It’s all about the good vibes for OFW band Herbalution

Motivated by a recent defeat, five overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) realized how much they are willing to give for their music.

"In May 2017, just two months after our band was formed, we joined the FilClub Kalayaan Battle of the Bands just for fun," shared bassist and band leader Bok Macalacad of Herbalution via email.

He and his bandmates only reached the grand finals where they ended up — to use Macalacad's word — "kulelat."

"Out of 30 bands, we were able to make it to Top 6. But we did not win. In short, kulelat kami. So, nag-decide kaming lahat na mag-seryoso ng konti," the 33-year-old merchandiser at 3M Gulf in Dubai said.

Their effort paid off seven months later, during the Bayanihan Festival Akustik Battle of the Bands 2017.

"It was not easy because most of the participating bands have already won in different local competitions and also some are music instructors. It was tough but in the end, we were hailed as the grand champion," Macalacad said.

Good vibes

With Macalacad are guitarist and vocalist Bennymar Crisostomo, 35, merchandiser in Transmed; drummer and synthesizer Allan Ray Concepcion, 31, PDi polisher/painter at Al Tayer Motors; lead guitarist Israel Galan, 27, crew and team Leader at Fix & Mitch Restaurant Kitchen; and percussion drummer Adrian Gallega, 28, deputy design manager at MCTS Food Service Design Consultant.

"Our band was formed in a place where longboarders, skateboarders and BMX riders meet every after work," Macalacad said. "We call it Union Spot here in Dubai. Adrian and Allan Ray are BMX enthusiasts while Israel, Ben, and I are freestyle longboarders."

More than their passion for music, however, the band subscribes to "chill and good vibration music." Macalacad cited Bob Marley, Franco, Urbandub and Indio I as among the performers they look up to.

"The origin of Herbalution comes from the word 'herbal revolution' which stands for strong love in music with the inspiration of nature. We believe in the legalization of chill and good vibration music," Macalacad said.

Music as hobby

Despite their victory and perseverance to make good music, Macalacad said they are unlikely to leave their day jobs.

"Hindi naman namin kina-career 'tong pag-babanda. Pang-tanggal stress at libangan lang namin. Trabaho priority namin dito sa Dubai para sure yung kita. Pag sa banda kasi hindi mo alam kung papatok kayo sa masa. Hobby lang talaga," he said.

The Herbalution has performed at the Kiza Restaurant and Longue-Dubai, Comedy Hangout, Classic Rock Café-Dubai, The Music Room-Dubai, Kitakits Kafe & Klubb-Dubai, and The Fridge.

As of now, the Herbalution is concentrating on writing more songs.

“’Fixer’ is about reality sa Pilipinas, sa mga biktima ng fixers. ‘Five finga’ is about planting herbs under the sun and living life to the fullest. ‘420 Paraiso’ is about helping a friend that has a dark past in his life and waiting for the clock to strike at 4:20. ‘Run Drop’ is all about downhill longboarding to skim surfing,” disclosed Macalacad, who composed all the songs.

He has also written “La Digue,” which is about his travel experience in the Seychelles.

“La Digue is one of the most beautiful islands that I’ve been to. It’s a paradise for me. People are very friendly and the nature is really breathtaking. It’s a relaxing paradise." —KBK, GMA News