THOSE looking for a pure December Avenue experience are in for a treat as the beloved Filipino band marks its fifteenth year with a concert, “Sa Ilalim ng mga Bituin,” at the MOA Arena on August 30.
The 5-member band, composed of Zel Bautista (vocals and guitars), Jem Manuel (guitars), Don Gregorio (bass), Jet Danao (drums and backing vocals), and Gelo Cruz (keyboards and backing vocals), has gained immense popularity through their melancholic songs that resonate deeply with Pinoys. They’ve made a name for themselves with hits like “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw,” “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig,” “Huling Sandali (Tayo sa Huli),” and “Bulong,” just a few of their songs that capture the essence of love’s complexities, attracting hundreds of millions of streams. In Spotify, December Avenue was the most-streamed artist in the Philippines in 2019, and their album “Langit Mong Bughaw” is the most-streamed of all time in the country.
When asked about their “mapanakit” music, Zel Bautista was quick to clarify, “Hindi naman po kami mapanakit. Nasasaktan na po talaga sila, nilalagyan lang po namin ng background.”
During their grand press conference last Tuesday at Okada Manila, their official residence for their concert, Zel, Jem Manuel, Don Gregorio, Jet Danao, and Gelo Cruz acknowledged that their music often delves into themes of heartbreak and emotional struggles, making it relatable to many Filipinos.
“I think people relate to our music because it reflects what they are going through,” noted Zel.
The band members recognize that their songs often evoke strong emotions, a quality that deeply connects with Filipinos. This emotional authenticity has led to repeated plays on several streaming platforms, with two of their official music videos surpassing over 100 million views on YouTube.
They also shared that they often receive messages from fans saying, “Your music saved me,” which they find incredibly fulfilling.
The members admitted that they’ve begun to explore more uplifting themes in their recent work. “Actually, our songs are now leaning towards more inspiring,” Zel noted, indicating a shift in their musical direction while still valuing their past.
They may decide to shift, but their fans remain loyal. In fact, their solid following excitedly snapped tickets to the anniversary show as soon as they were available.
“Malakas sila,” happily reported concert producer Nancy Yang.
December Avenue will be joined by special guests Barbie Almalbis and Belle Mariano, with whom the band collaborated with for the single “Wala Nang Iba,” for the anniversary concert.
With Paolo Valenciano as director and Nikko Rivera as musical director, “December Avenue: Sa Ilalim ng mga Bituin” is set to be an unforgettable celebration of their 15-year journey, promising a night of emotion and inspiration.
