True Faith is 25

I do not recall if senti, the shortened slang of sentimental was already a term in widespread use during the ‘90s. But if it had been, I am sure it would have been used to describe the music of the band True Faith. 

Remember that back then the popular sounds were those of the Eraserheads with their irreverent Toyang and Ligaya and El Bimbo and those of Rivermaya with the anthemic rockers like Himala, Awit Ng Kabataan and Elesi.  Somewhere in between with its simple but affecting love songs is True Faith.

True Faith emerged in 1992 with the phenomenal hit single, Perfect. Like I said earlier, the cool sounds of the time were those of Rivermaya and the E-Heads, so True Faith truly came out most refreshing. The band used a blend of pop, rock, jazz and New Wave influences and then presented its originals packaged in clever, and a lot of times surprising arrangements. 

Armed with those, True Faith came up with tunes that remain big favorites to this day like Huwag Na Lang Kaya, Muntik Nang Maabot Ang Langit, Kung OK Lang Sa ‘yo  and Dahil Ikaw. The latest singles from the band are Cool Lang and Kahit Na from the 10th album release titled Sentimental. And True Faith is not resting on the laurels of these songs. Heard that they are getting ready to release some new singles soon.

Also working in True Faith’s favor and certainly a big reason for the band’s longevity is the presence of founding member and lead vocalist Medwin Marfil.  He has not only the songwriting chops but also the distinctive tenor that is True Faith’s best- known trademark.  Medwin has been a True Faith for 25 years and he will lead the group through its 25th anniversary celebration this year.

This is Far From Perfect: True Faith’s Senti 25, The Silver Anniversary Show on Oct. 25 at the Music Museum. Joining him will be Allan Elgar on lead guitar; Macky Macaventa on bass; Eugene Marfil on acoustic guitar; Jake Lumacad on keyboards; and Kaka Quisumbing on drums. Tickets will go on sale starting Sept. 10 at the Music Museum and Ticketworld.

Try not to miss this, especially those of you with cherished memories of romantic evenings filled with True Faith music from years ago. I say this is surely one of the most anticipated music events of the year. 

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Just as it is abroad, thanks to that infectious dance move, In My Feelings by Drake is also the top-selling tune in the Philippines.  But the good news is, Pinoy artists are also doing great. Check out IV of Spades and its big hit Mundo and then check out, too, renegade Spade gone solo Unique with his single Midnight Sky.  There are also the fast-rising Janine Tenoso, senti band December Avenue, folk-rockers Ben & Ben and of course, the ever present Moira dela Torre. 

Now, as per Spotify’s Top 50 Philippines tabulation, here are the Top 20 songs in the streaming platform’s daily hit list.

In My Feelings by Drake; Girls Like You by Maroon 5 and Cardi B; Mundo by IV of Spades; Thru These Tears by LANY; Kathang Isip by Ben & Ben; Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw by December Avenue; 2002 by Anne Marie; Di Na Muli by Janine Tenoso; No Brainer by DJ Khaled, Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper and Quavo; Tagpuan by Moira dela Torre;

DDU-DU DDU-DU by BLACKPINK; Rise by Jonas Blue; Eastside by benny blanco with Halsey and Khalid; Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-ibig by December Avenue; God Is A Woman by Ariana Grande; BAAM by MOMOLAND; Bboom Bboom by MOMOLAND; Happy Now by Zedd featuring Elley Duhe; Ocean by Martin Garrix featuring Khalid; I’m A Mess by Bebe Rexha.

The Top 20 in the Philippine Viral hit list as of this writing are:  In My Feelings by Drake; Midnight Sky by Unique; Eastside by benny blanco with Halsey and Khalid; Prinsesa by Princess Thea; Summertime Magic by Childish Gambino; KIKI DO YOU LOVE ME? by STRBOI HUDZEN; God Is A Woman by Ariana Grande; Waterloo by Hugh Skinner and Lily James from the soundtrack of the movie Mamma! Mia Here I Go Again; When I Kissed The Teacher, also from the same picture; and the theme song Mamma Mia!;

Way Back Home by SHAUN; Tahan Na by Jason Marvin; Girls Like You by Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B; Ms. Chubby by Rayt Carreon; Lucid Dreams by Juice WRLD; Kulang by Chudtr; In My Mind by Dynoro and Gigi D’Agostino; Sana by I Belong to the Zoo; Taste by Tyga featuring Offset; and Trippin’ by Buddy featuring Khalid.