If you’ve listened to more than enough songs in your life and grown tired of the hugot songs written and performed by Filipino artists who dwell too much on their heartbreaks, you may become jaded and expect yet another average piece.
So, I approached Madeline’s “Sayang” without much expectation. I soon realized it was a disservice to relegate the track to just another sentimental mid-tempo pop-rock tune that emphasizes punchy lyrics while neglecting the necessity of a good melody to draw attention first.
“Sayang” is worth listening to primarily because it has a catchy tune, and the voice delivering it comes across with zero pretentiousness. The lead vocalist is not trying to sound like a damsel in distress; she sings for the song and not for herself, which is a commendable approach. If for some reason you haven’t seen how she looks, her voice would make you want to meet her in person.
Madeline is a five-member alternative pop band composed of vocalist-guitarist Madeline Ramboyong, lead guitarist RB Bandiola, bassist Jerome Faustino, keyboardist Jesser Sison, and drummer Shan Regalado. While their band’s name allows Madeline to go solo anytime, the group appears to function best as a collective. They wouldn’t perform at a gig with one member missing.
I also believe that “Madeline” is a better name than “Paraluman,” her former band. When I first heard about Paraluman, I thought the name was a bit too artsy, as it is closely associated with an Eraserheads classic. I wouldn’t name my band “Toyang” either, but yes, I’m being subjective, and Paraluman made it anyway.
The frontwoman explained, referring to the latest track named after her, “‘Sayang’ was a collaborative effort. RB wrote the lyrics, and the band took care of the music. Jerome was the wizard behind most of the guitar parts, while Jesser handled the keyboard parts. It was a real team effort, and we’re proud of how it turned out.”
Bandiola added, “It is a song about moving on from a past heartbreak, exploring the emotions of moving forward while dealing with a sense of regret as you recall the memories from the relationship.”
The record, released on Sept. 27, came with a music video filmed at an amusement park, which served as a poignant setting for a song about regret. Directed by Jeremy Abaño, the video was produced by the group’s manager Charles Mangubat, and Madeline herself.
She shared, “The music video for ‘Sayang’ is inspired by the movie TED. It’s about how people’s opinions matter, but they shouldn’t define your worth. It has a vibe with lights everywhere and people moving around nonstop.”
Before “Sayang,” the band released digital hits like “Kaya Kong Mag-isa,” “Tinamaan,” “Hintay,” “‘Di Bale Na Lang,” and “Wala Na.” “Sayang,” with impressive guitar work in the middle, is arguably their best offering yet.
Madeline’s rise may be bolstered by the fact that she is signed under Yellow Room Music, a label founded by Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise fame, a musician who has experienced it all in the 21st-century Pinoy music scene. It’s a significant advantage to be guided by someone whose band triumphed in the Muziklaban challenge and performed at major band festivals while touring local venues like Saguijo and Freedom Bar.
Let’s take it from the frontman who gave us “Jopay”: “I knew Mads had immense talent even when she was in Paraluman. So when she went solo and became Madeline, I didn’t hesitate to help her and the group. I’m excited about their new song ‘Sayang,’ and I hope they continue to create more music.”
Madeline’s “Sayang” single and its music video were launched at TakeOver Lounge Bar, featuring special guest performances from SUD, Caren Tevanny, Write Turn, and Mojofly.
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