Seems there' s no turning back for this band of six, composed of Jay Justiniani on vocals, Ruben Caballero on vocals and guitar, Jovan Mabini on lead guitar, Jhunjie Dosdos on keyboards, Fritz Labrado on bass and Mike Manaloto on drums, who, just a few months ago, decided to leave their hometown to start a full-time music career in Manila.
"It was not an easy decision," the group says, but dreams have a way of pushing one beyond his comfort zones. "We’ve practically traded our souls for music," they enthuse. "We were doing okay in Cebu but there seemed to be something lacking. That’s why we decided to take the plunge."
Five years ago, the band got together because they loved to play music and wanted to write original songs and record an album of their own. Yet sometimes, opportunities don’t fall on one’s lap. You have to work your way to it. This is what happened to Cueshé.
They did attempt to write songs. They even managed to record a few. But none of these made them a local sensation back home. But they stood around longer than most other bands – taking constructive criticisms graciously, and dismissing what they thought was crap. They loved what they were doing so they just kept on playing.
"We were young, inexperienced, and had less to say about life and the world around us. We lacked depth," says Mike Manaloto, bandleader, drummer and songwriter.
Back then, they even thought they couldn’t write songs at all. Worse, they didn’t know how to play instruments well enough to pass even as an average band in Cebu.
Their musical career took a backseat when Jay Justiniani (who replaced the original girl vocalist) had a near-death motorcycle mishap in Dec. 24, 2001. Jay fractured his right ankle, knee, elbow and wrist, while his right ear was nearly ripped off, only connected to him by a little piece of skin and cartilage. He was bedridden for a year. The band’s trauma was immeasurable, but they didn’t break up. Instead, the accident made them closer to each other and more determined to reach their dreams. While Jay was recuperating, the rest of the members continued to practice on their own.
To make ends meet while not having gigs, Fritz decided to drive one of their family-owned jeepneys that ply the routes of Cebu while Jovan was his willing assistant as collector. Mike traded imported cigarettes to local bars in Cebu, while the rest focused on their studies. But they continued their weekly jamming sessions.
Today, Cueshé takes pride in being one of the first Filipino artists signed up by the newly-merged music giant Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Such sudden twist of fate brought about by a demo they sent to their new mother company, and a hit song that soon followed, headlined talks around the local band communities. "Who the hell are these guys?" they asked.
Cueshé’s foray into the Manila music landscape was met with praise and criticism in their hometown in Cebu and in the capital as well. While many showed support, some dismissed the band as unworthy. But Cueshé laughs it all out.
"I think the proof of the pudding is in the eating. We’re just living our dreams and having fun and we’ve paid our dues to get here," retorts Mike. Such confidence comes from years and years of doing and not just talking. "Some people just don’t get it. Hard work pays off."
While other bands would have to find a day job to survive, sell insurance, work at call centers or be an agent for a networking business, Cueshé decided to stick it out and focus on music and improving their skills, even playing covers and top 40 hits at bars to survive.
"We didn’t see anything wrong with that. In fact, it exposed us musically, it made us grow as a band and allowed us to discover our true musical selves."
The group’s album, which they call Half Empty, Half Full, is full of these realizations and revelations. It’s very personal. "For some people, life goes on only in their heads, so it’s easy for them to say things and criticize," Mike says. And that could be painful. "That’s why we decided on that title for the album. We felt that we would get to know people around us by what they say about us. It’s just like a mirror reflection of their own image. Di ba pag sinabi nila na wala kaming karapatan na pumasok sa scene, they actually mean you're good? Their statements are double-edged."
Cueshé’s album is flying off the shelves faster than the group expected and it’s been an overwhelming experience for them. "Who would have thought we’d end up where we are now? Not even us," the group members chorused. "We were just fooling around."
Cueshé took a long time to get here. But the group has definitely arrived – and it is here to stay.
And for these boys, everything now was worth the wait.