The Dawn: 20 years and 'getting better'

The Dawn, the group widely regarded as "the most gorgeous enduring rock band in the Philippines" with rock hits "Enveloped Ideas," "Salamat," "Iisang Bangka," "Alam N'yo, Alam Ko," "Tulad Ng Dati," among others, celebrates two decades of making music with a year-long nationwide tour, a Cinemalaya biopic, two new albums and a new band member-Buddy Zabala, formerly of Eraserheads.

"We're getting better for sure and what we've become is a treat for those who keep on patronizing us, after 20 years. It's no joke to last this long," said The Dawn's lead vocalist and spokesperson Jett Pangan.

The 20th anniversary kick-off concerts were recently held in Boracay. Why Boracay?

"It's the place to start our anniversary. Those who've followed us have grown to be fulfilled professionals, executives and businessmen. Many have raised a family of their own. They know how to have a good time at the right place and time. They're in Boracay," explained Jett. "Our sets were about, of course, our originals, and a lot of 'pang-beach' rock."

Hoards of beach bums flocked at Boracay's Juice Bar and Summer Place, and more people showed up at the kick-off gigs at La Carmela, El Toro, Red Coconut and Aria. "All shows were full-packed. They were record-breaking shows!" exclaimed Jett.

The Dawn released its 10th album, "Harapin," under Warner Music Philippines in 2005 but by the next few months, the group will be releasing its 20th anniversary CD. They will have new songs plus their classic hits will be re-recorded and re-arranged. Expect 20 or more songs in this new collector's item that has yet to have a title.

Come June, the band will continue their nationwide tour for the promotion of their 20th anniversary album. In August, under the banner of the highly prestigious 2nd Cinemalaya Film Festival, The Dawn will participate with their two-hour biopic titled, "Tulad Ng Dati," which is taken from the eponymous carrier single of the album "Harapin."

Jett said, "We planned it for almost a year. The film will be half-fiction and half-documentary about The Dawn. It tells our story, our struggles. It's about self-rediscovery. Our good friend Mike Sandejas wrote and directed it, of course, with lots of inputs from us. There will be lots of guest stars. It's going to be extremely exciting-a special treat for our fans and ourselves as well."

In October, a tribute album will be released by Warner Music, to be participated in by major music artists of today. November and December will also have lots of concerts and gimmicks.

Amid all these, The Dawn reinvigorated with the addition of bass player Buddy Zabala, another rock royalty who had played for the defunct Eraserheads, and still with Cambio. Buddy started jamming with The Dawn in October last year, replacing Mon Legaspi (formerly of Wolfgang). Pioneering bass player, Carlos "Caloy" Balcells, got married last year and naturally became busier with family life. Caloy is based in Talisay, where he once served as town councilor.

The addition of Buddy strengthens The Dawn's solid new-wave rock foundation. "Buddy has new inputs. He spearheads the songwriting for our new album. He can think faster than we can act. He's the best choice," said Jett.

Buddy joins the present line-up consisting of pioneering members Jett and JB "Junboy" Leonor (drums). Francis Reyes (lead guitar) joined the group in the late 1980s, from his former band, AfterImage.

The Dawn had endured several changes in their members' line-up. They had Clay Luna (bassist from 1985-1986), who had to immigrate to the US. There was the late Teddy Diaz (vocals and lead guitar until 1988), who was senselessly stabbed to death by a deranged drug addict in front of his girlfriend's house. Trivia addicts may want to know that the songs "I Stand With You" and "Salamat" were inspired by Diaz's tragic death.

Keyboard player Dodo Fernandez also jammed with them in special shows. Japanese guitarist Atsushi Matsuura came in and out, twice in 1988 and in 1999 to 2000.

The Dawn also had a hiatus in 1995, each band member traversing his own chosen endeavor. Jett worked as a record company executive, ventured as a solo artist before forming The Jett Pangan Group. He also made a name for himself as a theater actor in local Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.

The Dawn has forthcoming gigs at Hard Rock Café, Makati City on May 25 and Camarines Sur on May 27.

For bookings, call Alvin Rodriguez (0919) 8134984.