Orange & Lemons believe infighting was essential in reaching 25th anniversary

Orange & Lemons. Image: Courtesy of Orange & Lemons, Lilystars Records, and GNN Entertainment Productions

Arguments are inevitable within bands. But for Orange & Lemons — consisting of Clem Castro, JM del Mundo, Ace del Mundo and Jared Nerona — it was essential in strengthening their friendship and reaching their 25th anniversary in the music industry.

“Wala nang pataasan ng ihi (We don’t challenge each other’s egos anymore),” Ace told reporters on the sidelines of a press conference in Quezon City. The musician joked they compete with each other in a different way, which made him and his bandmates burst into laughter.

Formed in 1999, the four-piece band produced a number of hit songs through the years. The members initially parted ways in 2007 due to professional differences; however, they decided to reunite and repair their relationship for the better.

“We just laugh about [our past fights now]. I think it was essential to happen,” Clem said. “We won’t be like this if it didn’t happen. We won’t learn from it. It’s okay to fail. Sometimes, people come and go in our lives. We accept that. And we get strength from it.”

Before learning from each other’s differences, Ace admitted that there was a time when they didn’t know how to communicate properly. This, in turn, led to constant clashes among its members. But now, they have learned how to talk things through and understand where everyone is coming from.

“We’re objective now and we know more about each other’s side,” Clem said, agreeing with his bandmate. JM and Jared, who had their arms around each other, nodded their heads as well.

“We consult each other and we have an agreement in every aspect of our business. That makes us more mature and more [aware] of the ins and outs of the music industry, even our personal relationships,” he continued.

No competition

While Orange & Lemons acknowledges the growth of the music industry, they said there’s no need to pressure themselves into keeping up with the trends, as every artist has the privilege to discover their niche.

“What’s nice now is that every artist can find their market or niche market. Our market is very niche. Hindi para sa lahat (it’s not for everyone), and it goes to other artists. We don’t see it as competition. We have our own thing. We have our own sound,” Clem said.

“And we support each artist. As long as they produce good music, good vibes, and they contribute to the history of Filipino music,” he added.

Orange & Lemons. Image: Everywhere We Shoot via Instagram/@moonlanegardens

If there’s anything that pressures Orange & Lemons at the moment, it’s keeping their energy up while performing at gigs. “Siyempre, matanda na rin kami (Of course, we’re getting older),” Clem noted. But the thought of the youth enjoying their music is what makes them “feel young.”

“We feel relevant, young and energetic. It inspires us to create more for everyone. Soon, we’ll be putting out more music,” Clem said. “We feel validated with our work, knowing that the new generation is listening [to our music], no matter what platform it is. Meron kaming future, and we will pay it forward with good music.”

Orange & Lemons, which recently held its 25th-anniversary show at Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig, dropped the album “La Bulaqueña” in May 2022, which celebrates their roots in Bulacan. The music video for its lead track “La Bulaqueña” was released two years later, featuring Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and fellow Bulaqueño Chelsea Manalo.