Early years
The first line-up consisted of Jesse Gonzales on vocals, Kenneth Ilagan on guitars, Nathan Azarcon on bass, Rome Velayo on drums, and Rico Blanco on keyboards. They were managed by Lizza Nakpil and director Chito Roño who had the intention of molding the group into a rock show band. The band was then called Xaga.
Classic line-up and mainstream success
In the process of grueling practice sessions, Ilagan was replaced with Perfecto de Castro; Azarcon's childhood friend, Mark Escueta, to replace Velayo, as well as former classmate Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac to replace Gonzales. With Bamboo as frontman, the band members themselves decided to disband Xaga and form 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.
Nathan Azarcone was one of the members of Rivermaya from 1993 to 2001.
By November 1994, the band had released its first album, the self-titled Rivermaya, and its first single, "Ulan"; followed by "214". Critically praised for its fresh, excitingly new pop/rock sound, the album went on to become one of the best acts in the 1990s.
Citing artistic differences, Perf de Castro was adamant in leaving the group and founded his own band, Triaxis.
The band's second album Trip, followed with the singles "Kisapmata" [Blink of an Eye], "Himala" [Miracle], and "Panahon Na Naman" [Here Comes the Season]. Whilce Portacio, creator of the X-Men's "Bishop" and co-founder of Image Comics, designed the album art for Trip.
In 1997, the band released its third album, Atomic Bomb, with the single "Hinahanap-hanap Kita" [Always Searching For You]. The album gained positive responses from listeners and received heavy airplay from radio stations. During this period, Rivermaya also released the "Rivermaya Remixed" album, put together with the help of DJ Toti Dalmacion of Groove Nation.
Departure of Bamboo Mañalac and second evolution of line-up
The band then embarked on a US and Canada tour. It was at this time that Bamboo Mañalac decided to stay in the US. He eventually went on to form his own band, Bamboo in 2003.
Rico Blanco was the chief composer of the band, he later became the band's full time guitarist when Perf de Castro left one year after their debut album was released & later became the band's frontman after the departure of Bamboo in 1999.
Rivermaya decided to forge on, with Rico Blanco taking on vocals and released their fourth album, It's Not Easy Being Green containing the singles "Nerbyoso", "Shattered Like", and "Rodeo".
The band released its fifth studio album, aptly called Free, entirely for free on the Internet as well as on CDs distributed at their gigs. Free went on to be named "Best Album of 2000" at the NU Rock Awards.
Nathan Azarcon departed from the group signaling a new lineup change. Completing the lineup were new guitarists, Kakoi Legaspi (from blues band Mr. Crayon) and Mike Elgar (from 7 Foot Junior) as well as Japs Sergio (from Daydream Cycle) on bass.
Together, this lineup released "Tuloy ang Ligaya", preceded by the EP "Alab ng Puso" (featuring a remix by Raimund Marasigan's Squid 9).
The band released the albums Tuloy ang Ligaya and Between the Stars and the Waves, producing the singles "Umaaraw, Umuulan" , "Wag Na Init Ulo, Baby", "A Love to Share", "Balisong", "Sunday Driving", "Table for Two", "241 (My Favorite Song)", and "Atat".
Kakoi Legaspi resigned in 2004.
International success
The band found a variety of partners who commissioned such works as "Liwanag sa Dilim" [Light in the Dark], "Posible" [Possible] (Southeast Asian Games' Athletes Anthem) and "You'll Be Safe Here".
"You'll Be Safe Here," originally created as the theme for the ABS-CBN TV series Spirits (directed by Rivermaya co-manager Chito S. Rono) would be the song to take Rivermaya outside the country. Released as an EP by Warner Music Philippines, it also became the song that MTV Asia selected for performance at the 2006 Asia Awards. Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child introduced the group, and they were backed up by Thailand’s Royal Symphony Orchestra during live performance. It was the first time that a Filipino band was invited to perform in the said event.
An album of compiled works, titled You'll Be Safe Here, is distributed in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Rivermaya embarked on a series of Asian tours, including at Thailand's Pattaya Music Fest (2008, 2009) as well as Singapore's Mosaic Festival (run by The Esplanade); and Bangkok's Fat Fest as well as in Indonesia's MTV Staying Alive show.
In the Philippines, the Rivermaya Greatest Hits 2006 album on Viva Records was followed by an album dedicated to its music heroes: Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo [One Vessel, One Blood].
At the end of March 2007, Rivermaya scored again another first for the Philippines as their videos, "You'll Be Safe Here" and the recent video remake "Bali Song" were chosen as the first Asian artists to have full-length music videos featured on the Star World Channel.
In 2008-2009 Rivermaya performed at the Marina Bay New Years' Countdown in Singapore and became the first Filipino band invited to perform at the 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
Departure of Rico Blanco
On May 2007, rumors of Rico Blanco quitting the group surfaced. The band's management team refused to comment, as did the other members. It was not until a few more days before Rico Blanco officially announced his departure from the group. Both Rivermaya and its management have taken the announcement in stride and have denied rumors that the band would disband as a result. "No one member is greater than the whole," declared Rivermaya management in an official statement released on June 14, 2007.
After Rico Blanco left, Rivermaya released a new single, "Sayang" [Wasted], penned by Japs Sergio and described by the band as "an open letter to the fans."
In addition, Studio 23 announced the selection of Rivermaya to create the new theme song for the station. The new song is titled "Sumigaw" [Shouted] and marks the release of a second single in two months for the band, accelerating Rivermaya's pace for new songs rapidly (In previous years, the band had managed to release only a single every 12 months).
