I was already near my mid-twenties when the local rock explosion gained mainstream popularity in the early 90’s. I like what I was hearing on the radio and was able to buy CDs and cassette tapes of some of the bands that caught my interest : The Dawn (of course!), Eraserheads, Truefaith, The Youth and Yano.
Among the brilliant rock albums that came out in the 90’s that I have heard, Yano’s self-titled debut in 1994 for me is one of the best and I put it on a pedestal like Mike Hanopol’s ‘Awiting Pilipino’ and Juan Dela Cruz’s reunion (and farewell) album “Kahit Anong Mangyari” among others. In the album is the all-time classic “Banal Na Aso , Santong Kabayo” and other popular songs such as “Kamusta Na,” “Esem,” and “Senti” among others.
Currently, the CD is out-of-print or is no longer available in the market. If one is interested to acquire a copy of the original Yano self-titled debut CD or even its 1998 reissue, he should be prepared to fork out two thousand pesos or more. That is if he can find a seller or a collector that is willing to part with his treasure. It was reissued again in 2006 in 2 CDs in 1 format, bundled with ‘Tara’, Yano’s third and final album with singer Dong Abay. ( But sadly, no trace of the original artworks of both albums can be found!) Even this reissue would cost you double, triple or more the price from the original when it was on retail.
To me classic local albums like Yano’s debut should never be allowed to go out of print; it should always be available in the market, in physical format for newer generation to possess and appreciate.
But as much as I adore Yano’s debut album, the truth is, as with the other bands that came out in the 90’s that I have liked ( except for Eraserheads and Rivermaya) , I never followed them and have lost track when I no longer hear them on mainstream radio.
I got reacquainted with Yano when I purchased the 2 CDs in 1 reissue. Their third album is also an excellent release and to quote AllMusic’s David Gonzalez , “one of 1997’s best albums.”
My favorites in the album are: “Ako”, “Paalam Sampaquita,””Tara” and “Showbis.“
Afterwards, I obtained a copy of their 2nd album ‘Bawal’ online which surprisingly was abundant and affordable for a CD that was released in 1996, is out-of-print, and have never been reissued. Notable tracks for me are: “Pyutcha,” “Diosdiosan,”and “Bawal.”
Meanwhile, also in 2006, Yano’s original, charismatic and entertaining frontman, Dong Abay released his own outstanding debut album, ‘Flipino.’(Four years after forming a short-lived band, Pan, and releasing their sole album "Pamaso Ng Payaso.") His album was well promoted and I even caught on T.V. his performance in MYX Live.
Last year Dong Abay released his second solo album, ‘Rebulto’ and like his debut, it was well received and highly acclaimed. I’m glad I was able to purchase that CD in store before it went out of print. For me it is the best OPM album I bought in 2012.
Yano is actually the partnership of vocalist Dong Abay and guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Eric Gancio with support from Onie Badiang on bass. The group disbanded in 1997 when Dong Abay left.
After Yano disbanded Eric Gancio went back to his homeland, Davao, and released a solo album in 2004, "Sa Bandang Huli." I read he revived the Yano label in 2007, essentially a one man band and released the album, ‘Tala’(Star), as Yano’s fourth album late 2012 or 2013 (as printed on the disc).
A Yano without Dong Abay?
As much as I like Yano, I must confess— I realized I’m not really familiar with the band because my notion of Yano is it’s largely a Dong Abay act with the able backing of Eric Gancio. And Dong Abay’s two brilliant solo releases buttressed this belief—that was until I listened to ‘Tala’ that I came to recognize my Folly.
‘Tala’ is an excellent album of 11 songs. 9 new and 2 remakes.
The album is stunning. Now, this is the best money I spent for OPM music in 2013.
The songs are beautiful, heartfelt, and touching-- well-crafted Folk rock with nice melodies and instrumentation; and with positive, memorable and serious lyrics and themes ; but nothing preachy. The singing, like the previous Yano releases, passionate and evocative. One thing obvious though in this release is the absence of punkish fast chords and is less on socially conscious lyrics that characterized Yano.
