Getting to know Cebu's very own: ManoMano

After snagging a record deal from Sony BMG, one of the country's biggest music labels, ManoMano, one of the newest additions to the rising number of Cebuano talents making a name for themselves in the national entertainment scene, is all set to conquer the music industry with their unique funk-alternative grooves and rhythms.

ManoMano came from the term "manoy" which means "kuya" in the local dialect. The band is composed of vocalist Mano Sunico, who also writes their songs; Wendell "Deloi" Ypil on guitars; Miko Cabreros on bass; Cesar "Zaryo" de los Santos on drums; and Jeremy Mallorca on keyboards.

For the record, Mano is actually the original vocalist of Bisrock band Scrambled Eggs before Jay-R Siaboc replaced him after leaving the band. He was the one who wrote, among others, their (in) famous hit "Hilot" which has became Jay-R's signature song in the reality talent search Pinoy Dream Academy. But Mano revealed in an interview with The Freeman Entertainment during a show in SM City Cebu that he has actually received royalty payment for the rights of the song, which is fast-gaining popularity all over the country these days.

Like most artists, ManoMano has literally started from scratch before fate intervened and fortunately brought their demo to the ears of then Eraserheads manager Ann Angala who got so impressed by their funky grooves and off-beat lyricism in a visit to Cebu. Upon her return to Manila, she passed it on to Sony BMG's artist and repertoire director Vic Valenciano.

A year and a half later, after going through heartaches, pains, changes in the band member line-up, grueling hours in the studio, living off sardines and cartoon beds; ManoMano found themselves being signed up by Sony BMG and released their debut album called "Ladies First."

"Grabe gyud kalisod among giagian bag-o mi nakaabot ani. Nagsugod mi istambay ra sa Kahayag kaniadto. Natyming ra nga sa kadaghan nagpass demo napaminawan amoa so giswerte gyud mi," shared Mano about the band's good fortune.

They all confessed that things were not that easy for they have undergone several failed attempts before they actually got to record their first album. "Upat ka buwan mi nag-istambay sa Manila before nagrecording; so syempre, kinahanglan jud molihok. Mokamang pa! Kay di man ka mabuhi ngadto if magtanga lang ka." But they also shared that they did not regret whatever sacrifices they've had made along the way.

"Wa ko nagmahay kung unsa man akong gibiyaan dinhi para lang sa pagtukar ngadto kay mao mangud ni akong ganahan. So, kung asa ka malipay dapat adto ka," said Mano. Zaryo also added that everything is indeed worth it. "Lami gyud ang feeling kay lahi ra gyud diay ngadto!"

However, they shared that the one big problem they had encountered, and which affected them much, was the language barrier. They lamented, "Nagkaproblema jud mi sa pag-adjust tungod sa language barrier. Since Tagalog among mga kanta kay masa among audience, gikinahanglan jud mi mag-Tagalog. It's so hard!"

Nevertheless, ManoMano's first debut single "Bigay Na Bigay" got Tagalog listeners infected with its catchy arrangement and lyrics. Mano explained that his writing style is narrative because he wants listeners to easily relate to the songs. "Ganahan ko mo-tell og stories sa mga panghitabo sa atong kinabuhi aron daghan tawo maka-relate sa among mga kanta."

"Ladies First" is actually not just a tribute to the ladies in their lives but to women of all backgrounds as well because they recognize and respect the roles they play in society. The album also tackles relationships, women's issues, the oft-described mood changes and other women-related stuff. It also includes the head-bobbing tune of "Maria," the visually poignant "Lason," Pinoy rap "Mannequin," a couple of dance tunes "Ate" and "Heaven," the easy-listening "Playground," the tear-jerker of a song, "Happy Birthday To Me," and their second single "Nene." "Nene" is a story of a down-and-out girl who turned to stripping.

In an industry where diverse genres and quite a number of bands already existing, it is indeed a tough challenge for the boys to penetrate it. But they remain optimistic. "Ang mga gig namo usahay naa, usahay wala. Lisod gyud ngadto kay daghan maayo nga mga banda nga nag-ilogay pero ihatag lang jud namo kung unsa among makaya. Pero so far, happy na pud mi nga na-part mi sa industry og nakabilin mi og mark." The boys also assured that whatever happens, their feet will firmly remain on the ground. "Sa kadaghhan na sa nahinabo namo, mao ra gihapon mi karon from five years ago."

For the meantime, ManoMano is having some promo tours including one in Davao with newcomer and another rising band Calla Lily. "Ladies First" is now out in CDs at record stores and released under Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

For Smart and Globe subscribers, you can download their hits just text SA248 to 2332 (Globe) for "Bigay Na Bigay" or text RA709 to 2333 (Globe) for "Nene" and text "RING ADD" 104713 to 208 (Smart). Also, continue requesting and listening to their songs on your favorite radio stations and watch their music videos on MYX. Let us help support OPM and our Cebuano talents!