South Border thanks fans as vocalists leave

Premier pop and R&B band South Border thanked their fans on Saturday even as vocalists Duncan Ramos and Vince Alaras leave the group. The band announced the departure of Ramos and Alaras over GMA 7's Startalk show on Saturday. "Everything does happen for a reason - this is what we always say - and with this, we announce the departure of Duncan Ramos and Vince Alaras as South Border’s front liners," said a statement issued by the band. South Border marks its 14th anniversary this year. "We are thankful that we have reached this milestone in our lives. We wish to extend our utmost gratitude to those who have been by our side from the day we released our very first album in 1996," the statement said. "Contrary to what critics and rumor mongering individuals would want to expect, the separation was certainly not an ugly one," the group said, adding that its members remain the "best of friends and hold one another in great esteem." "People grow and learn a lot of new things and at this point, Duncan and Vince have decided to move on and pursue their careers to greater lengths," the statement added. South Border is currently doing an album due for release this year or early next year. "Things are still at full speed ahead," the band's statement said. Ramos and Alaras also issued a statement thanking their bandmates "for giving us such a great opportunity to work with them." "It gave us the chance to hone ourselves and become better musicians. However, we have arrived at a crossroad where we feel our creative ideas should now take a different route," the duo said. Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV