Sugarfree (Filipino band)

Last updated
Sugarfree
Origin Manila, Philippines
Genres
Years active
  • 1999–2011
  • 2020–present
Labels EMI/PolyEast Records
MembersJal Taguibao
Kaka Quisumbing
Past membersEbe Dancel
Mitch Singson
Website www.WeAreSugarfree.com

Sugarfree is a Filipino rock band currently composed of Jal Taguibao on vocals and bass guitar, and Carlo "Kaka" Quisimbing on drums. Former notable members include chief songwriter and frontman Ebe Dancel on vocals and guitars, and Mitch Singson on drums.

Contents

Sugarfree had five albums throughout the course of their career: Sa Wakas (2003), Dramachine (2004) and the repackaged version of Dramachine (2006), Tala-Arawan (2006), Sugarfree Live! with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (2008), and Mornings and Airports (2009), all under PolyEast Records (formerly known as EMI Philippines).

After a disbandment in 2011, the band returned as a duo in 2020.

History

Active years (1999–2011)

Sugarfree were a pop-alternative group formed in 1999. Their sound was heavily influenced by the likes of Popsicle, Eraserheads, Oasis, and Radiohead. The initial line up had The Pin-Ups' and Ciudad's Mitch Singson on drums. Singson left the band in August 2006 for personal reasons. Quisumbing immediately took over.

They were signed to Viva Records but their album was shelved. By 2003, with the help of Tracks Studio's Angee Rozul, their first offering was picked up and released by EMI Philippines (now known as PolyEast Records).

Sugarfree have worked with a some of the Philippines' premier record producers such as Angee Rozul and Rico Blanco for Sa Wakas (2003), Buddy Zabala and Raimund Marasigan (members of the Eraserheads) for Dramachine (2004), Robin Rivera (also an album producer of the Eraserheads) for Tala-Arawan (2006), and Buddy Zabala and "Sancho" Sanchez for "Mornings and Airports" (2009). These albums have produced hit songs. "Hari ng Sablay" and "Makita Kang Muli", in particular, are the songs that brought Sugarfree into mainstream.

In 2007, Sugarfree held their first major concert at Music Museum. They shared the stage with the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

In 2008, Sugarfree created and released the song "Pugad" as endorser of Dencio's, a local restaurant chain. In the same year, Sugarfree revived the song "Bawa't Bata", an APO Hiking Society original, as endorser of the milk brand Alactagrow. The band continue to endorse San Miguel Beer and Converse.

In August 2009, Sugarfree returned to the Music Museum with "Dekada: Sugarfree with the Manila Symphony Orchestra" which was a two-night concert in celebration of the band's 10th anniversary.

In 2010, Sugarfree together with other young musical artists sang ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs MTV for the 2010 Presidential Elections entitled as "Ako ang Simula". At the same time they also sang "Panata Sa Bayan" for the theme of GMA-7 Presidential Elections MTV, 50th Anniversary & its theme song of the GMA News & Public Affairs.

Ebe Dancel also sang the OST for TV5's "8 Kingdom", entitled "Hanggang Sa Dulo".

On March 1, 2011, Sugarfree held their farewell concert called "Paalam Pilipinas" at Eastwood Plaza, Libis, Quezon City.

Post Sugarfree (2011–2020)

After Sugarfree disbanded in 2011, former frontman Ebe Dancel became a solo artist. Dancel sang the song Purihin Ka, as a finalist in the UNTV's 1st Gospel Talent Show, ASOP: A Song Of Praise in 2012. He launched his album "Bawat Daan". Other former members of Sugarfree moved to another band after they disbanded in 2011.

Jal Taguibao, the band's bassist, moved on from the entertainment industry to academia. He is now assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy in the University of the Philippines Diliman. [1] In June 2018, Taguibao received his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Political Science from the same university.

Sudden return (2020–present)

On February 25, 2020 the band made a surprise return as a duo of Taguibao and Quisumbing. The band released a new single "Nagkita Muli" on radio station Jam 88.3. In an interview with GMA News Online, Taguibao said they decided to resurrect it because "they missed it". The surprise return was met with mixed reactions, with Ebe's brother musician and lawyer Vin Dancel stating that PolyEast Records owns the exclusive rights to the band's name under the 2002 artist agreement. [2] [3]

Band members

Current members

Early members

Discography

(Singles : Telepono, Mariposa, Burnout and Taguan)

Sa Wakas (Eng: At Last) was launched at Freedom Bar in 2003. Sugarfree's first two singles "Telepono" and "Mariposa" became staples on every pop-alternative station in Manila and it wasn't long until they hit the mainstream with the hit song Burnout. Within the same year, Sugarfree won Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Best Alternative Recording for "Burnout" at the NU Rock Awards. They also won Best Rock Recording for "Mariposa" at the Awit Awards. The song was inspired by Ebe Dancel's brother, Ian Dancel who is a professor.

(Singles : Sinta, Hari ng Sablay, Prom, Kwarto, Tulog Na and Makita Kang Muli)

It earned Sugarfree their first platinum record award (signifying over 30,000 copies sold) and made Sugarfree a household name. Dramachine churned out the hits "Sinta", "Prom", "Tulog Na", "Kwarto", and the massive hit "Hari Ng Sablay" (Theme Song of Comedy Movies Hari ng Sablay: Isang Tama, Sampung Mali with MV Appearance Joel Torre). EMI Philippines decided to release a re-packaged Dramachine album bearing additional tracks such as "Cuida" and the anthemic "Makita Kang Muli" (theme song of the TV series Panday ). The AVCD also features a collection of the band's music videos.

(Singles : Batang Bata Ka Pa, Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin, Dear Kuya, 'Wag Ka Nang Umiyak (later covered by KZ Tandingan and Gary Valenciano) and Nangangawit)

This album, which means "diary" in English, introduced Kaka Quisumbing as the band's new drummer. The first single "Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin" was launched simultaneously in more than 40radio stations nationwide. "Tala-Arawan" turned "gold" by April 2008.

On September 29, 2007, Sugarfree held its first major concert at the Music Museum. This was captured on a two-disc album with the same title, released the following year. The live album (exclusively distributed by Dencio's) comes with a Pugad Dencio's premium AVCD which includes the single Pugad, the Pugad Dencio's jingles edits, and behind-the-scenes footage of the music video and album launch.

(Singles : Hay Buhay, Feels Like and Hang Over)

Their 4th studio album and 5th over-all album was released last July 24, 2009. Their lead single was Hay Buhay, their 2nd single and 1st English single, Feels Like, followed by their 3rd and last single, Hang Over. It was the last Sugarfree album before former lead singer Ebe Dancel decided to become a solo artist sometime in March or April 2011.

Studio albums

(Repackaged version released in 2006)

Live album

Compilation albums

Collaboration albums

Notable songs

Music videos

Musical

In 2013, a musical based on Sugarfree songs was shown at the PETA Theater. Titled Sa Wakas: A Pinoy Rock Musical, it was shown to the public from until April 13–28.The music, which featured Sugarfree songs, plus a composition entitled "Bawat Daan" was used for the play. Bawat Daan later was used by Ebe Dancel for the title and lead single of his album, also of the same name.

