IT’S something cool when you see a Filipino musician living in Los Angeles County and leading the way for a gig composed of interesting musicians and performers in the area. What more if that guy is actually the bass player of what may be labeled as a legendary Filipino pop-rock act.
To be more precise about it, you can hear his playing in classic records like “Buloy,” “Halaga,” “Silvertoes, “Maniwala Ka Sana,” “Mang Jose,” “Picha Pie,” “The Yes Yes Show,” “Bagsakan,” among others. He even wrote one of his band’s biggest hits, “Mr. Suave.”
Yes, the man in question is Buwi Meneses, member of Parokya Ni Edgar (PNE) and perhaps among the most popular non-frontmen who emerged during the ‘90s “pandemonium.”
The gig event he spearheaded with like-minded fellows happened last June 24 at what is named the White House in Inglewood, a suburb of Los Angeles in California, USA.
The backyard spectacle was called Eccentric City, and featured more than 10 artists, including himself who delivered with drumming dude a fired-up rhythm section instrumental with him on bass.
“When you go to America, you’re basically equal with everyone. Everyone is hustling,” said the beloved bassist who’d rather downplay the fact that he is a legit Pinoy rock royalty.
The music fest brought by the collaboration of Remitly, Segroup, and Beyond Bass Productions showcased the artistry of the following performers: Rat Shack Jazz, The Binas, Kira Bravo, Raeven Junior New System, Miss Ramonne, Holly, Travis, The Ludus Stunt Fight, and Young Lovers. Buwi, essentially serving as the face of the artists’ gathering, hopes to stage bigger Eccentric City gigs to create a healthy community of performers and followers.
Asked about his current take on his decision to relocate to America, he said, “All I can do is play music and I know the ins and outs of live events.”
He then stated, “I don’t regret the decision. It’s not that easy ever since I got here. Apparently, you start all over again.”
I have been to a number of press conferences that featured Parokya Ni Edgar, but I got to know Buwi more when he did his other key ventures: Franco and Dakila. The former was introduced as a rock supergroup, while the latter was described as established by another supergroup in its own right, one including folk singer Noel Cabangon and the late comedian Tado, who teamed up creatively to inspire social transformation. There is no question Buwi is a star on his own.
The bass-playing hit-maker added, emphasizing the value of music in his life, “This is what I do. My wife and family know this is all I can do. I’m trying to find a way to make it work for me. I won’t stop.”
Not to discourage other musicians from the Philippines planning to restart their lives in another country, but rather to illustrate plain truth as opposed to idealistic vision, he noted, “Kahit musicians na magagaling, they have to find a day job (here). Two to three jobs.”
In another interview, Buwi mentioned leaving it all to give his children more options for their future. Nuff said. Besides, he still does it with Parokya Ni Edgar, in particular, if the rest of the band is in town. He also said that, for the record, he and other members of Franco still want to play together.
Will he officially leave PNE? He expressed, “Times have changed. May edad na at family oriented na kami lahat. Yet, we love each other and the people love us. I’m thankful. Continue ‘.”
