What’s probably their greatest influence is that they taught the youth how to rage, and to transform the new generation’s angst into a moving force of great music and an even more defiant lifestyle. The mid-90’s boom of Bamboo Mañalac and Jesus “Dizzy” Ventura (the artist, formerly known as Ely Buendia) has gained them a pedestal as one of the country’s most respected new age artists.
That’s why when they adamantly left the bands, which established their career as the alternative scene’s icons, the wave of doubt caused by their departure rocked the whole music-dom until the time they once again re-entered the scene. The two remains to be part of the backbone that continues to strengthen OPM rock.
Acquaint yourself once more with these music demi-gods and get to know some of the answers behind the most disturbing questions we’ve all been dying to ask…
Get Dizzy!
by mae lorraine s. rafols
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| Bamboo… now and forever | |
Like all other people who shut themselves from the developments of the music scene, coming across the name Jesus ‘Dizzy’ Ventura would probably earn from you a frown of unfamiliarity. But once the information of his old name gets through, then it’s a gratifying sense to know that Dizzy, is no less than Pinoy rock big man himself, Ely Buendia.
Since the artist detached from the mid-90s power band, Eraserheads, Dizzy has been preparing the launch of his new band, The Mongols, along with members Jerome Velasco, Bogs Jugo and Yun Yuzon. Questions of ties and attitude have been raised, but the country’s very own “John Lennon” just faced the issues with deaf ears, and a proud heart, which was more than willing to follow a new path.
And almost a year after the birth of The Mongols, Dizzy and the band now has one underground EP (A Fraction of A Second) and an album (Buddha’s Pest under Viva Records) to boast of.
You think you know Ely Buendia? Then get a hold of the more intriguing Dizzy Ventura…
How’s the ‘new’ music so far?
Our band’s doing great. We’re coming up with a bunch of new songs and hopefully, next year, we’ll be able to release a new album.
You’ve been out of the scene for quite a while, what were you doing during the lull?
I’ve only been away for a year, and I spent it forming The Mongols. I concentrated on writing new materials, there wasn’t really a rest period after Eraserheads.
Did you have to reinvent yourself when you came back to the band scene?
Well…the name Dizzy Ventura. I was just playing with it, I didn’t have to go to the NSO or anything. But I wanted to be totally separated from the past so I changed my name.
Do you share the same goals when it comes to music with your new members?
We just want to play our music. With me, my priority is to do something new, I just want to have fun without the pressures of being part of a really big band. Eraserheads was such a big band, but I’m not too keen on duplicating that.
Do you guys click?
I’d describe my band as socialism in the best possible sense. It can even be called a communist band but we’re all
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| Dizzy Ventura, now | |
working together.
How would you label your current music?
It’s a cross among Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and all the other great bands.
Is there anything you still want to change?
Wala naman. For now, The Mongols would just want to come up with albums that we’d be proud of even in the next 20 years, from where other bands would get inspiration.
What’s the best thing with your band right now?
Being able to play with musicians who were first my friends before they became my band mates. We do off-studio things… (JFK: bonding?) Yeah, but I wouldn’t really like to call it bonding (laughs).
What keeps you in tune with music and the fans?
Just playing with these great musicians (pointing to members) and being able to play the music we want.
Hoy, Pinoy!
by carlos dela pasion
Naturally artistic, Pinoys know awesome talent when we see one, right? Even a roller coaster ride of moving out of the limelight— and back, wouldn’t hurt much of a total performer so endeared by his Filipino fans.
Like Bamboo Mañalac (after a stint with Rivermaya’s glorious era and hits Elesi, Ulan, and 214) and his successful comeback together with Ira Cruz (guitars), Vic Mercado (drums) and old buddy Nathan Azarcon (bass) –the perfect picture of how fans reward talent with admiration. Together they form Bamboo— the band, and now their re-emergence pays off with overflowing fame as well as success, after the explosive hit Noypi.
JFK had the chance to rub shoulders with Bamboo despite his choking schedule after the Rockista concert at the Ultra.
As a personal observation, Bamboo, despite his undeniable recognition, is no airhead. He personally attends to his needs even with a handy PA around. As for fame, it’s obvious that he’s famous. As soon as Bamboo got out his car to get something from a convenience store, people from literally all walks of life instantly acknowledged him – from gas station attendants, street urchins, to the hot babe in the next car (who was more than willing to leave her car unattended just to get a glimpse of the rockstar).
Care to know more of this (once again) fast rising star?
How’s the ‘new’ music so far?
It’s been all right…
You’ve been out of the scene for quite a while, what were you doing during the lull?
In the US? Nothing. Just work, school… quite good but I guess I was there too long.
Did you have to reinvent yourself when you came back to the band scene?
No! No need for reinvention, what you see is what you get. We just do what we guys do as a band. We just usually feed (ideas) with each other and see what comes out.
Do you share the same goals when it comes to music with your new members?
Of course, it’s basically on how far we can take things. As for what I want to achieve in the end, well, I’ll just keep it to myself (smiles).
Do you guys click?
Yeah, we blend. It (new materials) all comes out just that after conversations, sitting around. Like the song Noypi, it’s the band’s personal song.
How would you label your current music?
It’s our music… our own!
Is there anything you still want to change?
No, nothing. We have fresh eyes for everything.
What’s the best thing with your band right now?
The band, the music… I just appreciate and do the best things.
What keeps you in tune with music and the fans?
I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else. They wouldn’t understand our music unless you’re from here. They wouldn’t get it in the US. We guys need something warm, something that’s here.
REACT! e-mail the authors at just4kicks@mb.om.ph
