Dalandan Soda: A Refreshing Take on Alternative Pinoy Music
By Romina Tobias

This bubbly Pinoy band’s music started to fizz during their high school days in La Salle Greenhills. Their artistically flavored mix of alternative music was first served in a program for school accreditors, for what was supposedly a one-time performance only. But nobody forgets the pleasure of savoring a good drink, right? Or good Pinoy music, I mean. As requests for refills poured in, and having realized its potential in becoming a best-seller in the alternative music menu, the band officially came together under the name, Dalandan Soda. Members include: Alex Coloquio on Drums, Jollo Cacnio on Guitars/Vocals, Patrick Ondevilla on Guitars/Vocals, Guiller Realin on Vocals, Alexis Torres on Alto Sax, Troy Gonzalez on Soprano Sax, Jonathan Feleo on Bass, and Coby Sarreal on Tenor Sax.

The group’s recipe for alternative music is as ingenious as the story behind their band’s name. Troy shares, “Jollo (who plays guitars) told us a story about a girl who loved to pose in a way that she’d close her eyes and squeeze her lips and cheeks as if she were modeling in a Dalandan Soda commercial. The band was named Dalandan Soda in memory of his story. It sounds fun and fruity.”

Dalandan soda describes their music, as fun alternative music. “It's alternative music with a twist. We really can’t pinpoint exactly where! Just fun music! Our music is a mix of Ska (a Jamaican music genre) and alternative music, with a bit of rock which makes it very different and enjoyable.  It's fun watching the crowd move to the music we play. Ska, being so lively, makes people happy. We just want other people to be happy when we play!” Guiller excitingly reveals.

As for musical and non-musical influences, don’t expect the band to be inspired by the mainstream, hardcore rock bands or the highly popular alternative music groups. The band discloses, “Musically, we like Spice Girls (hey, they're great!), and Reel Big Fish. Locally we like Sun Flower Day Camp, and Jeepney Joyride. For non-musical influences…our love life (band laughs out loud). Nevertheless, this band is truly an inspired one. Alex says, “We love sharing our energy with our audience. Whenever we come up on stage, it is our goal to get them on their feet and have a great time. We're blessed to have opportunities to do that. That's enough inspiration for us.”

It’s not always a smooth, citrus happy ride for the group, as any other aspiring and established bands go through rough roads. They share, “For us, finding enough time to practice is a big obstacle. We come from different colleges and our schedules overlap. We simply believed that we can only get better if we put time and effort into it. We're fortunate to have a hardworking team.”

Hard work did pay off. The band recounts some of their most memorable gigs to date. “The one that we remember the most isSummerScream Showdown 2. It was a show that strengthened our bond andmade us realize that we can do anything we want, as long as we do it as a band. It was the first time we won a Battle of the Bands contest after trying many times before. Another would be Greenhills Sessionistas, a similar amateur band competition. It ran for one whole month and we had to learn new songs. It was a tough battle, but it was all worth it in the end. Both contests were good learning experiences for us. Hopefully this could pave the way for bigger things for the band. We’d absolutely love to record an album in the near future.”

Dalandan Soda shares some advice to other aspiring bands searching for that big break. “Whether it is alternative music or pop/rock that you wish to play, just work hard and play harder. Practice, practice, practice....  It takes a lot more than just plain talent. Always have fun and don't stop doing what you love. Getting along with your band mates is also key. And the most important thing is to PRAY.”