MANILA, Philippines - Draybers Band composed of talented young men who were members of different local bands then was formed in Pangasinan in 2001. Even before, Draybers members knew each other very well. Though committed with their respective bands they played as alternatives in the same bar in Dagupan.
Draybers’ original members were Mike Yonting on lead vocals and four guys from Camiling, Tarlac — Ed Garcia, keyboards, Cesar “Teng” Salazar, guitars, Jude Santos, drums and Edgar Riparip, bass who was replaced by a young bassist from Mangatarem, Pangasinan — Jerome “Lucky” Reformado. In November 2009, the group decided to pick Mylo Yonting from Biñan, Laguna for additional vocal works.
Draybers’ music as a cover band can be categorized under classic rock influenced by foreign bands like Survivors, Styx, Queen, The Journey, White Lion, Def Leppard, Dobbie Brothers, The Eagles, Jon Bon Jovi, Santana, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and a little bit of Air Supply.
Every time the band performs, it doesn’t have a prepared set list. The band depends on the crowd’s request — what the people want to hear and that doesn’t seem easy for a performing band.
Recently, the band decided to write its materials inspired by Pinoy rock luminaries like Juan dela Cruz Band, Sampaguita, etc. Finally, Draybers hits the recording studios and waxed a soulful album Draybers Maka-Mundong Pagnanasa!!!
It contains six originals — Hindi Pa Huli, Kaibigan, Paano Na, Drayber, Nowhere to Find and Arusab plus a special radio edit version of Paano Na — Draybers Band a legit in the music industry.
The album was launched via a crowd-filled performance at the Blue Wave in Macapagal Ave., Pasay City last Oct. 15.