In their latest music video titled, ‘Good Day’ is one that simply narrates a story of a mad doctor that imprisoned all the rest of the band members, but all of them struggled and got their freedom. The song’s lyrics are not even about love, but it is simply describing the surroundings around them. It’s freeing them and enjoying the new day they all have.
Its lyrics go like:
“… Wooh, I love the colors in the sky / Rainbow paints the blue and mighty sky / And wooh, I love the view on the shore / The sun sets and will surely shine tomorrow.” – Wooh, it’s a good day, smile smile sing and dance along the way…
Intriguing Name with a Filipino Twist
The 10-member band got its intriguing name from a dance music that originated in the islands of Jamaica and that’s the first syllable of their name – Ska. It was famous as a dance music that swept many people around the globe in the 60s. The dance is done by shaking the butts of working and middle-class Jamaicans.
The last two syllables ‘Beche’ is from the dish, a known Spanish recipe called ‘Escabeche’ pronounced as es-kah-BECH-ay, which has been widely accepted in the Filipino dishes due to the country’s influence from Spanish. It is a preparation in which meat or fish is seared, then marinate it in a vinegary sauce loaded with herbs and spices, serve it cold or at room temperature on a hot day. It is ideal with oily fish e.g. mackerel, jacksmelt, and herring or bonito.
Given its name, its audience can expect a fusion of music that will be tasteful enough to the ears and would make them sway with the invigorating beat it creates.
The band consists of Mike Santos (Vocals/Guitars), Noel Salonga (Indistinct Vocals/Percussions), Billy Adap (Trombone), Lester San Juan (Vocals/Alto Saxophone), JR Ibanez (Trumpet), Roberto Villegas Jr. (Baritone Saxophone), Roberto Santiago (Tenor Saxophone), Daniel Quintero (Bass), Leonardo Castillo (Lead Guitar) and Kim Aries Patawaran (Drums).
Creating Music with an Advocacy
The band does not just play music for the sake of playing music.
Though ‘Good Day’ music video was created and treated lightly, they also have music that has more serious undertones, those that have political flavor. With their third, which was titled ‘Lamok’ it features lines: “Hindi na ba magbabago ang taong nakaupo?” Sarap buhay na sumusubo’t walang magawang matino.” They topped it off with a chorus that compares the society’s negative members as a mosquito.
Also, in their latest music video ‘Good Day’ they shot it entirely in Ilocos Norte where they featured rarely seen and visited places in the Philippines—the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Bangui Windmills.
“It is our aim to incorporate sceneries of our beloved country in our videos; these are beauty spots that are worthy visiting and admiring for.
“We want to be able to contribute to the tourism industry of the Philippines in our own humble way,” shares Mac Bordallo, Skabeche’s manager.
Also, the band’s album ‘Table for Ten’ and part of its proceeds go to its beneficiary, a non-profit organization called Earnest Support for Underprivileged Children Charity Association Incorporated (E-SUCH) that offers formal and non-formal learning opportunities that allow underprivileged children of Bulacan to discover and develop their skills (specially in painting), to help them grow to become responsible individuals, promotes the rights of the Filipino children to the people in the community, especially to the young citizens, and seeks support that will help its volunteers in providing the necessities of the needy children, including food, clothing, and school materials.
Future Plans
Since the group is known for its unconventional setup and its big heart for anything that is Filipino, they push some issues that are indeed relevant.
They also plan of not limiting their audience reach since their brand of music, the ‘Ska’ is known abroad, they want to hit the international market especially in Europe where their music is much appreciated.
Also, there will be more music videos they will be producing that will feature unique and rarely exposed places in the Philippines.
Also, Pineapple Riddims Recording Company, considered as a recording label and member of the Philippine Association of the Recording Industry and licensed by the Optical Media Board, the one managing Skabeche will launch a new roster of artists in their fold. It will proves that the music industry is alive and still kicking.
The group has ten members, but when asked Noel Salonga, the band leader was asked if they are still open in accommodating additional members, he said, “If there is such a need, why not? The more, the merrier ‘ika nga.”
Today, they are preparing for their second album. This time, they intend to appeal more to the masses and really make a great impact with their music.
Perhaps, the one thing that makes Skabeche a standout is its huge group contingent. There is no doubt that when they perform, they give an intense one. Its audience will be treated to a supreme percussion player, five-piece bubbly horn section, cool bass player, a guitarist, a drummer, and Mike Santos’s distinct voice that will identify with the band’s image.
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