By now, it’s almost unfair to describe South Border as just one of the best Filipino bands in rhythm and blues. They have the hits—written and recorded by them. They boast the longevity that other ’90s heavyweights achieved. They can also do live shows that rival and exceed any excellent show bands in the land.
And then they have Jay Durias—the man who holds it all together—the one who connects their past achievements, high reputation, and continuing success in the concert circuit.
South Border is simply the biggest draw among the Pinoy R&B bands around and since. So just say they’re the best in their genre. No one’s going to argue with you.
I was recently asked to share my insights on the band and write down my take on them for use in a tribute project being planned.
I’m working on it, and let me share some of my thoughts. Let me give you a few factual reasons why South Border is special.
First, South Border broke through during the ‘90s when alternative rock dominated, standing out with a distinct sound far from distortion-heavy guitar bands. Despite multiple frontman changes, they’ve kept their identity intact and stayed relevant for over three decades.
Second, the hits. Without songs like “Kahit Kailan” and “Rainbow,” they might have remained underground. But those tracks—and a polished image beyond rock—secured their place in the mainstream.
Perhaps some of us first heard them interpreting a Metropop Music Festival finalist written by Neocolours’ Jimmy Antiporda, called “May Pag-ibig Pa Kaya.” Or through their recording of “Love of My Life”—not the Queen classic, but their original, which stands on its own.
“Kahit Kailan” is a special record, with its dual lead vocal showcase and the solo sax cued in by Brix Ferraris’ stratospheric wail. This track, which was named Song of the Year by a number of radio stations, also formally introduced music fans to the brilliance of Jay Durias as the band’s chief songwriter, musical director, co-vocalist, and de facto leader.
Durias is a major reason for the band’s success. I’d sarcastically laugh if one day he leaves the band and the rest of the members continue using the name—and he’s not allowed to sing South Border songs. He is South Border. Period.
For all his reputation as a perfectionist who makes sure that things are done right, Durias has equally shown his side as a good collaborator—having teamed up with renowned scriptwriter Armando Lao for the writing of “Habang Atin Ang Gabi,” which became the theme song to a Star Cinema movie titled La Vida Rosa.
He likewise joined forces with Vince Alaras, a one-time South Border frontman, to create the gritty track “The Show,” which puts on display the group’s expertise in the genre they’re most identified with.
“The Show” proved that the group can write a groovy number to go hand-in-hand with their superb cover of Eric Gadd’s “Do You Believe in Me,” which is a staple in their live gigs. Don’t be surprised if someone tells you they actually thought that song was a South Border original. Talk about owning a cover song.
That’s another reason they’ve made it this far and for this long: they’re a top-notch live act, with a repertoire that includes legitimate hits and competently done covers.
Filipino audiences love to dance and be serenaded by a fine live band. In South Border, they enjoy not just a skilled act capable of doing a long set of other people’s music—radio hits—and making them sound like their own. And then the big bonus: they can entertain you with songs they popularized because they’re premier recording artists.
I read that South Border will have a concert at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, in Dubai on Aug. 16. Then, as part of their Australian tour, they’ll perform at Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway Street, Sydney, on Sept. 4.
In 2005, South Border dominated the 18th Awit Awards by winning eight trophies, including Album of the Year (Episode III), Song of the Year (“Rainbow”), Best Regional Recording (“Usahay”), Best Song Written for Movie/TV/Stage Play (“Ikaw Nga”), and yes, Best R&B (“The Show”).
Two decades on, South Border continues to influence younger Filipino bands outside the rock genre. Despite lineup changes and shifting trends, they’ve endured—led by Durias and backed by a loyal fan base that still believes in the show that is South Border.
