Friendship keeps Parokya Ni Edgar at the top

MANILA, Philippines - With 20 glorious years tucked under Parokya Ni Edgar’s belt, the band’s members consider their friendship as the main reason why they continue to be afloat in a very harsh local recording industry.

The barkada, composed of frontman Chito Miranda, drummer Dindin Moreno, bassist Buwi Meneses, rhythm guitarist Gab Cheekee and lead guitarist Dar Semana, recently released its 20th anniversary album Bente, which chronicles the highlights of the band’s 20 years through songs and videos. Bente has two editions — 1 DVD/2 CD and 2 CD. The DVD includes 28 music videos of the band, plus two documentaries. The 2 CD has a total of 29 tracks (27 of the band’s biggest hits, plus two brand-new tracks).

“It is not even because we are good,” clarifies Chito when asked on the reason why they continue to be on top. “There are a lot of bands better than us, musically. But, in Parokya, we are all good friends. We are still genuinely in love with each other.”

However, Chito is quick to add that the band members still get into occasional fights, saying “nag-aaway kami tungkol sa mga petty things tulad ng pagkain, may maingay, but when it comes to work, we all sit down and talk about it.”

Darius adds that, in his years with the band, he has learned to listen, understand and respect the opinions of his bandmates.

Asked about the values they have developed in the band, Dindin quips, “to laugh and take things lightly.” On the other hand, Buwi expresses gratitude to the band for teaching him humility.

Gab lauds Chito for his unparalleled work ethic. He adds, “Chito is very hands-on. The band also taught me to give our best, no matter how big or small the audience.”

In the band’s latest single Ang Parokya, the song made fun of the band’s supposed limitations as a band.

Chito says, “Hindi sa false humility, huh, pero there are far better musicians out there, pero kami siguro, ‘we suck (musically) and we are great at it.’ We also know how to perform with our hearts and celebrate the friendship.”

Bente is not only a celebration of the band’s 20 years, but also of two-decade-old partnerships with their management and label Universal Records.

“That says a lot about who we are as a group,” enthuses Chito. “We remain loyal to people we work with. Through the years, they all have become our friends. That is priceless.”

Bente boasts of having the biggest hits of the band — Buloy, Picha Pie, Inuman Na, This Guy’s In Love, Yes Yes Show, Mr. Suave, First Day Funk, Pangarap Lang Kita, One Hit Combo, Mang Jose, among others.

Bente also includes their newest single Ang Parokya, which talks about the beginnings of the band. It also features Gloc-9 and Frank Magalona. Ang Parokya is the second time that Parokya Ni Edgar, Frank and Gloc-9 collaborated in a song. The music video of the song is also included in the DVD.

   For avid fans, two documentaries are included in the DVD — Ang Kuwento ng Parokya and Ang First Gig ng Parokya. Part of the proceeds of Bente will be donated to the Philippine Red Cross–Quezon City Chapter.