Alamid and Immaculate were Filipino Alternative Rock/Pop bands that became relatively popular in the Philippines especially in the 1990s for their respective radio hit singles, “Your Love” and “Girl.” And there’s one thing in common between these two bands: Gail Ignacio, who was the drummer of Immaculate as well as a younger brother of Alamid’s original vocalist, Gary Ignacio. Furthermore, Gail eventually became the drummer of Alamid for almost a decade.
Alamid
Formed in 1991 initially as Athena’s Curse, Alamid rose to prominence in the mid-’90s Philippine Alternative Rock scene with the help of their self-titled album that contained their popular hits “Your Love,” “China Eyes,” and “Sixteen.” Original members were Gary Ignacio (vocals), Dexter Facelo (lead guitar), Thallie Facelo (bass), Efril de Dios (second guitar), Jay Sto. Tomas (keyboards), and Perry Jocson (drumkit). Ensuing members included Jet Broas and Gail Ignacio (drums). The group remained active until the late 2000s. They have released four studio albums: Alamid (1994), Panaginip (1995), Radio Friendly (1997), and Anting-anting (2005). Other recommended songs include “Echoing in Silence,” “Chaotic World,” “May Pag-asa Pa,” “Sama-sama,” “Childhood Dreams,” “Sa Iyo,” “Dedma,” and “Rizal Park.” The music of Alamid was best defined by the distinct low-register vocals, pop sensibilities of the keyboard tracks, tribal drumbeats, rolling basslines, and the twin-guitar-melody approach.
Immaculate
Formed in 1993, Immaculate (also known as Immaculate Dirt) was an Alternative Pop band comprised by Gerald Esguerra (vocals), Benjone Tangkeko (guitars), Euwe Jacob (bass), Modesto Atienza (keyboards), and Gail Ignacio (drums). They released two studio albums: Too Good to Be True (1995) and Inter Galactic Party (as Immaculate Dirt, 1997). Notable songs include “Girl,” “Muli,” Ikaw Na Nga,” “Shades and Shadows,” “Bloodshed,” “Wayback,” “Biguin,” and “Closer to You.” The music of Immaculate could be best defined by the pop quality of its keyboard melodies and overall song arrangements infused with the Alternative Rock elements of the guitars, bass, and drums. The group disbanded in 1997, after which Esguerra and Tangkeko formed another band, the more Rock/Grunge-oriented Pop Filter, with which they released a self-titled album in 2000; with songs “I Like” and “Superhero.” Drummer Ignacio subsequently joined his brother’s band, Alamid, in 1999.
Gail Ignacio and his family immigrated to Winnipeg in March of this year. After settling his family in their newfound home in Winnipeg, Gail plans to join the local band haLf man haLf eLf as their drummer.
