Callalily

Callalily

The name denotes a very delicate flower, but Callalily is far from that. In fact, the name doesn’t come from anything floral. It is derived from a local bread that the lead vocalist learned to love just as the group is starting

Callalily is one of the fastest-rising pop rock band in Philippine music industry. After they signed a contract under Sony BMG, the production outfit—which also made names for 6CycleMind, Cueshe , and Brownman Revival—they started releasing hit after hit. In fact, their first single, launched in 2006, entitled Stars is one of the radio station’s most requested songs. Their music video also conquered top music channels such as Myx, where it emerged no.1 and eventually nominated as Favorite Song in the recently concluded Myx Awards 2007. They also received nominations in NU Rock Awards and Awit Awards for the same track at the same year.

Take My Hand, which was their second single, didn’t do as well as the first, only ranking third in the weekly hit charts. Nevertheless, they were able to pull it off with their third single entitledMagbalik. So popular it was that it remained in the first spot for 7 straight weeks, beating Stars, which only lasted for three weeks.

Their music video for Pasan was launched on June 1, 2007, at Myx and instantly landed among the daily top 10, beginning at no. 9. It placed no. 1 seven times for its daily countdown and 6 weeks in the hit charts.

The success of the band can be attributed to the different talents of its members, namely, Kean Edward Uson Cipriano (vocalist), Noemer Alden Caballero Acosta (backup vocals and lead guitarist), Andrew John “Tatsi” Barlis Jamnague (guitarist), Lemuel “Squashy” Maravilla Belaro (drummer), and Aaron Paul Quiñones Ricafrente (bassist and bass guitarist). All are studying in University of Sto. Tomas Music Conservatory, except for Andrew, who is pursuing a degree in culinary arts. Besides singing, they are also gifted songwriters and composers. In fact, majority of the songs in their first album were written by the members. They were stories of their own experiences about young love and life. Thus, it is not surprising that every melody denotes a certain tinge of emotion and sentiments. 

Callalily is also a member of a pool of talented bands called the Soupstar Entertainment. These include Mayonnaise, Sandwich, Protein Shake, Rocksteddy, Kala, Juana, and Imago, to name a few. Their exposure to various gigs and front acts already helped them develop their own audience. Their strong is very much proven by the manner their album sells.

The group, however, is not only into headbanging and rock songs. They have also appeared in a number of commercials such as Lineage II, Clear, and Chippy. They also shared their expertise in music in one of the episodes of Pinoy Dream Academy.

Yet, as they say, every person will always find its way back to his first love. Callalily is busy brewing right now its second album. Though further details are not yet divulged, surely, it will still be worth every music lover’s penny.