Blood bond

Manila, Philippines - Groups are falling apart lately. Some of the most popular and respected have folded up, like Sugarfree and Bamboo. Others arguably lost their footing after their top attraction bolted out of their line-up, or as what happened to Rivermaya, 6Cyclemind and MYMP.

There are various causes for such break-ups. One is the vulnerability of even the tightest of friendships. On this note the attachment between brothers may find itself up and proud as siblings, more or less, have a ‘thicker’ reason to settle conflicts, if there are. Blood is thicker than water, right?

Here are three sibling acts, or at least anchored on a gang of brothers, now making waves primarily because of their talent. Yet, one thing their members can be proud of is, they have the same parents and won’t bother sticking with each other as they probably have the same values, background, and loved ones to stick with. Among brothers and sisters, ego clashes can be fixed with less effort, unlike fighting friends who may just disagree on something petty and not talk again ever.

Krissy and Ericka. Teenage sisters Krissy and Ericka, one of MCA Music’s discoveries, takes pride in being really close they don’t want to be away from each other. While getting hands-on support from their parents Nino and Judith Villongco, the two are simply inseparable — a good thing that reflects though their spellbinding harmonies during live performances.

The duo is part of a group of YouTube sensations doing a series of weekend live streaming called Chikka Live: Small Talk. Great Music. They kick-started the online gig leg last May.

“We’re constantly trying to find ways for our fans to enjoy our music; we’re excited interacting with them while they’re watching us,” echoed the so-called country’s version of the now defunct M2M.

The sisters have over 74,000 followers on Facebook and more than 13 million upload views on their YouTube account.

Other participants in the live streaming are Fil-Am acts AJ Rafael, Ramiel Malubay, Pinoy-Aussie Christian Joseph and guest Marie Digby.

Chikka corporate communications director Junie Agcaoili noted, “The artists of Chikka Live are online musical sensations in their own right who represent today’s Global Filipinos. Many of them are themselves based abroad. Their massive fan followings include many many Filipinos here, and really, in every corner of the world.”

Founded in 2001, Chikka’s Chikka Messenger has currently over 68 million registered users and is considered the most widely-used and viewed Internet and mobile-based communications tool by Filipinos. Chikka messenger application is likewise available among Facebook users through ChikkaLite.

KSM. Also boasting that bond connection is KSM (acronym for Keeping Soulful Music). Composed of Jean Ancheta and her brother Joey, this duo recently launched their album Ayokong Isipin distributed by Star Records.

Gaining attention for their jam-packed performances at Kwago’s Grill outlets, KSM is promoting their album title track off their 10-song package of original compositions they wrote. Queried about being linked to MYMP, Jean confidently stated, “Ready na kami ma-compare sa iba. Mas maganda nga kapag may pressure.”

Aware that Juris Fernandez and Chin Alcantara are no longer together, the lady singer quipped, “Kami po magkapatid kami.”

A Bulacan native, KSM started by singing contests in town fiestas and later was discovered by manager Solomon Cu.

Dar Wager. Now being heard on radio with their single Dahil, Mindanao pride Dar Wager is likewise an act held together by a trio of brothers led by 17-year-old Dar Baguiz who is the lead singer, composer and guitarist of the band.  His two brothers, second vocalist B9 and back-up lead guitarist Dave Thomas, empower all the more the musical talent that runs in the family.

Rumors say that Dar Wager, mostly in their late teens, is outshining veteran acts while playing as front act for them, especially with their penchant for guitar adlib display and their showcase of two bass players on stage.

Dar Wager’s road manager Nancy Muring pointed out, “It’s great how the boys get to absorb the crowd’s energy in spite their age.”

The group released their debut CD last November, with Viva Records as distributor. Other songs in their  Debut Album are City Lights, Buhay Syudad, Itlog Mo Noy Orange, Mahal Kita, Mindanao, Blood of the Legend and Lolifi (Long Live Filipino). They have made a music video of their next single, Batang Pinoy.

The rest of the members are bass players James Ajan and Dexter Eder, keyboardist Jack Caluna and drummer Allan Aglibot.