Smokey Mountain was a popular Filipino singing group formed by acclaimed musical director and composer Ryan Cayabyab. The group's members included Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Anna Fegi, Tony Lambino, James Coronel, Chedi Vergara, Shar Santos, and Jayson Angangan. Smokey Mountain was active from 1989-1995. It's been nearly 30 years after their debut, take a look at where the members are now.
Smokey Mountain debuted in 1989 with a concept inspired by the idea of local poverty and the mountains of garbage that the poor sort through to make a living, hence the name Smokey Mountain. The members dressed in shabby clothing to look like real scavengers.
The group released albums 'Smokey Mountain,' 'Paraiso,' and 'Know You Will,' which consisted of songs revolving around socio-economic, environmental, and cultural themes. The group's first hit, "Kailan" reigned number one in local radio for eight straight weeks with their albums reaching gold, platinum, and double-platinum status within months of its release.
In late 1990, the group went on the "Better World" tour and performed at the United Nations World Summit for Children in New York and represented the Philippines at the 5th ASEAN Song Festival in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Smokey Mountain had different rosters of members comprising of three batches. The original batch included, James Coronel, Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Tony Lambino. Jayson Angangan, Chedi Vergara, and Shar Santos eventually joined for the second batch. James and Shar left to pursue solo careers, and Anna Fegi laterjoined the group.
Geneva Cruz was one of the pioneer members of Smokey Mountain.
She later on pursued a full-time career in showbiz and is now a happy wife and mother.
Jeffrey Hidalgo is another original member.
He completed a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of the Philippines and placed 11th during the board exams. He is also studying filmmaking at the New York Film Academy and sometimes directs shows for the Kapuso Network.
Tony Lambino released a solo album and composed songs for fellow artists, he also did musical theatre with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, among others, and anchored an early morning news program on ABS-CBN. He graduated from the Ateneo De Manila University, cum laude, and completed his master's degree at Harvard University as a Fulbright Scholar.
Tony Lambino worked at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. and became Head of Communication at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). He is a former Assistant Secretary of the Philippine Department of Finance.
James Coronel was a member of Smokey Mountain's first batch
He now reportedly owns call centers in USA, Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka.
Shar Santos was a member of Smokey Mountain's second batch.
She later on tried her luck in 'American Idol' with the stage names Shaon Galvez and later on, Shar Kaylor.
Chedi Vergara was part of Smokey Mountain's second batch.
After Smokey Mountain, Chedi released a solo album titled 'Chedi' and joined theatre. She was reported to have migrated in Australia.
Anna Fegi joined Smokey Mountain's third batch.
She has released two solo albums under Sony BMG label, and has been touring with cruise line Royal Caribbean International. She also perform in several musicals for Atlantis Productions in both Manila and Singapore. She also owns and operates a successful music school, Brown Academy of Music, in Cebu.
Jayson Angangan (rightmost) was part of Smokey Mountain's second batch.
He has returned to his hometown in Ilagan, Isabela, to have a simpler life outside of the limelight.
Thirty years later, Smokey Mountain remains a musical legacy and an irreplaceable group.