THEIR passion for music brought them together. While other boys and girls of their age prefer to go malling and spend time in front of computers to play e-games and other stuffs, these five young, good-looking and talented high school students are spending time honing their skills in singing and playing musical instruments, particularly guitar.
This interest brought them to a Davao City-based talent center that provides training for aspiring artists -- singers and performers.
For sometime, they became part of the talent center until it shut down.
But while at the center, these Davao teens, who come from different schools and background/personality, pooled their talents to form an acoustic band, called the Acousteens, composed of 16-year-old Allen Paul Linares, 18-year-old Bentrell Camad, 13-year-old Rayjel Jan Virtudazo, 15-year-old Jannine Joyce Cartajena, and 16-year-old Yel Salas.
Acousteens then started to perform in various events, especially corporate and other functions, and at city malls, schools and churches.
Marlon Escalicas, Camella Southcenmin Cluster head, is among those who helped organize the group and give them exposures.
“They used to be part of a talent center doing individual performances and not really close to each other.
Unfortunately, the center stopped operations,” Escalicas said.
He said he was helping the talent center before as part of Camella’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“But when it folded up, some of the parents approached me if I can help them pursue the dreams of their kids. Since I saw their potential and dedication in singing and performing, I handpicked some of them to form an acoustic band,” Escalicas said.
He said the group formally started in February 2014 and with help of their voice coach Ronie Luma, who is a voice teacher at Yamaha, the group was able to come up with their own rendition of popular songs of different genre from pop, contemporary, R & B, standard, ballads/love songs.
“Their repertoire includes songs popularized by Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Katie Pery, Miley Cyrus, Celine Dion, Beatles, Glee, Eraserheads, practically anything they can sing.
“What’s unique about this group is that there is not too many if not none at all, teen acoustic bands in Davao or in the Philippines. They have a unique blend of music and sounds that can appeal to teens, young people and even adults. They come from different schools so they represent students and youth in Davao,” Escalicas said.
The group had performed in many events of Camella in the cities of Davao, Tagum General Santos and Koronadal.
“They even performed live at bigger venues like the SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang and on ABS CBN's Maayong Buntag Mindanao. They also do personal events like birthdays, weddings and small functions and events, Escalicas said.
For bookings, you can call Marlon Escalicas or Gina Cartagena at 09283625891. Visit their facebook page www.facebook/Acousteens