The Amazing REO Brothers Band From the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban, the REO Brothers Band have risen to the top of the Philippine music scene- an inspirational symbol whose story is now being shared with their countrymen and admiring audiences all over the world! To these audiences, they not only represent musical prowess but are exemplary models, deserving of admiration for an incredible journey from the deepest pits of despair in leaving their devastated hometown, heart-broken, armed only with faith in themselves, and then a phenomenal rise with raw musical talent! The REO Brothers are Reno 24, RJ 22, Raymart 20 and Ralph 17 years old who come from the poor, large Otic family in Tacloban, and have astonished the music world with their story of grit and survival and importantly, incredible musical talent far beyond their young ages! With no formal music education, they learned to sing and play by teaching themselves from bits and pieces of instructions from neighborhood friends, using hand-me-down, discarded old guitars. Passionate fans of Beatle music and other 60s cover bands like the Beachboys, Dave Clark 5, the brothers formed a band and quickly gained a reputation in and around the neighborhood for outstanding “sound-alike” renditions. When their father was unjustly removed from his job, they had to help the family make both ends meet by playing in clubs, restaurants and parties, for whatever compensation was affordable for the organizers. Unfortunately, Haiyan destroyed restaurants and hotels that were the family’s main source of their livelihood. Faced with a bleak future in their hometown, the family decided to relocate to Manila, armed only with guitars wrapped in cellophane, some biscuits, water to brave the hunger, and faith in the Lord’s guidance as they boldly ventured into the big city. Fortunately getting a break in a newly opened music bar and immediately drawing an appreciative crowd, they soon caught the attention of ABS CBN, the Philippines leading TV network, who included the band in their nationally-televised Christmas special held at the country’s biggest concert venue, the Araneta Coliseum. Their performance was accorded the only standing ovation in the star-studded program, highlighted by 3 encores due to the loud, repeated cheering from the full-capacity crowd! Philippine media loved the unbelievable drama witnessed at the Araneta and gave the band tremendous publicity all over the country, which led to guest performances in leading TV programs, and importantly, opened doors for numerous performances throughout Manila society. In March, they were invited to perform in a major fund-raising event with international stars Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Sanchez, Charice, Apl.d.ap along with Oscar winning song writers Robert Lopez and Kristen Andersen at New York City’s hallowed Madison Square Garden where television celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz sought them out after the concert to personally express his admiration with their performance! This was followed by an SRO concert at Glendale, California that turned into an impromptu dance party by the crowd who loved their music. On June 14, they performed in the Independence Celebrations organized in Tokyo, Japan by the Philippine Embassy, which had the Ambassador himself leading the dancing of the enthusiastic audience to their rock & roll and disco songs. In late-July , the band is flying to the U.K. for a series of concerts in London, Birmingham, Belfast and finally, in Liverpool where they are scheduled to perform at the Cavern, where their idols, the Beatles, were discovered. Plans are being finalized to hold concerts in other cities in Europe, the Middle East and a return to the US, within the year. In the Philippines, the REO Brothers have become one of the most sought-after performers, doing shows for major corporations, various social clubs and associations, hotels, travelling to town fiestas all over the provinces, playing in dance parties of the most prestigious schools in the country, as well as lending their talents to fund-raising concerts by various charitable organizations. These poor but talented victims of Typhoon Yolanda have had an amazing journey, from the devastation of their beloved province to the loving, adoring arms of an appreciative audience in Manila and because of satellite television as well as social media, the admiration of music lovers even beyond our shores. They have proved with their own experience that indeed tragedies can break hearts, but should never break the spirit! Tom Banguis, Jr Band Adviser Tom Banguis Jr is a businessman and Chairman/CEO of various companies in media and sales promotions that he has co-founded in the course of a professional career spanning 4 decades. He is actively assisting in the music career of the REO Brothers.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 06:50:24 +0000