Awards and nominations

YearAward Giving BodyCategoryNominated WorkResults
2003 NU Rock Awards Best New Artist—Won
Album of the Year"Sa Wakas"Won
2005 NU Rock Awards Song of the Year"Hari ng Sablay"Nominated
2006 MYX Music Awards Favorite Music Video"Hari ng Sablay"Nominated [8]
Favorite Rock Video"Hari ng Sablay"Nominated [8]
Favorite Media Soundtrack"Makita Kang Muli"Nominated [8]
200720th Awit Awards Best Album Packaging"Tala-Arawan"Won [9]
NU Rock Awards Vocalist of the Year(for Ebe Dancel)Nominated [10]
Artist of the Year—Nominated [10]
Album of the Year"Tala-Arawan"Nominated [10]
Best Album Packaging(Inksurge.com for "Tala-Arawan")Nominated [10]
Producer of the Year"Tala-Arawan"Nominated [10]
Best Music Video"Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin"Nominated [10]
2008 MYX Music Awards Favorite Song"Wag Ka Nang Umiyak"Nominated [11]
2009 NU Rock Awards Vocalist of the Year(for Ebe Dancel)Won [12] shared with Armi Millare
Best Album Packaging(Inksurge for "Mornings and Airports")Won [12]
Artist of the Year—Nominated
Producer of the Year(Buddy Zabala & Romel Sanchez for "Mornings & Airports")Nominated
2010 NU Rock Awards Song of the Year"Hang-over"Nominated

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Itchyworms</span> Filipino rock band

The Itchyworms is a Filipino rock band. The band is composed of Jazz Nicolas on lead vocals, drums and piano, Jugs Jugueta on co-lead vocals, keys and guitars, Kelvin Yu on bass guitars, Chino Singson on lead guitars, Weckl Mercado on guitars, and Mikey Amistoso on guitars and keys. The group made their name in the OPM scene in 2006 with their second album, Noontime Show, with songs such as "Akin Ka Na Lang" and "Beer".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mayonnaise (band)</span> Filipino alternative rock band

Mayonnaise are a five-piece Filipino alternative rock band, fronted by Monty Macalino and famous for winning the "Red Horse Muziklaban" contest in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">True Faith (band)</span> Filipino alternative rock band

True Faith is a band from the Philippines, formed in 1991. They have become one of the Philippines' most popular and accomplished bands.

Hotdog, currently performing as Sound of Manila, is a Filipino band formed by brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia that achieved fame in the Philippines during the mid-1970s. Their first album, Unang Kagat, was released in 1974 by Villar Records. The album led to the 1975 movie of the same name, also starring the band. The band was credited by local journalists as a major influence on and leading exponent of the Manila Sound, a musical genre popular during that period.

Neocolours is a Filipino pop-rock band formed in February 1987, out of the remnants of a mid-1980s vocal group (WaterColors), in Manila, Philippines. Founding members are Ito Rapadas (vocals), Jimmy Antiporda (keyboards/vocals), Marvin Querido (keyboards), Josel Jimenez (guitar), Paku Herrera (bass) and Nino Regalado (drums). Their first album, Making It in 1988 reached platinum sales, and helped usher in a new era in the Philippine recording industry that is now known as the early 1990s band explosion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Myx Music Awards 2006</span> Inaugural Myx Music Awards

The 1st Myx Music Awards was held on June 6, 2006 at Onstage Greenbelt, Makati.

Aristotle Condenuevo Pollisco, known professionally as Gloc-9, is a Filipino rapper, singer, and songwriter. Regarded as one of the best Filipino rappers of all time, his fast-flowing vocal style has made him one of the best-selling and most successful hip-hop artists in the Philippines. He was described by fellow Filipino rapper Francis Magalona as "a blacksmith of words and letters, and a true Filipino poet."

<i>Panorama</i> (6cyclemind album) 2005 studio album by 6cyclemind

Panorama, stylized as [panorama], is the second studio album of the Filipino band, 6cyclemind. It has 16 tracks and released under Musiko Records & Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Philippines), Inc.in 2005.

Cambio is a Filipino rock group founded in 2003. The band is composed of former Eheads members Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Kris Gorra-Dancel with Ebe Dancel and Diego Mapa.

Pedicab is a Filipino electronic rock group based in Manila formed in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King Girado</span> Filipino singer, musician, model and actor

Filbert Barinos Girado Jr., better known by his stage name King, is a Filipino singer, musician, model and actor. He graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Far Eastern University. He is known for his hit songs such as "Maybe", "Bat 'di Mo Pagbigyan", and "Will You Wait for Me" from his albums Solo and The Reason I Exist under Star Music.

