San Jose USA
Written by Sason Bishope Parry
Sunday night, October 6th will be forever etched in the memories of thousands of fans who packed the San Jose Civic for a musical spectacle unlike any other. It was the long-awaited reunion of one of the Philippines’ most iconic alt-rock bands, Rivermaya. The energy was palpable even before the show began, as thousands of eager fans, many of them Filipino expatriates, gathered outside the venue, braving the sweltering Indian summer heat to catch a glimpse of their beloved band. The anticipation was so high it felt like you could hear their cheers echo all the way back to the Philippines.
Once the clock struck a little past 7 PM, the lights dimmed, and the countdown from 10 began. The capacity crowd’s excitement surged to a fever pitch, and when Rivermaya hit the stage, the eruption of screams and cheers was deafening. The original lineup—featuring Rico Blanco, the band’s multi-talented guitarist, vocalist, and composer, alongside the charismatic Bamboo Mañalac on lead vocals, Nathan Azarcon on bass, and the phenomenal Mark Escueta on drums—was back together, and it felt as though they had never missed a beat.
With colorful stage lights syncing with the music and enormous video screens behind and overhead, Rivermaya opened their set with a bang, diving straight into their hit song, “Monopoly.” The raw energy of the band was immediately on full display as Bamboo’s voice soared over the hard-hitting riffs and pounding rhythms. The crowd, equally electrified, sang along with the same passion they had two decades ago when Rivermaya first took the world by storm.
A Journey Through Rivermaya’s Greatest Hits
The setlist was a masterclass in musical nostalgia, bringing fans on a journey through the band’s extensive catalog of hits. “Kung Ayaw Mo, Wag Mo” came next, with its defiant lyrics and infectious energy lighting up the hall. Bamboo’s stage presence was magnetic as he worked the crowd, bouncing across the stage and gesturing to the audience to sing along. Fans responded with a thunderous chorus, singing the lyrics back as though the years between them and their youth had evaporated in an instant.
Next up was “Princess of Disguise,” a more introspective number that showcased Rico Blanco’s versatility as a songwriter and musician. His guitar riffs sliced through the air as he and Bamboo harmonized beautifully, drawing the audience into the emotional layers of the song. “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita” followed a track that brought smiles and cheers from the crowd. The energy shifted, and the audience couldn’t help but sway along to the upbeat tempo.
When the band launched into “Ballroom Dancing,” fans erupted into spontaneous dancing. The combination of Bamboo’s energetic stage antics and Azarcon’s groovy basslines made it impossible to stand still. The funky vibes carried through into “Sunny Days,” a track that had everyone in the audience waving their hands and dancing along.
Emotional Highs and Epic Singalongs
As the night progressed, the emotional connection between the band and their audience deepened. The hit ballad “Ulan” had fans reaching for their phones to capture the moment, with the delicate intro building up to the emotionally charged chorus. Bamboo’s voice was as rich and powerful as ever, and the crowd sang along in perfect harmony. By the time the band transitioned into the equally iconic “Luha,” the energy in the room had reached euphoric levels. There wasn’t a single person in the hall not singing along, and it felt like the walls themselves were vibrating with the power of the collective voices.
“I’m still honored and in awe of Rivermaya. I knew when we announced the concert that it was going to be special, and it turned out bigger and better than Love and I could have ever imagined. It was the greatest show on Earth, Ladies and Gentlemen.” – Adrian Dean – Love Productions
As the set continued, Rivermaya demonstrated their range, moving effortlessly between heavier rock anthems and more introspective tunes. “Bring Me Down” brought the energy back up with heavy guitar riffs and a driving beat that had the entire venue shaking. “20 Million” and “If” followed, with fans belting out the lyrics, fully immersed in the shared experience of nostalgia and celebration. The band also treated the audience to some of their more experimental tracks, including the hypnotic “Fever” and the soulful “Kundiman.” These songs showcased the band’s profound musicality and ability to blend traditional Filipino influences with modern rock elements.
Spotlight on Rico Blanco and Nathan Azarcon
Midway through the performance, Bamboo took a brief moment to catch his breath, allowing Rico Blanco to take center stage. As he launched into one of the band’s biggest hits, “Balisong,” the atmosphere in the room shifted. The opening chords sent a wave of excitement through the crowd, and fans immediately began singing along. Rico’s heartfelt performance, with his soaring falsetto and impassioned guitar playing, brought tears to some fans’ eyes. It was a standout moment in an already exceptional night.
Bassist Nathan Azarcon was a bundle of energy throughout the show. His playful interactions with the crowd and flawless bass playing added an extra layer of fun to the performance. Azarcon’s quirky demeanor and stage antics had the crowd laughing and cheering while his deep, resonant basslines kept everyone moving.
Meanwhile, Mark Escueta anchored the entire performance with his impeccable drumming. Though seated behind his massive drum kit, his presence was undeniable.
Escueta’s precision and power shone through every song, particularly during “Hilo” and “Flowers,” where his intricate drum fills drew raucous applause.
An Emotional Finale
As the show neared its end, Rivermaya unleashed their most beloved hits. “Panahon Na Naman” brought another round of spirited singalongs, with Bamboo guiding the crowd through each verse. The iconic “Elesi” was met with thunderous applause as its opening notes filled the air. By the time the band launched into “Nerbyoso,” the entire audience was on their feet, dancing and singing in unison.
The final songs of the main set, “Mabuhay” and “Awit ng Kabataan,” left the audience in awe. These songs carried a sense of pride and nostalgia, with lyrics that resonated deeply with fans. As Bamboo belted out the words to “214,” the crowd roared in recognition. This song, perhaps the band’s most famous, was the ultimate highlight of the night. Fans sang along with every word, and Bamboo, sensing the audience’s passion, paused during the chorus to let the crowd take over, their voices rising in beautiful harmony.
Encore: Rivermaya’s Final Bow
But the night wasn’t over yet. As the band left the stage, the audience erupted in chants for an encore. Rivermaya returned with two final songs that left an indelible mark.
They kicked things off with “Himala,” a track that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening. The soaring melodies and powerful vocals made for an emotional encore, and fans responded with unwavering enthusiasm.
Finally, the night came to a close with “Kisapmata.” The crowd sang along one last time, their voices mingling with the band’s in a magical moment of unity.
As the last notes faded and Rivermaya took their final bows, fans cheered and clapped, knowing they had just witnessed something truly special.
A Night to Remember
Rivermaya’s 2-hour set was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of music, culture, and the enduring bond between the band and their fans.
The night was a perfect reflection of the band’s incredible 20+ year career, with songs spanning their 13 albums. The production, the passion, and the sheer talent on display made it a night that will be remembered for years to come.
As the audience poured out into the cool night air, the energy from the show lingered, echoing through the streets of San Jose. For Filipino fans, it was a proud and emotional experience, and for everyone else, it was a reminder of the power of music to bring people together.
For more info on Love Productions go to: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090140145129
For more info on Rivermaya, visit: https://www.facebook.com/rivermayamusic www.instagram.com/rivermayaband
