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.
Kung Ayaw Mo Huwag Mo
Rivermaya Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Teleponong apat na
Magdamag ng 'di umiimik
Kung 'di ka tatawagan
May pag-asa kayang
Maisip mo ako't biglang ma-miss
Hindi kita mapipilit kung ayaw mo
Hindi kita mapipigil kung balak mong
Ako'y iwanang nag-iisa
P'wes walkathon ako patungo riyan
Isosoli ko lang lahat ng mga sulat mo
At me-katok pa yata'ng doorbell n'yo
Magtatatlong oras na'ko rito hello
Hindi kita mapipilit kung ayaw mo
'Wag mo akong isipin bahala ka
Hindi kita mapipigil kung balak mong
Ako'y iwanang nag-iisa
Hindi kita mapipilit kung ayaw mo
'Wag mo akong isipin bahala na
Hindi kita mapipigil kung balak mong
Ako'y iwanang nag-iisa
Kung ayaw mo 'wag kung ayaw mo 'wag
Kung ayaw mo kung ayaw mo huwag mo
Kung ayaw mo 'wag kung ayaw mo 'wag
Kung ayaw mo kung ayaw mo huwag mo
The lyrics of Rivermaya's song Kung Ayaw Mo Huwag Mo is about a relationship that feels one-sided. The singer, who is the person who initiates contact, is being ignored by the other person, which leaves them in a dilemma of whether to continue trying to reach out or to let go. The first few lines talk about the phone being ignored for an entire night, which indicates that the other person is not interested in talking to the singer. The singer then wonders if there is any chance for the other person to miss them.
The chorus repeats twice and emphasizes that the singer is not going to force the other person to talk to them or stay with them. They are open to either outcome and are willing to accept whatever the other person chooses. The second verse other person's house to return their letters and knock on their door to see if they are there. The singer is persistent in trying to get in touch with the other person but acknowledges that they cannot control their actions.
Overall, the song speaks to the themes of rejection and acceptance in relationships. It highlights the importance of respecting the other person's boundaries and decisions. The lyrics also showcase the emotions of someone who is trying to reach out to someone who is not reciprocating their feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Hari ng dedmahan ang Teleponong apat na
The phone rings four times but there's no answer, showing that they are avoiding the caller.
Magdamag ng 'di umiimik
They spend the entire night without speaking to each other, avoiding confrontation or discussion.
Kung 'di ka tatawagan
If they don't call you, is there any chance they will miss you?
May pag-asa kayang Maisip mo ako't biglang ma-miss
Is there any hope that they will suddenly miss you and think of you?
Hindi kita mapipilit kung ayaw mo
I won't force you if you don't want to.
'Wag mo akong isipin bahala na
Don't worry about me if you don't want to think about me.
Hindi kita mapipigil kung balak mong Ako'y iwanang nag-iisa
I won't stop you if you plan to leave me alone.
P'wes walkathon ako patungo riyan
I am willing to walk to your place just to return your letters.
Isosoli ko lang lahat ng mga sulat mo
I will give back all the letters you’ve given me.
At me-katok pa yata'ng doorbell n'yo
I even knock on your doorbell, but no one is answering despite me being here for hours.
Magtatatlong oras na'ko rito hello
I’ve been here for three hours, yet still there’s no answer.
Kung ayaw mo 'wag kung ayaw mo 'wag
If you don't want to, then don't.
Kung ayaw mo kung ayaw mo huwag mo
If you don't want to, then don't do it.
Kung ayaw mo 'wag kung ayaw mo 'wag
If you don't want to, then don't.
Kung ayaw mo kung ayaw mo huwag mo
If you don't want to, then don't do it.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BLANCO RICO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bruhsselsprouts
Hari ng dedmahan ang
Teleponong apat na
Magdamag ng 'di umiimik
Kung 'di ka tatawagan
May pag-asa kayang
Maisip mo ako't biglang ma-miss
Hindi kita mapipilit kung ayaw mo
'wag mo akong isipin bahala ka
Hindi kita mapipigil kung balak mong
Ako'y iwanang nag-iisa
P'wes walkathon ako patungo riyan
Isosoli ko lang lahat ng mga sulat mo
At me-katok pa yata'ng doorbell n'yo
Magtatatlong oras na'ko rito... hello!
Hindi kita mapipilit kung ayaw mo
'wag mo akong isipin bahala ka
Hindi kita mapipigil kung balak mong
Ako'y iwanang nag-iisa
Kung ayomo 'wag, Kung ayomo 'wag,
Kung ayomo, kung ayaw mo, huwag mo!
Kung ayomo 'wag, Kung ayomo 'wag
Kung ayomo, kung ayaw mo, huwag mo!
@user-gf8wp6xu2o
the rivermaya reunion hits diff now huhu ang gondaaaaa parin nang song hanggang ngayon! ❤🔥🙈
@daddytofu1174
Makaka 3 reunion na Eheads, kayo wala parin.. Pano na kaming mga fans? Beke nemen?!
@newworldorder1425
True. Pero ayaw na kasi ni bamboo balikan yung past hes about moving on in life
@user-vv9be3nt8c
Rivermaya The Reunion concert
2/17/24
@philiplisondra2542
Tapos na! Ang saya
@user-sy3bu7uu1i
she’s not listening to me, so i decided to listen this song 😢 (HINDI KITA MAPIPIGIL KONG AYAW MO WAG AKONG ISIPIN BAHALA NA)😊
@user-vv9be3nt8c
Rivermaya The Reunion concert
2/17/24
@pinoyguy1659
Unrequited love
@jieunah876
30 years in existence and this song hits different now. Kung ayaw mo hwag mo . My peace is more important than people's approval.❤
@imcherry.0901
Sa una lang siya seryoso tapos bigla na lang nagiba... 😂💔