Words by: Karl Batungbacal, Photos by: Hannah Beltran and Carlo Dinglasan, Graphics by Clarence Abiera and Kitkat Tan
The Father of Pinoy Rock lives on and he’s ready to show everyone that he still has what it takes to perform at the upcoming Pepe Smith Rockfest.
Mark de Leon, Pepe’s Manager, shares that they prepared a lot of activities for the event, including a motorcycle exhibit, a tattoo contest centered around Pepe Smith, and a vape bazaar. The festivities will begin at 8AM ith the Tribal Bandidos, a battle of the bands type of event, and will then be followed by the rockfest itself featuring 70 bands. The bands currently listed to perform include Imago, Mayonnaise, Tanya Markova, Itchyworms, Gracenote, Hilera to older bands like Razorback, Maria Cafra, The Youth and Flying Ipis.
Although there were some concerns about Pepe’s health and calls for his retirement from the music scene, Mark counters them by saying that Pepe does what Pepe wants. As long as he believes that he can still perform, he’s going to do it. Prior to his hospitalization, the rock icon was able to perform at the Full Blast Pinoy Super Bands: the Concert last October 20, 2017.
When asked what his advice is for bands that are just starting and what they have to do to succeed in the same way he answered, “gawin lang nila gusto nilang gawin, basta kung ano ang okay at hindi bastos. Kung galing sa puso mo, ilabas mo. ‘Wag ka magpadala kahit kanino, ‘wag kang matakot kahit kanino.”
During the press conference, they also revealed that they’ve been working on a project to immortalize the legend by way of establishing a brand of guitars called Pepe Smith Guitars. They say that it took them 3 years and tons of traveling around the country in order to ensure that the quality of guitars will match Pepe’s standards.
To honor the legacy and greatness of the icon, here are some of the most notable songs that the legend has released with his group, Juan Dela Cruz Band. 
Make sure you don’t miss the Pepe Smith Rockfest this weekend!
Pepe Smith Rockfest
Amoranto Sports Complex, Quezon City
June 2, 2018, at 8AM to June 3, 2018 at 3AM
pepesmithrockfest@gmail.com
09770170568
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeyPepeSmithOfficial
Twitter: @PepeSmith2018
