UAE Pinoy band gets attention of Dubai radio station, PHL embassy

A music band of four overseas Filipino workers in the United Arab Emirates has gotten the attention of a radio station and the country's consulate there.

"Tinawagan ako ni DJ Alfred Ryce nung December 21," shared drummer Gilbert "Gibbz" Magat of Skwalado, referring to a disc jockey in TAG 91.1 FM, a Dubai radio station.

"Then after ng interview, dun nila ipini-play yung single ng 'Malayo'," continued.

The song, which would be the carrier single of the album it is completing, is derived from Magat's own experience.

Photos courtesy of Gilbert Magat

"Personal story ko yung song. And sa pagkakasulat ng kanta, I think all of us na nandito sa abroad, can relate sa 'Malayo'," Magat added.

The following day, Skwalado got invited to the Philippine Consulate General in the emirate.

"Gig siya with supporting bands sa Philippine Consulate grounds," he described.

"Importante yung pag-perform namin sa 'Pasko sa Konsulado'. Masayang- masaya kami at nabigyan kami ng pagkakataon na makapagsilbi sa ating bayan at mapasaya ang mga kababayan."

"Lalo ngayong panahon ng Kapaskuhan na malayo sila sa mga pamilya nila, at maski papano sa maliit naming kaparaanan sa aming pagtugtog, dinala namin ang himig ng Pasko sa kanila." —LBG, GMA News