Getting to know Bamboo
by Leony Garcia
Making headline recently is music icon and rock star Bamboo who announced the “disqualification” of ‘The Voice of the Philippines’ contestant Joniver Robles from his own team, Camp Kawayan. Bamboo stated the hopeful’s journey ends after the last (taped) Knockout Rounds due to “personal reasons,” but the “Voice PH” aspirant posted on Twitter and Facebook, without going into specifics, that the opportunity was “taken away” from him.
While reasons may never be revealed especially now with the ongoing Battle Round (aired live from the Resort’s World) and with contracts in place, Bamboo is nevertheless positive that it’s not the end of the road for Joniver.
“Sometimes it’s not all about the voice. That’s the lesson I’ve learned through the past years. All these guys can sing (and) are artists naman. It’s something else; (it’s) about character sometimes…” he said.
Taking time out from his busy schedule, Bamboo met with the media for a press presentation held at Craft Pub and Grill in BGC on January 21 in his honor being the “face and image” for a well-loved dish of the country’s number one food chain.
“People always associate musicians with being cool or astig. They think we’re unapproachable, but I’m really just a regular guy who enjoys the simple things in life,” he said.
Aside from being a regular guy, he said he is also a foodie who loves to eat anything and cook or bake for his loved ones whenever time permits.
His first food endorsement, Bamboo proudly says, “Yeah, what a way to do a first!” He adds, “It’s such an iconic brand, so it’s really cool, especially for a kid who’s grown up in the Bay Area. I remember those times when there was such an excitement, in South San Francisco or Union City, when people would talk about, ‘Uy, may Jollibee na!’”
And to celebrate his latest endeavor, Bamboo, together with Jollibee, came up with a real rockin’ mini concert with his equally iconic songs like Halleluja, Ulan, Himala, 214, Elesi and Tatsulok. Afterwards, he had jamming rockeoke session with the media and online bloggers.
The media and guests not only had the chance to join Bamboo with beefed-up musical performance but also were shown behind-the-scenes footage of the Jollibee Garlic Pepper Beef TVC shoot plus the surprise “Other Side of Bamboo” special featuring exclusive interviews with former bandmate Mark Escueta, musical director Ria Osorio, loyal fan Lourraine Seguirre, and young singers Myk Perez and Juan Karlos (JK) Labajo, who are both members of Team Bamboo on The Voice of the Philippines and The Voice Kids.
JK reveals that Bamboo is like a father figure and a family to him to which Bamboo reciprocated that the boy is like a son to him.
“He is most welcome anytime. He can come to me anytime like a son, with or without appointment,” Bamboo fondly said of JK.
Knowing the soft side of this rocker, I was instant fan myself and I started liking his loud music!
The stern-looking Bamboo (or that was how he should project as Coach Bamboo?) has become more open, and spent a lot of time answering questions during the interview. He also went around the venue to have pictures with the audience to the delight of the guests. I, myself, had a selfie with him when he personally approached me upon seeing I was trying to do a selfie on the event’s official wall. The truth is, I was testing the light, hoping my ipad could get a good shot of him during the interview. But he came on my back and presto we had a selfie!
Thanks, Bamboo! Hope to see you more…
