‘Prettier Than Pink’ Reunion Gig

On Dec.6, 2012–at 19 East, Sucat–the most succesful all-female Filipino band, “Prettier Than Pink” is set to perform in a reunion gig. This event marks another favorite band from the early 90’s reuniting–not only for their longtime fans–but also to reintroduce themselves to a newer audience.

Even though I was more exposed to the music of the mid 90’s, their music holds a key to the eventual appreciation and understanding I have for our local bands and artists. I remember when I was at a very young age–I was about 7 or 8– I could often hear music streaming out from my sister’s room–and a particular song stood out for me, the title of which at the time was of little concern to me .But to my young “ears”. the song’s simple words sounded so friendly and comforting they almost seemed to sound like a long “nursery rhyme”. When my sister Karla’s music interest shifted to the “New Kids on the Block”, I would find myself longing and wishing that she would play again that “nursery rhyme.” It seemed that wish of mine to hear it again was nor to come because my sister suddenly went totally crazy over the New Kids on the Block. In fact, I remember very clearly how she and her friends would routinely lock themselves in my mom’s room and watch her VHS tape of the New Kids- I’d hear them creating a loud and boisterous racket in there with their squeals and excitement. And there I would be in Karla’s room trying to look for that” nursery rhyme” among her stack of records. Of course, I never found it because I didn’t even know what the song’s title was and who sang it. Anyway, my wish to hear that “nursery rhyme” was finally doomed after my sister and her friends went to watch the New Kids on the Block when they came to Manila to perform!

That “nursery rhyme” was one of the first Tagalog songs that would remain with me early on. Eventually, when I began to have my own collection of records, I was to rediscover with much nostalgic delight that favorite “nursery rhyme” of mine and learn its title: ‘Cool Ka Lang’! And it was by a band called “Prettier Than Pink”. THAT song, ‘Cool Ka Lang’ really did plant a seed for my eventual understanding of and appreciation for local rock–and not only OPM–which would pay dividends in time for me.

We all know that bands do come and go, but maybe it’s just I selfishly thinking that they could last a little longer. However, if we are the ones looking inward, we don’t really know the intricacies of being in band. It is a lot more complex than it seems. It is the mix of different personalities and trying to achieve that much sough-after band chemistry which is a lot harder to have. That is why when bands break up or end their run, it might just mean it has “run its course”, HOWEVER it doesn’t mean bands can’t reunite or get back together because everything really is a cycle. And depending on the changing local scene, it can also dictate the creative direction and career decision of the artists whether to reform or not.

“Prettier Than Pink” was one of the reasons that made the early 90’s cool, no pun intended. They were and still are all good looking, they still possess that distinct charm and they are all real musicians after all– A Total Package. I am interested to see how they will perform on Dec. 6. Aren’t you guys curious too??? Here is your chance to see them perform either for the first time or once again in a long time. To get more information about the upcoming reunion gig, I asked the original bassist Annie Trillo some questions. Here is my interview with her:

What made you reunite as a band?

THE ROAD TO REUNIFICATION: Lei and I caught up once or twice for dinner 3 years ago when she returned from the US and we had tossed the idea around. We would bring it up again every Christmas time but never got around to doing it because of our different schedules. The trigger to this reunion concert was a show last August 2012 for my sister’s fundraiser in The Venice Piazza, we played 10 songs. A bit practiced, and feeling good being together up on stage again, we decided to push through with it for real.

THE REASONS FOR REUNIFICATION: We want to show our kids the band we had before they were born. We want to share the music we used to play, which was easy listening happy music, with the younger generation. We want to indulge ourselves and our past groupies and fans with a night of fun and nostalgia.:-)

How does it feel that you will be performing again?

Stressful but fun. Pressured and anxious. It has been years – more than 8 years – since we really picked up our instruments and played these songs. Most important for us is to try and make the most of every moment, not just by reaching our goal (the concert) but also enjoying every step in getting there (practices, catching-up with each other’s lives, sharing experiences).

What are you looking forward to the most in your reunion gig?

I think I can say this for everyone, we are all looking forward to seeing our old fans, friends, families and their own kids all reunite and experience the music they used to listen to years ago. I look forward to seeing our guests relive their own memories through the familiar songs we will be playing.

How long will your set be?

We will be performing for an hour and a half.

What can the fans of “Prettier Than Pink” expect in your reunion gig at 19 East, Sucat on Dec. 6?

Still us, just older.:-) Vanessa, our drummer, was not able to make it back this time so expect an awesome session drummer named Karmi. Expect to hear songs from the 60’s to the 90’s. Expect to hear some of our originals. Expect to have a lot of fun!