Words by Cathlyn Mae Botor
Photos by Franchesca Nicole Collantes
Popular OPM rock band Sponge Cola revived all the feels as they sang their old school hits during their Sea of Lights concert album launch at Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati last March 29th.
The band, led by Yael Yuzon on vocals together with Erwin “Armo” Armovit on guitars, Reynaldo “Gosh” Dilay on bass and Ted Mark Cruz on drums, made several top-selling albums and hit singles such as “Jeepney”, “Tuliro”, “Nakapagtataka”, “Bitiw”, “Tambay”, “Di Na Mababawi”, and many more. Last 2017, the band released songs which also became famous later on. These songs include their latest hits such as “Bahaghari”, “Tempura”, and “Kunwari”.
Together with homegrown OPM artists, the band performed in front of their fans and OPM enthusiasts. People flocked to the concert album launch not only to watch Sponge Cola perform but also to witness the performances of this generation’s freshly bloomed artists like I Belong To The Zoo and the empowering two-lady tandem with angelic voices–Leanne and Naara. Also present at the event was the veteran rapper-songwriter Gloc-9 who surprised the audience with a song collaboration to Sponge Cola’s new single “Manila Bay” which is included in their newest album.
Meanwhile, the special participation of Yael’s wife, Karylle, was probably one of the highlights of the concert. Fans screamed out of joy and excitement when the lead vocalist introduced her as his favorite person in the world. The two sang one of Sponge Cola’s hit songs, “Gemini” which, according to Karylle, she didn’t like it at first back then. Later on though, she said she learned to appreciate its tune and message because it was as magical and powerful as their love for each other. Fans couldn’t contain their emotions when a short clip of the couple’s wedding flashed on screen while they were singing their duet.
Sponge Cola’s newest album was after the name of the concert itself, “Sea of Lights”. Their newly-released songs such as “Phantoms”, “Palibayin Na Ang Lahat”, “Meron Ba”, “Promises (feat. Karylle)”, and many more will soon hit the airwaves along with their greatest hits of all time.
The heart-stopping performance ended with two of Sponge Cola’s greatest songs such as “Jeepney” and “Pasubali”. It was indeed an intimate concert wherein fans got a chance to celebrate the band’s two decades of making music. The venue was then filled with flashing lights as fans raised their phones and sang along with their favorite songs from the band.
Sponge Cola Sea of Lights Concert was directed by Paolo Valenciano and sponsored by Power Mac Spotlight, Lyrics, Bugsy’s, and Imperial Blue Whisky.
Power Mac Center Spotlight
Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati,
Makati, 1207 Metro Manila
Contact Number: (02) 940 9159
