Rivermaya is a Filipino band. Formed in 1994, it is one of several bands who spearheaded the 1990s Philippine alternative rock explosion. Rivermaya is currently composed of Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Ryan Peralta and Norby David. Former members includes Rico Blanco, who had been the original songwriter of the band, and vocalist Bamboo Mañalac, who later formed the band Bamboo. Rivermaya is the fourteenth biggest-selling artists/act in the Philippines.
The first line-up consisted of Jesse Gonzales on vocals, Kenneth Ilagan on guitars, Nathan Azarcon on bass guitar, Rome Velayo on drums, and Rico Blanco on keyboards and backing vocals. They were managed by Lizza Nakpil and director Chito Roño. The band was then called Xaga.
Ilagan was replaced with Perfecto "Perf" de Castro; Azarcon's childhood friend, Mark Escueta, replaced Velayo, and Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac replaced Gonzales. With Bamboo as frontman, the band members disbanded Xaga and formed the band Rivermaya. They started putting together original songs like "Ulan" [Rain], "214", and "Awit ng Kabataan" [Song of the Youth] (mostly composed by Rico Blanco) in demo form for prospective recording companies.
Rivermaya is the debut album of the Filipino rock band, Rivermaya. Containing 11 tracks, it was released in 1994 on BMG Records (Pilipinas) Inc. (now Sony Music Philippines, Inc.).
All songs were written by Rico Blanco except where noted.
"Ulan" was the first single released off this album, during the last quarter of 1993.
"214" is a pop rock/ballad song, released as the second official single. It went to number one spot in various charts in the Philippines. It replaced Eraserheads hit song "With a Smile" in N.U. 107.5 on 1994.
"Awit ng Kabataan", a folk, pop rock anthem, was released as the third single.
"Bring Me Down", a duet with Rico Blanco and Bamboo Manalac both on vocals, was released as the final single.
This album was critically praised for its fresh, excitingly-new pop/rock sound. It become one of the best sellers in the 1990s and still to this day.
Layon nga kaya
Ng isang kandila
Ang akitin ka
Sa liwanag
Muling nag-iisa
Nasan ang mga huwaran?
Kasama ba silang
Matutunaw?
Wala si nanay, wala si tatay,
Nasusunog ang bahay!!!
Wala si nanay, wala si tatay,
Nasusunog ang bahay!!!
Nais niyang bumatak ng
Isang nakaraan
Maliligayang araw na ‘di na matatagpuan
Bumibilissssssssss
Lumilipaaaaaaaad
Ganyan lang ba ang paraan?
Wala bang kakatok sa may pintuan?
Tanging kadiliman ang taglay nitong tahanan
Siyang huling liwanag ngayong gabi’y lilisan…