By Marjorie Gorospe

“Friendship is the secret why we’ve come up with good music,” Filipino rock band BOK76 says.

Calling each other “bok,” which means “brother,” the band’s members have been together for at least nine years – all in the name of music.

Also known as “Bonded on Kinship,” this Filipino band is composed of Erwin Bautista (vocals), Donini Montealegre (guitars/vocals), Jay Castelo (drums/percussion), Owee Nicolas Paz (bass) and Elwynn Dayrit (guitars).

Bautista and Montealegre have been together since grade school. The two had been “rivals” in many competitions but eventually they became friends.

According to Bautista, the band’s music reveals each member’s experiences.

Montealegre composes most of the songs while the rest of group adds other elements to complete the music.

“Don is the band genius. His ideas inspire the group,” Bautista says.

The band has released its album “Revelations,” which is composed of 12 tracks, including the band’s latest singles “Last Kiss” and “Traydor.”

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga traydor [We’re thankful to all traitors],” Montealegre jokingly says. This song was among the most requested songs in gigs in local bars. “Traydor” has also been the band’s ticket to local radios.

As I listened to their other songs, the band’s lyrics are often sad portrayals of life. Most of their singles tackle bitterness. BOK76, however, have happier music. Their influences vary from new wave, rock, blues, metal and Japanese, says Bautista.

“We just want to reveal that BOK76 is here and we exist,” Bautista says.

BOK76 is set to release a music video of a new single “Sa Panaginip,” which is due this December.