Bamboo (Filipino band)
Bamboo was a Filipino rock band formed in 2003 by Bamboo Mañalac, former frontman of Rivermaya, after his return to the Philippines from the United States. The other members consisted of Nathan Azarcon (also from Rivermaya), Ira Cruz (formerly of Passage and Kapatid), and Vic Mercado (formerly of Passage and Last Days of May).
The band quickly gained popularity in the Philippines for their emotionally charged rock music and Mañalac's distinctive vocals. They released their debut album, As the Music Plays in 2004, followed by Light Peace Love in 2005, We Stand Alone Together in 2007, and 4th in 2011. Their songs often explored themes of love, loss, social issues, and personal struggles.
Bamboo was known for their energetic live performances and became a prominent act in the Filipino rock scene. They received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career, solidifying their place as one of the most influential Filipino rock bands of the 2000s.
The band officially disbanded in 2011, with members pursuing individual musical projects. Bamboo Mañalac went on to pursue a solo career and later became a coach on the Philippine version of The Voice. Nathan Azarcon continued to be involved in music production and performance. Ira Cruz and Vic Mercado also remained active in the music industry, collaborating with various artists and bands.