Rewritten Headline: A Resurgence of the 1980s Celebrities
Reviving the Beat of the 80s: Cebu's Musical Renaissance
In the heart of the 1980s, Cebu City witnessed a vibrant musical revolution that echoed through its streets and venues. The decade was marked by the rise of various bands, each bringing their unique style and flair to the local music scene.
The Sly Edge Band, featuring the dynamic duo Jo Awayan and Fe Maningo, was a crowd favourite at the Marlborough Country. Meanwhile, the Harmony and Rhythm Band held the spotlight as the house band for the original Slabadu, owned by the Nadela family. This band was also joined by Danny Ciar Ramirez, a first cousin, who later found fame as one of the original vocalists.
Maningo, after his stint with the Harmony and Rhythm Band, moved on to the Xtrmz Band, where he took on the role of vocalist. On the other hand, Chad Borja, Archie Marcial, Bernie Uy, and Eva Santos kicked off their singing careers in the Zee Band. The Zee Band was not just popular for their rock performances but also for their soulful and jazzy numbers.
The Gaw Central Square became a hub for rock bands in Cebu during this period. Live bands played non-stop from day to night, creating an energetic atmosphere that drew in crowds. Shakeys Mango, too, became a popular venue for bands such as "40 The Band" and "The Clan".
The Cebu Pop Music Festival, during this era, was a platform for Cebuano composers to gain recognition. The festival produced songs that were considered more poetic than those of the past, reflecting the evolving tastes of the audience. Two popular rock bands that emerged from this festival were Flaming Sound and Iron Smoke.
In the realm of soul and jazz, the Zee Band was prominent. However, the Firelights Band held court at the Cebu Plaza Hotel and Balls Disco Club. The Mellifluous Band, a college group, also gained fame in 1984.
The popularity of FM stations and their DJs grew during this time. Notable figures like Rolly Chica, Gerry Wonder, Lady Godiva, Bong Valentine, Peter Saint John, Cue Breaker, Harry Harrison, Johnny Kawa, Bob Sellnar, Jack The Wack, Joe Jammer, Naughty Dundee, Peter Max, and Rhythm R, ruled the airwaves, playing the latest hits and setting the mood for the city's nightlife.
The decade also saw the first recorded Sinulog Theme Song, composed and sung by Mike Hanopol. This marked the beginning of the Sinulog record industry boom, which would continue to thrive throughout the 80s.
The music scene was not limited to rock, showband, jazz, or new wave. Popular local pop and folk groups such as The Tivoli Boys and The Blue Jeans also found success during this time.
Lastly, the weekly TV show "Sali Kami", hosted by Dante Luzon and Caroline Ballesteros, gained popularity. This show featured a singing contest that sent winners to the national competition "Superwheel Search for Singing Stars" on Eat Bulaga. Cebu contestants consistently won, adding another feather to the cap of Cebu's vibrant musical scene of the 1980s.
This brief journey through Cebu's musical history of the 1980s paints a picture of a city alive with the rhythm of change and the beat of innovation. The legacy of these bands and musicians continues to resonate, inspiring a new generation of artists and music lovers.
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