after he was shot by alleged thugs.