"Sirena" is a Tagalog-language song by Filipino rapper Gloc-9. It was released as the lead single from the rapper's sixth album, MKNM: Mga Kwento Ng Makata. The song features Ebe Dancel, the former vocalist of now defunct Filipino band Sugarfree. This is the 2nd most viewed OPM song on YouTube, after Gayuma by Abra, also an LGBT related song. Pop band 1:43, mentions "Sirena" as they mention to Kevin Balot, a transgender Filipina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abra (rapper)</span> Filipino rapper (born 1990)

Raymond Abracosa, better known as Abra, is a Filipino rapper, hip hop recording artist and occasional actor. He gained mainstream popularity with his song "Gayuma". When the video reached more than 26 million views on YouTube, it was hailed as the highest number generated by any local artist. Before that, he is a well-known battle emcee in the FlipTop Battle League.

The following is a list of notable events that are related to Philippine music in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gary Valenciano discography</span>

This page presents the albums and singles discography of Filipino multi-awarded singer Gary Valenciano. As of 2000, he has sold more than a million albums in the Philippines, becoming one of the best-selling Filipino recording artist of all time. His album "Shout for Joy" has sold 200,000 copies nationwide.

The following is a list of notable events that are related to Philippine music in 2016.

Bullet Dumas is a Filipino indie singer-songwriter. Dumas is best known for a contemporary folk style which has been described by critics as "raw, earthy," and distinctively Filipino, characterized by the use of the acoustic guitar as a strong rhythmic accent.

Autotelic is a Filipino indie-alternative rock band in Manila, Philippines. Formed in 2012, the band consists of Josh Villena, Neil Tin (guitars), EJ Edralin (synth), Timothy “Pabs” Vargas, and Gep Macadaeg (drums). The band is currently signed with independent record label Nemesis Music Group, and major record label MCA Music.

Zephanie Odhene Liwag Dimaranan, is a Filipino singer, actress and host. She is known as the winner of the first season of Idol Philippines. Dimaranan is dubbed as "This Generation's Pop Princess" in the country by various media outlets.

"Wag Ka Nang Umiyak" is a song originally recorded by Filipino pop rock band Sugarfree for the band's third studio album Tala-Arawan. It was released in 2007, through EMI Philippines.

References

  1. ↑ UP Department of Political Science, College of Social Science and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman. (2013). Jalton G. Taguibao, https://polisci.upd.edu.ph/faculty/taguibao/
  2. ↑ Mallabo, Denise (1 March 2020). "What is up with Sugarfree's return?". GMA News .
  3. ↑ Fallore, Renuel (26 February 2020). "NEW SUGARFREE SONG WITHOUT EBE DANCEL DRAWS MIXED REACTIONS". Myx .
  4. ↑ "Sugarfree "Sa Wakas" album launch". 24 January 2003. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  5. ↑ "Sugarfree Repacks Dramachine With a New Single". titikpilipino.com. EMI Philippines. Archived from the original on 2006-02-12. Retrieved February 27, 2006.
  6. ↑ "Who's the inspiration behind 'Wag Ka Nang Umiyak'?". Star Cinema. October 14, 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  7. ↑ Fallore, Renuelle (September 14, 2016). "LOOK: GARY VALENCIANO REACTS TO "WAG KA NANG UMIYAK" MEMES!". Myx . Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  8. 1 2 3 Baby A. Gil (May 1, 2006). "List of 1st MYX Music Awards nominees". PhilStar . Retrieved September 12, 2020.
  9. ↑ "Kamikazee wins five Awit Awards". August 10, 2007. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "And the nominees are ..." Inquirer.net. 2007-11-26. Archived from the original on 2008-02-02. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
  11. ↑ Jocelyn Dimaculangan (February 18, 2008). "Third MYX Music Awards to be held on March 26". PEP.ph . Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  12. 1 2 Sisante, Jam (October 31, 2009). "Up Dharma Down, FrancisM tribute rule NU 107 Rock Awards". GMA News Online . Retrieved November 28, 2018.
Awards
Preceded by NU Rock Awards
Best New Artist
2003		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.