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One of the many highlights of SOP is the All-Star Band, where some of our favorite actors get to showcase their musical talents...
One of the many highlights of SOP is the All-Star Band, where some of our favorite actors get to showcase their musical talents as they play well-loved songs for everyone to enjoy. For fans, it’s a dream come true seeing their idols perform in a new medium. For the stars, it’s a great way to express themselves. Text by Yvette U. Tan. Photos by Connie M. Tungul. “Masaya lang kami na binigyan kami ng opportunity na ganito ng SOP,” says Brenan Espartinez, the band’s keyboardist who, along with fellow Pinoy Pop Superstar friend Jonalyn Viray and other singers, recently took home medals from the World Championships of Performing Arts. “Ever since Pinoy Pop , puro singing. Ngayon, puro tugtugan naman. Kakaiba yung banda na binuo namin. Kakaibang opportunity din ito para sa amin kasi hindi lang sa pagkanta kung hindi sa pag-play ng instruments, kaya din namin magawa,” adds fellow Pinoy Pop Superstar alum Michael Garcia, who plays guitar. “Simula nung high school, sobrang gusto ko tumugtog ng tumugtog,” says Dion Ignacio, who plays bass. “May banda ako before. Dito sa All-Star Band, bahista ako, pero sa banda namin, guitarista.” As for Dingdong Dantes, being in the All-Star Band means he gets to showcase his various musical skills, as he sometimes drums and sometimes takes lead vocals. “I used to play drums when I was in grade school, sa mga fair, battle of the bands,” says Dingdong. Other stars who play the drums include Dennis Trillo, Victor Neri, and Victor Dizon, a 12-year-old boy who sometimes jams with the band. This percussion prodigy has been playing the drums for five years! He was discovered at a party and asked to play with the All-Star Band. Of course, he accepted. “Masaya po. Masarap yung experience,” says the young Victor. For these talents, the All-Star Band is a great getaway from their usual acting careers. To them, each gig is something to enjoy, as well as something to learn from. “I would say it’s still a learning process,” says Dingdong. “We’re having fun, though. We get to have different jammers every week… so hindi lang sila artists, sessionists din sila. And syempre, masaya because we get to cater (to) our (other) talents, not just in singing but also in playing the musical instrument.” Another thing that Dingdong has learned from being in the band is time management and personal responsibility. “Since hindi normal ang ginagawa namin, we should be coming in earlier than usual,” he explains. “We have to rehearse (kasi). And sometimes, (we have to come in) not just earlier, but we have a separate day for rehearsal. It adds more commitment to the show, makes us love the show more.” The All-Star Band has also jammed with some of today’s hottest voices. “There are really great singers (in SOP). We have the talents from Pinoy Pop Superstar, Jolina Magdangal, Jay-R, Kyla -- they also join the band once in the while so talent-wise, star quality-wise, it’s really fully packed,” Dingdong says. When asked what they hope the All-Star Band will play some day, Dion says, “Siguro mga ‘214’ (by Rivermaya)… (yung) makaka-relate mga tao.” Dingdong’s answer: “Gusto (ko) mga classic, mga Queen (sings ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’), trip lang. We shouldn’t be too grunge. So may compromise pa rin.” The All-Star band hopes to collaborate with other artists in the future. Says Dingdong, “So I’m really hoping na sana magkaroon ng mini concert, at the same time, masaya, nag e-enjoy kami at mapapa-enjoy namin ang mga tao.” We hope so, too, Dingdong! Keep in touch with the All-Star Band through Fanatxt! To jam with members of the All-Star Band, text DINGDONG, DENNIS, DION, MICHAEL, or BRENAN to 4627. What are you waiting for? Bonding tayo!