Tracklist:
1. Tala Dos
2. Punda
3. Alam Ko
4. Gisingin Mo Ako
5. Tulakbahala
6. Tala Uno
7. Pinoy Na Pasko
8. Lovely Day
9. Paalam Sampaquita
10. Banal Na Aso
11. Tayo Ay Pinagpala
“Tala Dos” and “Tala Uno” are both folk rock with an almost identical lyrics, with the same message but have disparate melodies. The slight differences in the words perhaps were done to adjust and fit the same lyrics into two different melodies. If the title would be the basis, then obviously “Tala Uno” is the original song with the lyrics. Perhaps Eric Gancio had a difficulty deciding which version he would use in the album because both versions are great, so he included both. In these two “encouraging” songs, Eric Gancio is advicing the listeners( or someone) to leave the mistakes, the pains, and the bitterness of the past; and if searching for your inner self, your true purpose and the meaning of life, give more importance and follow the path to your “happiness” ( even without an ally) and the stars will open your door, removing the hindrance... I interpret this song as introspective (despite addressing someone in second-person)—like Eric Gancio is now moving forward and starting a new chapter in life.
In “Punda, ” he laments the numerous false beliefs; the chaos resulting from greed, and rifts that are always addressed through violent means. And asks: “nasa’n ba ang langit/ tanong ko kung bakit/ di ko ramdam ang katahimikan dito/ nasan ba ang langit/ewan kung bakit/di ko ramdam ang kapayapaan dito.”
But again as if speaking to himself he sings, “ ika’y nakakulong sa makitid mong daan/ sa mala-selda mong isipan.” And in the final verse he reveals rather straightforwardly what I have interpreted in the first song—“sana bukas pagsapit ng liwanag sa dakong silangan ay panimulang yugto ng aking buhay.”
My favorites in the album are “Alam ko” and “Gisingin Mo Ako” which are both gentle love songs. What is plausible about Eric Gancio’s singing a ballad is you can feel the sincerity in his words and it penetrates in your skin into your soul. Especially “Gisingin Mo Ako” which is about a person expressing his undying devotion to a dearest that is about to depart…Trying to preserve and to hold on to the intimate moments to the end.... This song really got to me… excuse me for the liberal use of this word but to me this song is a “CLASSIC.”
“Tulakbahala” is another nice folk rocker that tells a story about the peril a father and son experienced while fishing in a certain Pier in Sta. Ana...
“Pinoy Na Pasko” and the only English track in the album, “Lovely Day,” are both easy listening. The former conveys peace and unity observed in Filipino Christmas; and in the latter, about the ecstatic feeling in being together again with a love one , after being away for long time.
Also, highlights of this album are the new versions of Yano classics, “Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo” and “Paalam Sampaguita” both originally sang by Dong Abay. In these versions you will never miss the vocals of Dong Abay because Eric Gancio’s renditions are superb, as if they don't make any difference (this is as far as I’m concerned). Musically, both songs were given a more electric, heavier and longer treatment and to my surprise, I like these versions just like I have loved the originals.
The album ends with, “Tayo Ay Pinagpala,” a tune set in a bright mood and wishful lyrics:
`Tayo ay tunay na pinagpala ngayong tayong lahat ay nag kakasama sama/nararamdaman ko ang pagkakaisa/naramramdamin natin ang bawat isa”
“sa pagkakaiba ng paniniwala/ sa ating paggalang ang lahat ay iisa”
“ang namamahala at mamamayan natutugunan ang lahat ng pangngailangan/ang ating likas yaman lalong yumayaman ”
‘Tala’ made me so eager to find out more about Eric Gancio’s contributions in the original Yano. I read the credits in the three previous Yano CDs. I found out he is credited for co-writing or writing all the lyrics and for co-writing or writing all the music in all Yano songs.
This CD is highly recommended not only for Yano, Eric Gancio, and 90’s OPM alternative fans but for all lovers of OPM music as well.
