Hale is a Filipino alternative rock band, formed in Manila, Philippines in 2004. The group originally consisted of singer and guitarist Champ Lui Pio, bassist Sheldon Gellada, guitarist Roll Martinez, and drummer Omnie Saroca. The band is widely recognized as a key figure in the 2000s Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene, often associated with the "pogi rock" movement.
Origin: Metro Manila, Philippines Genres: Alternative rock, pop rock, experimental Years active: 2004–2010, 2015–present Labels: Warner Music Philippines, EMI/PolyEast, EMI/Universal Music
Current Members:
- Champ Lui Pio – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Roll Martinez – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Sheldon Gellada – bass guitar
- Paolo Santiago – drums, percussion
- Chino David – violin, keyboards, rhythm guitar
Past Members:
- Geronimo "Omnie" Saroca – drums, percussion (2004–2008)
History:
The band formed in mid-2004 and signed with EMI Philippines (now PolyEast Records) in November 2004. Their self-titled debut album Hale (2005) was a major commercial success, achieving triple platinum status (90,000 units sold). The single "The Day You Said Goodnight" brought them mainstream success across Southeast Asia and was nominated multiple times as OPM Song of the Year.
Their second album Twilight (2006) was certified gold within a week of release. The band then took a 10-month hiatus and established Treehouse Productions, a charitable initiative using music to help children with mental and physical illnesses.
Their third album Above, Over and Beyond (2008) saw limited commercial success due to economic difficulties at EMI Philippines. Drummer Omnie Saroca left the band in 2008 and was replaced by Paolo Santiago (formerly of Join the Club). The band released their fourth album Kundiman (2009), their first entirely in Tagalog.
The group disbanded in 2010 when Champ Lui Pio announced his intention to pursue a solo career. The band reunited in January 2015 and released the EP Time and Space that same year. In 2016, they collaborated with Sarah Geronimo on the song "The Great Unknown." Violinist Chino David (formerly of Silent Sanctuary) joined as the band's fifth member in 2017. Their fifth full-length album Alon was released in 2018.
In February 2024, Hale reunited with the EMI label, relaunched under UMG Philippines.
Discography:
- Hale (2005)
- Twilight (2006)
- Above, Over and Beyond (2008)
- Kundiman (2009)
- Time and Space (2015)
- Alon (2018)
Notable Awards:
- Awit Award for Best Ballad ("The Day You Said Goodnight," 2006)
- MTV Pilipinas Music Award for Best New Artist (2005)
- Metro Manila Film Festival Best Theme Song ("Alon" for Siargao, 2017)
- Multiple platinum certifications for their debut album
