“Plastic, like fake friends, are killing me softly and filling up the ocean” is the first line off of Cebuano band Wonggoys’ latest single titled, “Plastic.” The track was introduced during the band’s media press launch on July 22, 2023, at Molave Kaffee and Bistro, Cebu City.
As part of its July pledge to discourage the use of single-use plastics, the band also added a personal take on “plastic” friendships—they are bad for you just as plastic is bad for the planet.
One of the band’s guitarists, Kyle Miguel Wong, urged his fellow bandmates/brothers to release an environmental awareness song and to set an example for the younger generation of artists that are looking up to them.
“Being in the music industry for 13 years, there are plenty of artists that are looking up to Wonggoys and we have that social responsibility to talk about things that truly matter.”
Gabriel Keith Wong, the band’s lead vocals, shared his personal take on the song:
“As artists, this is one of the ways that we can help—putting out the message that plastic can pollute and being careful with your plastic friends.”
This band of brothers are veterans in their field as they’ve already established their distinct “Wonggoys” sound while tackling personal experiences from friendships, love, heartbreak, and now, to saving Mother Earth.
With the release of its new single, the band has also collaborated with various Cebuano talents. During the press launch, the band unveiled its line of miniature toys based on each of the band member’s signature styles in collaboration with Mandaue based art studio, Lab Monkeys.
The band was also excited to announce that they’re going to release a full animated music video that is to be directed by Carlisle Tabanera, the mastermind behind the viral “Game of Thrones” inspired animation of Cebu along with the reimagined Sinulog theme.
William Wong Jr., one of the band’s guitarists, explained that this alliance is what the band’s latest endeavor is all about—collaboration.
“The direction really is about collaboration. We wanted to collaborate with friends and people who wanted to collaborate with us. It’s really all about collaboration at this point.”
Wonggoys’ direction towards extensive collaboration is a working formula in aiming not only to amp up its game when it comes to its live performances but also reshaping a culture of negativity in the Cebuano music industry.
“We want to reshape that culture. It’s stated in the song: ‘Jealousy, insecurity, crab mentality.’ it’s all there in this culture. It is our responsibility as artists to build a collaborative culture in Cebu,” Kyle added.