When we were kids, we had Hotdog.
Not just the red hotdog, but Hotdog, the band.
Formed by the Garcia brothers in 1974, when the music scene was lorded over by foreign acts and local bands merely copied them, Hotdog crashed into the scene with a unique sound that was vibrant, catchy, and infused with Taglish lyrics that spoke directly about Filipinos’ everyday sentiments.
The genre became known as Manila Sound and, in one fell swoop, overhauled the musical landscape in a stunning fashion.
Hotdog is the band behind Pinoy light rock classics as Pers Lab, Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko, Bongga Ka ’Day, Annie Batungbakal, Beh Buti Nga, Bitin Sa Iyo, Langit Na Naman, O, Lumapit Ka and that ode to the capital city that has become an anthem for Filipinos everywhere pining for home, Manila.
The songs—all written by Dennis and Rene Garcia—topped the local charts in quick succession from the mid-’70s to the mid-’80s.
In all, Hotdog released over three dozen hit singles that went on to achieve gold and platinum status.
“Cool to speak Taglish”
Music critic Baby Gil, in her Philippine Star column of wrote: “The term now seems so passé but it is a fact that colonial mentality was what kept our ’60s bands from becoming pop icons. They were merely copies and no originals. It was (Hotdog) that killed colonial mentality in pop music with (their) phenomenal Pers Lab in 1974. Suddenly it was cool to speak Taglish and listen to a Pinoy band.”
By establishing an identity for mainstream Filipino music, Hotdog revolutionized the industry and paved the way for Original Pilipino Music or OPM to take root and flourish in the late 1980s and beyond.
Now Pinoy pop-rock legends, Hotdog, reunites for a one-night show at the Dusit Thani Manila’s Grand Ballroom on May 16, 2011, Monday.
Billed as Hotdog: The Reunion, the concert brings together original members of the iconic band aided by renowned session players of that era.
Band leaders Rene Garcia (lead guitarist/vocals) and Dennis Garcia (bass) will be joined by Jess Garcia on drums, and Gina Montes, Maso Diez, Joy Reyes and Rita Saguin Trinidad, all former lead vocalists of Hotdog at various times.
They will be backed up by guest performer Joey Abando from The Boyfriends, and session musicians Benjie Santos, Carlo Gaa, Roy Marinduque and Roy Sadicon.
Back row, from left: Bassist Dennis Garcia, lead guitarist/vocalist Rene Garcia and drummer Jess Garcia.
Front row, from left: lead vocalists Joy Reyes, Maso Diez, Gina Montes and Rita Saguin Trinidad.
The Reunion is a production of Diva! Incorporated
In keeping with the theme, the band encourages groups such as alumni associations, social organizations and even barkadas to come together and hold their reunions at the show.
Special group rates are offered.
Tickets available at the Dusit Thani Manila concierge, and through telephone numbers 886-6186, (0915) 359-8228 and (0921) 293-1784.
Tickets are first-come, first-serve, and include dinner, drinks and dancing all night.
