Not divas, but simply divine

TRES MARIAS: Cooky Chua (left), Lolita Carbon and Bayang Barrios

Lolita Carbon, Bayang Barrios and Cooky Chua, the formidable singer-songwriters who comprise the “super group” Tres Marias, don’t typically rehearse before playing a gig. But once onstage, all it takes is a quick glance at each other, and they’ll know exactly what to do.

“It just happens, like magic. We can more or less predict what each one of us will do through mere gestures. At times our eyes will meet, and we’re laughing before we know it,” Carbon said of the trio’s chemistry when performing.

It’s the kind of rapport, Barrios said, that could only be achieved through genuine friendship, shared affinities and a profound understanding of one another’s artistic strengths and limitations. “We’ve known each other for a long time, so we know how to adapt. We know our respective place in the band,” she said.

These three women have carved their own niche in the industry with their distinct styles: Chua, the hauntingly soulful crooner of the 1990s band Color It Red; Barrios, the acclaimed Bagong Lumad member, who melded contemporary sounds with folk and indigenous styles; and of course, the husky-voiced Carbon, the face of the iconic band Asin.

Collectively, however, their musical identity is trickier to define, said Carbon. “It’s hard to tell because we don’t box ourselves. We want to be as versatile as possible,” she pointed out. “We’re singers from different generations, united to make music for today’s generation. That’s the best way I can put it.”

The things they do outside of music and the advocacies they pursue likewise serve as agents that strengthen the ties that bind these musicians. In fact, the thought of forming a group occurred to them three years ago, after repeatedly finding themselves in the same events that batted for the Reproductive Health Law.

“Since we always end up seeing each other, we thought, ‘Why don’t we go play together? Maybe at the ’70s Bistro,” Chua related. “Trip-trip lang!”

But what began as something just for kicks turned into something more serious, when the folk-rock musician Gary Granada introduced Tres Marias to the talent agency Curve Entertainment, which signed up the group. The trio has since released its eponymous debut album that features original compositions and covers.

On Sept. 4, Tres Marias will hold its first concert at the Music Museum. And admittedly, they said, they’ll have to do more than just glancing at each other this time around. “This one’s more formal than what we usually do—there’s a director, the music is meticulously arranged and written. So we have to actually practice!” Chua said, laughing.

For tickets, call Music Museum at 7210635 or TicketWorld at 8919999.

Excerpts from the Inquirer’s interview with the trio:

What can fans expect from your show?

Lolita Carbon: Surprise! People will see a different Lolita Carbon; I’ll be doing some unexpected numbers. It’s going to be a fully-loaded show. I’m used to doing casual gigs.

Bayang Barrios: It’s going to be a no-frills show—just pure music, and all-OPM. We’re going to have a good time, as we always do when we’re together. We’ll showcase our talent and kalokohan!

How often do you play together?

LC: We jam when we’re not too busy with our respective careers. We usually play at ’70s Bistro or Conspiracy Bar. It’s our bonding time.

Anything you’re worried about?

Cooky Chua: This is a formal event so I need to wear heels. I’m afraid I’ll fall on my bum onstage! Bayang is the only one used to walking in heels.

BB: Just wear boots!

What do you admire about each other?

LC: They’re great artists who sing from their hearts.

BB: I’m a big fan of Lolita, especially of the way she writes—classic! Cooky has a fantastic voice and is our captain of sorts. She easily absorbs new material—music and lyrics, etc. And she steers us to the right direction when Lolita and I get lost!

CC: Lolita is a legend. If you’re a female singer who wants to stay in the game for a long time, you would want to look up to her. I first saw Bayang during a show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. I thought, “Wow, she looks like a princess!” Aside from being a great musician, she’s also a very positive person—she neutralizes my usual doom-and-gloom outlook in life.

How’s the dynamics within the group?

LC: We know how to accept each other’s mistakes and we talk about them. We don’t put on airs. Our feet are planted on the ground and we want to learn more. That’s another reason why we get along together so well.

BB: We set aside our egos. Diva antics? None of that.

Have you ever thought of changing your sound to keep up with this generation?

LC: We’re all open to change and to anything new that will help us become better. I want the new crop of music artists to watch us and say, “Wow, they can do a lot of things!”

BB: Just be true to yourself and showcase your originality. Cooky and Lolita did that; they never copied anyone and they’re still here.

CC: Change doesn’t have to be forced. The things you pick up and learn along the way will naturally manifest itself in your music. Stay true to your art, and things will simply take its natural course.