Last night (Sunday, September 8, 2024), the Rivermaya kicked off the North American leg of their 2024 Global Tour at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Yes, I was there, and it was so good to see friends and colleagues who were jamming together not only for the sake of nostalgia but for relationships that were built over music and memory!) It was a well-attended concert that had the audience singing in euphoria at the band’s rendition of “Kisapmata,” “Himig ng Kabataan,” and “214.”
Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon rocked the stage and delivered as expected. There was no drama, just perfect music and excellence. There were no front acts. There was just the Rivermaya, so full of vibrance and warmth that later on sent its audience humming their music home.
Of course, the Vancouver leg of Rivermaya’s 2024 Global Tour was made possible by the unreserved support of its sponsors! Dale’s and Plato Pilipino were just a few metres away outside the venue for sumptuous Filipino food that concert-goers enjoyed. Local, Vancouver-based businesses provided and supported meals for both the band and production crew. SVIP ticket holders enjoyed light bands, glow sticks, and an exclusive sound-check experience with the band.
Tsikenstarr produced the concert, while Philippine Airlines and I Am Worldwide co-presented.
Regular sponsors were Kits, Emporium Tattoo Supply, East Manila Ink, Plato Pilipino, Max’s Restaurant, Eat Kanadyan, Ann’s Catering, Salad Master, Smoke House Sandwiches, Dale’s Chilli Products, Grandt Kitchen, Roel Bernardino, Mylene Lim, Marlon Parel, Juan Paolo @ Go North Surrey, Ken Vasquez, 3D Republic, 383 Customs, J & W Travel, Avelyn Florists, Photo Culture, Wonderbooth, Inengkie Entertainment, First Principles, Prieto Prints, Rhythm on 5th Studio, Paradigm Optical, BC Atin, Element – Metrotown.
Media sponsors were Miss B, Perspective Studio, Diones Lago, TJ Flores, Cuadro, Flip Vision Production, Shutter Pro Digital, EM Sager Photography, Pixel Perfect Studio, A. Fructoso Photography, Soulmate Production, Marc Ducusin, Erwin Delfin, Rey Fort Media Group, Dahong Pilipino, Kubo.com.ph, and Jumpshots.
Community Partners were the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in BC (UPAABC), Benguet Society of BC (BSBC), Tau Gamma Phi BC Council, and Hair Mechanics.
Ah, Rivermaya—the legendary Filipino rock band that has etched its melodic legacy over the years! Let’s look back at their reunion concert journey, shall we?
Rivermaya’s tunes have been the backdrop to many cherished memories, and their reunion concerts have a unique way of rekindling that nostalgia.
1. The Atomic Start (1993). Imagine this. In 1993, a group of high school pals in Manila came together for their inaugural jam session. They didn’t even have a name yet! There was an inexplicable pull towards the word “River,” and when “Maya” was suggested, Rivermaya was born! The band’s early magic was undeniable, with Jesse Gonzales on vocals, Kenneth Ilagan on guitar, Nathan Azarcon on bass, Rome Velayo on drums, and Rico Blanco on keyboards and backing vocals.
2. The Neutron Collision (1994). In 1994, the band saw some exciting changes. Nathan Azarcon invited his preschool friend Mark Escueta and high schoolmate Bamboo Mañalac to join. This new quartet—Bamboo (vocals), Perf de Castro (guitar), Nathan Azarcon (bass), Mark Escueta (drums), and Rico Blanco (keyboards and backing vocals)—was set to make waves.
3. The Classic Lineup (1995–1998). By the mid-’90s, Rivermaya peaked with the classic lineup of Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Nathan Azarcon, and Mark Escueta. This era produced unforgettable hits like “214,” “Kisapmata,” “Elesi,” and “Awit ng Kabataan.” These were truly the golden years! On February 17, 2024, this iconic quartet reunited for a special one-night concert at the SMDC Festival Grounds, taking fans on a nostalgic journey back to the late ’90s.
4. The Global Tour (2024). And there’s more! In June 2024, Rivermaya announced an exciting global tour, kicking off with their reunion concert at the SMDC Concert Grounds. Once again, the band was geared up to rock audiences worldwide.
5. Upcoming Concert (September 13, 2024). And here’s something to look forward to— their next concert is set for September 13, 2024, at The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. If you’re in the Great White North, mark your calendar! (MBB)
By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua
