MANILA, Philippines - The Dawn’s award-winning biopic premieres on MYX music channel on Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. (with week-long replays on Dec. 14, 10 a.m.; Dec 16, 9 a.m.; and Dec 17, 8 p.m.)
Part-documentary, part-drama, it follows the rollercoaster ride of the iconic rock band. Originally composed of Teddy Diaz on guitar, JB Leonor on drums, Caloy Balcells on bass and Jett Pangan on vocals, the band rose to become one of the most influential and well-loved bands in the country.
It has weathered triumphs and heartbreaks as well as the much-publicized lineup changes. The band’s story could very well be the story of every band and every musician in the Philippines, who have had to fight hard for their place in the sun.
Directed by longtime fan of the band, Mike Sandejas, the film blew a second wind into the band’s colorful career, which now spans some 26 years.
It also features outstanding performances by Ping Medina (an eerie deadringer for the departed Teddy Diaz), Agot Isidro (as Jett’s long-suffering wife), Mylene Dizon (as a grown-up groupie), Raffy Francisco (as a Dawn nemesis), with an unexpected cameo of Karl Roy. With musical score by Francis Reyes and Buddy Zabala, the movie also reminds audiences of The Dawn’s anthemic hits such as Enveloped Ideas and Salamat.
Tulad ng Dati won Best Picture at Cinemalaya 2006 and was an official entry at both the Pusan and Hawaii International Film Fests, while also winning an award at the Gawad Urian 2007.
The Dawn is now composed of Jett on vocals, JB on drums, Buddy Zabala on bass and Kenneth Ilagan on guitars. It is set to embark on its 15th record, set for release next year.