On August 11, 2007, during a mini press conference held at Mogwai Bar and Café in Cubao's Marikina Shoe Expo, Rivermaya released its all-new 5-song Bagong Liwanag EP, which hit stores nationwide starting August 15. This 5-song EP is released on the band's own label, Revolver Music, and licensed to Warner Music Philippines.[1]
Rivermaya also held auditions for a new member. Out of more than 400 participants, only 80 were chosen to join the semi-finals. The auditions was televised on Studio 23, which was titled Bagong Liwanag (A New Light). Aside from the band members, main judges are Rivermaya manager Lizza Nakpil, The Dawn guitarist Francis Reyes, and Razorback bassist Louie Talan.
New frontman and third evolution of line-up
On October 24, 2007, then-18 year old Jayson Fernandez was announced as the winner and new member of Rivermaya. This third evolution of Rivermaya offers an ensemble cast (with the four members offering their vocal prestiges) as compared to their previous lineups.
On February 2008, Rivermaya released the album entitled Buhay [Life] with the carrier single "Sugal ng Kapalaran" [Gamble of Fate] penned by Sergio with both Fernandez and Sergio doing the vocals, while Elgar and Escueta do backing vocals.
It's Getting Late
Rivermaya Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm feeling funny
It's getting late
I fear, uh oh
It's getting late
The night is callin
It's getting late
We will
Ride the wings of moonlight
Through the stardust in the night
Till we're
Gently kissed by daylight
You'll be captive in my eyes
It's getting late
I'm sure they worry
It's getting late
My dear, uh oh
It's getting late
I hear them callin'
Itâ's getting late
Come home, come on,
come home, come on,
come home'
How can I ride?
How can I fall?
How can I lay me down?
How can I run?
How can I leave and disappear?
How can I learn?
How can I follow?
How can I sympathize?
And what if I burn
What if tomorrow
Brings only melted ice?
How can I see
Right through my sorrows?
How do I get through lies, get through lies?
How can I breathe?
Whom do I turn to
If you're not here?
Here uh oh
The song 'It's Getting Late' by Rivermaya expresses the fear and uncertainty that comes with being out late at night. The lyrics speak of the singer's growing discomfort and apprehension as the night wears on. The repeated phrase "It's getting late" serves as a reminder of the imminent danger that comes with being out after dark. The lyrics also allude to a romantic relationship between the singer and their partner. The lines "You'll be captive in my eyes" and "Whom do I turn to if you're not here?" suggest a level of dependence and intimacy that adds to the emotional tension of the song.
The chorus of the song offers a glimmer of hope as the singer envisions a romantic escape under the moonlight. The lines "We will ride the wings of moonlight, through the stardust in the night, till we're gently kissed by daylight" conjure up images of a magical, dreamlike journey. However, this momentary respite is short-lived, as the chorus ends with a call to return home. The verses that follow delve deeper into the singer's fears and doubts, as they struggle with questions of identity, purpose, and survival.
Overall, 'It's Getting Late' is a poignant reflection on the human condition. The lyrics capture the inner struggles that we all face as we navigate the complexities of existence. The song's somber melody and introspective tone create a hauntingly beautiful experience that resonates with listeners of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
It's getting late
The day is ending and night is drawing near
I'm feeling funny
I am having a strange feeling or sensation
I fear, uh oh
I am scared or concerned
The night is callin
The night is inviting me
Out here, uh oh
I am outside and something worries me
Ride the wings of moonlight
Travel through the night on a beam of moonlight
Through the stardust in the night
Passing through space filled with stardust during the night
Till we're
Until we are
Gently kissed by daylight
Eased into the day by the gentle touch of sunlight
You'll be captive in my eyes
You will be captured by the beauty in my eyes
I'm sure they worry
I am sure someone is concerned about my safety
My dear, uh oh
Someone who is dear to me may be worried
I hear them callin'
I can hear someone calling me
Come home, come on, come home, come on, come home'
It's time to go home, hurry up and come home
How can I ride?
In what way can I travel?
How can I fall?
In what way can I experience a downward motion?
How can I lay me down?
In what way can I rest my body and lie down?
How can I run?
In what way can I move quickly on foot?
How can I leave and disappear?
In what way can I depart and vanish?
How can I learn?
In what way can I acquire knowledge?
How can I follow?
In what way can I pursue or accompany someone?
How can I sympathize?
In what way can I express compassion or understanding?
What if I burn,
What will happen if I catch fire or experience intense emotion?
What if tomorrow brings only melted ice?
What if tomorrow only brings disappointment or unmet expectations?
How can I see right through my sorrows?
How can I see past my sadness and find a brighter day?
How do I get through lies, get through lies?
How can I overcome deception and falsehood?
How can I breathe?
In what way can I inhale and exhale air?
Whom do I turn to
To whom should I look for guidance or support?
If you're not here?
What can I do if the one I rely on is not present?
Here uh oh
This situation is worrying or concerning me
Contributed by Lila S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@johnlloydrepato9689
Tunog foreign talaga ang maya ibang iba parang u2 datingan eh 🖤
@softbytesunlimited
Rivermaya lang Sakalam 💪
@WorldofLotie
I love this song reminds me so much when Bamboo leave the band.
@jomarbote4898
Si bamboo din unang kumanta Ng green album
@johnlloydrepato9689
Yup ni record lang uli nang maya yung full album nang it's not easy being green na si rico na ang vocalist
@would3642
@@jomarbote4898 may kopya ka non pre? Yong si bamboo ang sa mikropono ng green album?
@SonnyBoyPalaboy
I swear the last part said "I will be there for you..." 🤔
@neljoybarana6860
Tun0g U2! (NEW YEARS DAY)
@allanreylacorte592
Tama bro New years Day talaga!