Imagine this: One evening, the rain’s pouring hard and outside its cold.
In one hand, you hold a hot beverage and on the background, a song dominates the silence. Nice scene, right? But we’re forgetting one elemental thing: Who’s playing? December Avenue is a good choice.
In 2007, a band made up of Thomasians was formed. Zel Bautista, vocalist and guitarist, writes songs inspired by his own experiences, as well as others’. “I want something people can relate to,” he said. Their songs such as Time To Go, Ears and Rhymes, I’ll Be Watching You and Dahan speaks of every day experiences and relationships. The band’s name used to be Sense of Sound, but late last year, it experienced some struggles and decided to start again, creating a new concept under the name—December Avenue. “It’s ironic; December is a month of celebration and gift-giving along with sorrow and longing.” Jem Manuel, another guitarist explained. December Avenue’s songs remain in both good and bad moments; it resembles a life boat when you’re down and serves as a company in solitude.
Just like every beginning, it was not easy. Commitment to the band and good relationships between band mates is important. “Kailangan, bago kayo lumabas, ayos kayo sa loob.” Jet Danao, drummer and back-up vocalist said when he talked about the band’s camaraderie and how friendship affects music. “Passion for music must be present and what you are doing must be worth it,” Don Gregorio, their bassist added. Jem also stressed that friendship must come before forming a band, and true enough, the guys from December Avenue had been friends since freshmen years. In jest, they described their journey as a band using Starstruck’s tag line: Dream. Believe. Survive. “We have one dream but there are four of us,” Jet said in Filipino. Belief in what they do and the competitiveness to survive follows. “We want to contribute something to the music industry.” Jem said. For December Avenue, music is a gift that should be shared to others. Zel later added, “Every Pinoy has a hidden talent that must be heard by other people.” Hopefully by 2010, their first album will come out. Currently, the band plays on various places and is under the management of One Sonic Management. “We are all from different fields and courses, but we’re in one university—we should support bands from UST.” Jet said.
In a campaign spearheaded by Tomweb held on Albertus Magnus Auditorium, 18th of September, the band was there to play some songs and support the event. “Basta Tomasino…” is a new statement that every Thomasian can finish. A statement of what we are as students and what we can do. For December Avenue, four words are what they need to finish it: “Basta Tomasino, kaya sumabay sa mundo.” Indeed, they can, we can.
– Kristine Melvie Bunda
