Iconic ’90s alternative rock band Orient Pearl, known for timeless hits like ‘Pagsubok’ and ‘Cry in the Rain,’ has returned to the music scene after a two-decade hiatus.
The band marked their comeback with a launch event on November 7 at 12 Monkeys Bar in Estancia Mall, Pasig City, introducing their new vocalist, Ney Dimaculangan, formerly of 6Cyclemind.
The band, comprising founding members Leo Awatin (lead guitarist) and Ryan Gomez (bassist), along with Rai, Pol, Third, and Budz, shared that the original vocalist, Naldy Padilla, was unable to rejoin due to personal commitments.
Despite stepping back from the limelight, Naldy gave his blessing to the band’s decision to bring in a new frontman, affirming there were no internal conflicts or disbandment issues, only a shift in priorities.
Faced with the task of finding a new vocalist, the band held auditions, drawing in hundreds of applicants. Ney Dimaculangan’s audition caught their attention, and after a jam session, the group felt a seamless connection. “It was like a marriage made in heaven,” said Leo. Their collaboration quickly led to the recording of ‘Hari,’ a powerful track produced with top sound engineer Angelo Razul at Love One Another Studio, signaling the band’s new beginning.
In addition to ‘Hari,’ Orient Pearl released their latest single, ‘Langit,’ now available on digital platforms. The group remains dedicated to their founding mission of connecting with audiences and delivering music that resonates with listeners from all walks of life. “Bumalik kami kasi talaga namang gusto naming mag-share ng music sa masa. Kasi ‘yun talaga ang pangarap namin. Kaya kami nagbanda para mabigyan ng inspiration ang mga masa. Ma-uplift sila, ma-empower sila through music,” Leo explained.
Dimaculangan, aware of the inevitable comparisons to Naldy, remains grounded, saying, “Matic naman ‘yan. Sabi ko nga, you cannot please everyone so automatic na response ng tao ‘yon even though kahit maganda minsan, natural lang ‘yan. So you just have to ano, make sense kung tama ba ‘yung comment nila and you can use it positively. Or if it’s a negative thing, exit na lang sa kabila. So ganu’n na lang and basta as long as your intention is pure, wala kang sinasagasaang tao, I guess ‘yun ‘yung pinakamahalaga.”
Formed in 1993, Orient Pearl became one of the Philippines’ most celebrated bands with their breakout song ‘Pagsubok.’ Though keyboardist Dexter Panlilio is now based in Canada and Naldy has moved on to other endeavors, Orient Pearl is once again poised to make waves, with a refreshed lineup and commitment to bringing their signature sound to new and old fans alike.
