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"Uhaw" hitmakers Dilaw finally released their first album, RARARA, and they marked the milestone moment with a special album launch concert last Saturday, September 6.

In a press conference before the show, the members of the band said their debut album is about the "road trip" of their lives, as it highlights the journey and adventure through life.

Very fitting as the name of the album, RARARA, is a play on the Filipino word "tara," which means "let's go."

Guitarist Leon Altomonte noted that the album is the closest to how they want to sound as a band, adding that the members are proud of the album as it is "something that's honest, something that's real, and it just reflects what we want now."

The 10-track album was written and produced in Baguio, the place where the band originated.

It features the songs, "FLYING KISS," "BLACK N' WHITE," “ALL IN,” “SEYP,” “LAMYERDA,” “!,” “IKAW AT AKO AY,” “H.O.Y (HANG OVER YOU),” "AMISTAD," and “RARARA."

The members of Dilaw (from L-R): Tobi Samson, Wayne Dela Rosa, Leon Altomonte, Dilaw Obero, Vie Dela Rosa, and En Altomonte. | Source: Faye Almazan

Guitarist Vie Dela Rosa said the songs in the album sound like "adventure" and have a more optimistic approach compared to their previous releases.

Leon, meanwhile, hoped listeners could find something from the album that they could relate to.

"The second we released the album, all the songs there, they have a life of their own. However they are going to be perceived, that's out of our control. What we do hope is that they can find messages in the album that they can relate to and that feels special for them because they were definitely special for us," he mused.

According to Vie, the most challenging song to record was "ALL IN," as they had to make changes to the song that were far from the demo on the day of the recording.

When asked which song from the album best describes their life right now, lead vocalist Dilaw Obero picked "!"

"Kasi parang non-stop yung biyahe. Tuloy-tuloy lang sa buhay tapos dahan-dahan lang," Dilaw explained.

Meanwhile, keyboardist En Altomonte picked "SEYP" as it is about friends about to go on an adventure.

"I'm here with my friends on an adventure," En said.

Leon and bassist Wayne Dela Rosa, on the other hand, both picked "ALL IN."

"That's how I feel with what we're doing right now, like we have to go all in with this project and as a band," Leon explained.

Vie picked "LAMYERDA," while drummer Tobi Samson answered "IKAW AT AKO AY."

Aside from the album, Dilaw treated their fans with a special launch concert last Saturday at the Soundcheck Studios in Pasig City, where they excitedly played the songs from RARARA.

The intimate concert also featured Novocrane, Kenaniah, and Kamikazee as the opening acts.

Dilaw performed the songs from 'RARARA' in Pasig City. | Source: Faye Almazan

Last Saturday, September 6, was made even more special for Dilaw as Warner Music Philippines also presented the band with Philippine Association of the Record Industry Inc. (PARI) certified awards for three of their songs.

Dilaw received Platinum Awards for “Uhaw” and “Janice” and a Diamond Award for “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)."

Dilaw with their PARI certifications. | Source: Faye Almazan

Moving forward, Leon said they are also getting ready to perform the album for everyone and that they hope to see the fans at the performances.

In terms of collaborating with other artists, Dilaw said they are open when the right time and vibe come.

"The band is always excited when we're with other artists, whether that's in the studio, whether that's just hanging out... If the time is right, if the vibe is right, there's nothing wrong with a collaboration," Leon said.

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