 About Sugarfree Ebe Dancel on vocals Kaka Quisimbing on drums Jal Taguibao on bass Sugarfree is a sleeper little famous band that is quite known for huge, almost anthemic hits. They first burst into the mainstream with the highly successful single, “Telepono,” which is included in the critically and commercially successful debut album, “Sa Wakas.” Composed of Kaka Quisumbing on drums, Jal Taguibao on bass, and Ebe Dancel on vocals, Sugarfree is a three-piece band heavily influenced by the likes of Popsicle, Oasis, and Radiohead. As songwriters, Ebe likes the style of Sheryl Crow and the Counting Crows. In January 2003, the little known Sugarfree back then quietly released their debut album “Sa Wakas.” The band endured a terrible two-year worth of wait and an even more terrible tussle with their previous label just to be able to release the album. In the launch, “Sa Wakas” reportedly sold out in a span of 11 minutes. The collective sighs of relief from the band and their supporters created a huge holler in the mainstream music scene, opening the doors once again to the so-called underground band scene. Sugarfree then was still enjoying the ride with their original drummer, Mitch Singson. Soon, a string of Sugarfree songs lorded the airwaves: “Telepono,” and then came the very sad “Mariposa,” then “Hintay” and then finally “Burn Out.” Well written tragic lyrics, easy and happy melodies capture the hearts and ears of the many believers and supporters of the band. Something about their laid-back stance, their easy-going attitude and the tragic, mundane love stories make them very easy to relate to and appealing—even if they aren’t the best looking rockstars the scene has to offer. In the NU 107 2003 Rock Awards, Sugarfree went home huge winners. They brought home two huge awards that night: the Best New Artist and the Album of the Year accolades for Sa Wakas. Sugarfree’s band history is quite simple. In college, Ebe went through a succession of bands. Everything was going mediocre with nothing really breaking out. Ebe was ready to call it quits, when he met Jal and Mitch. “Sabi ko sa sarili ko, huling subok ko na. Kung mag-fail ‘to, siguro hindi talaga para sa’kin,” Ebe shares, “then everything just fell into place.” The three easily penned songs, played in the underground, earned admirers and supporters, became a main stay in production nights such as Admit One in Freedom Bar. They signed with Viva, but were put on a terrible wait list. Sugarfree, however, managed to record “Sa Wakas” with their “honorary member” Rivermaya frontman Rico Blanco. But when Rico had to leave to start work with Rivermaya, Dancel and studio genius Angee Razul carried on the mantle of production. After more than a year, Sugarfree was able to complete the 12 songs that were soon to become “Sa Wakas.” Then more waiting happened, the tussle between labels came to be, and then finally, the sweet success. Sugarfree sold records, performed countless gigs across the archipelago, and won awards. More than a year has passed since “Sa Wakas” and Sugarfree is back at it again: back with their witty and smart lyrics, with their easy melodies, and now, with happy songs. Yes, after the sad “Sa Wakas,” Sugarfree comes up with “Dramachine,” album that contains happy and happy-go-lucky songs released in July 2004. Dramachine contains common little fairy tales of the everyday common-tao. Unlike the first album, Dramachine is composed of happy, witty and smart lyrics, with their easy melodies. From the very sad “Kuwarto,” to the self-flagellating “Hari Ng Sablay;” as the second hit single to remembering prom nights in “Prom” and that fateful night of conversations as told in “Kuwentuhan,” Sugarfree takes on every possible subject common to anyone and everyone. With “Tao,” “Martir,” and the first single, “Sinta,” From those humble beginnings came; Sugarfree attained their gold status in September 2005 for their “Dramachine” album. January 2006, EMI Phils released Sugarfree’s repackaged version of Dramachine. This repackaged includes the band’s most-requested music videos and brand new single called Cuida, again penned by Ebe. Others like MAKITA KANG MULI--the original soundtrack for ABS-CBN’s TV series of a Philippine folk tale Panday-- had scaled the charts in no time. MAKITA KANG MULI is written by Cymbee Antiporda and music by Jimmy Antiporda. In August 2006, Mitch (drums) was replaced by Kaka after six meaningful years with Sugarfree. Kaka Quisumbing, another talent from Cebu, used to session with other Pinoy rock bands like Kapatid and Itchyworms, before the former recommended to Sugarfree. Sugarfree’s upcoming third album will be called TALA-ARAWAN, another document that will prove that Ebe and Jal are continuing what they started, joined by their new band member, Kaka. TALA-ARAWAN’s first single is KUNG AYAW MO NA SA KIN debuted in radios and its music video with a simultaneous airing last Nov 7. Awards and Achievements Gold Award (15,000 units) for “Dramachine” (September 2005) NU 107 2003 Rock Awards * Best New Artist * Best Album for “Sa Wakas” 2004 Awit Awards * Best Rock for Mariposa * Best Best Alternative Music for Burn Out 2005 Awit Awards * Best Video for “Hari ng Sablay” 
EMI managementfor inquiries, please contactmonch bontogon at 0920-9389267 or call 374-8410 loc. 518. you can also email him at sugarfree@emimusic.com
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sugarfree & 12 Bands Rock for Karl Roy @ the Music Museum this Friday!In One Special Night, Pinoy rockers come together to help their brother :)Here is the final line-up of bands playing at "WISH YOU WERE HERE": the Karl Roy benefit concert at the Music Museum this Friday, March 28, 2008. (in alphabetical... more
Sugarfree on My MYX (Nov 26-30)
Sugarfree is MYX's celebrity VJ for the month of November! Catch them this week on My MYX! Schedule according to ClickTheCity.com : Fridays at 8:00:AM on MYX Fridays at 3:00:PM on MYX Fridays at 8:30:PM on MYX Thursdays at 8:00:... more
 Eastwood (part 2 of 3)July 11, 2008. Eastwood City for Red Cross. Here, Sugarfree performs "Prom" as their opening number.
| |
Tala-ArawanTala-arawan: A reviewSugarfree lived up to its album’s title, tala-arawan. Tala-arawan; A diary; A recollection of thoughts. The packaging in itself was a “diary”. I would have been impressed though, but since I have Dong Abay’s album, I thought... more
Jal's Ibanez Bass FOR SALE :)Jal is selling his Ibanez Active Bass. He´s used this in gigs as well as in the recording of "Tala-arawan". Message me (or him) if you're interested. Click here to see photos: http://jalski.multiply.com/photos/album/13 Thanks!... more
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | Create a New AccountJoin for Free | Who is on Multiply?Find your friends | Want to learn more?Take the Tour | Already a Member?Sign In |
|
