Sponge Cola’s Fourth Album Release: Araw, Oras, Tagpuan (Win a Signed Copy!)

In general, the life span of a typical rock band, or any band for that matter, is around ten years (plus or minus.) In order to survive for the long haul, a band or an artist must continually learn to re-invent themselves that will recurrently give their fans a fresh perspective. One living example of this is Madonna. At the age of 50 plus, she has never ceased to recreate her own image which allows her loyal fans to crave for her even more.

The Philippines, known for its long line of world-renowned artists and musicians and noted to be the home of minstrels in Asia, can proudly boast of successful musicians that remain popular decades after they started  their musical careers with many of them able to rest in their laurels of fame and fortune.  For instance, Apo Hiking Society, even after deciding to go their separate ways, perhaps because of old age and physical limitations, have proven the test of time with 40 years behind them. Perhaps the secret ingredients are sheer talent and passion.

A very familiar pop/rock iconic band is also making its lasting impression among its young and not so young followers. Yael Yuzon, Erwin Armovit, Gosh Dilay, and Tedmark Cruz, collectively known as Sponge Cola, have been entertaining youth pop-rock fans with their contemporary music for almost ten years now. The band started their music career way back in 2002, as the usual struggling but highly spirited beginners with their own unique rendition of Madonna’s Crazy for You. Soon after it was heard over the radio stations, a lot of people started to follow their gigs as they played in different music bars in the metro.

After their first album Palabas was released in 2004, the quartet became a phenomenal hit. Three more albums later plus a series of concerts here and around the country, Sponge Cola has indeed become a household name among young music aficionados. They are truly one of the few bands who kept coming out with one hit after another. Cited with numerous awards such as best song, best group and best music video, not to mention gold and platinum awards, Sponge Cola’s sensational musical charisma that led to their fame shows no sign of slowing down.

Their fourth album entitled Araw, Oras, Tagpuan (Day, Time, Place) is yet another phenomenal hit in the making. According to Yael, the songs string the ideas of the band’s member because all of them had a share in writing the album’s contents. This is a 12-track CD that includes hit singles like Tambay, Regal, and the newest cut Kay Tagal Kitang Hinintay. One particular song, Walang Wakas, even became the theme song of ABS-CBN’s TV series Wansapanatym.

Sponge Cola, with their newest CD release, will surely hit and reign in the airwaves once again with their true-to-life inspired songs and capture the emotions of many young listeners. All the members are equally talented not just in playing musical instruments but they also share the gift of being creative song writers as well. Perhaps these ingredients, coupled with their highly enthusiastic characters, play a vital factor for a lasting musical career that will eventually set the path for them to become musical legends in the future.

Sponge Cola’s newest album is already out in all major music stores nationwide under Universal Records. 

Nov. 7 edit: Want to have the signed copy of Araw, Oras, Tagpuan shown above? Join this blog’s giveaway! Here’s how:

1. Like the Trails Unlimited page on Facebook.

2. Attach the link of this blog post (http://trailsunlimited.blogspot.com/2011/10/sponge-colas-fourth-album-release-araw.html) on your status message then write, “I’d like to win a signed copy of Sponge Cola’s Araw, Oras, Tagpuan courtesy of Trails Unlimited (tagged)!”

3. Make sure that your status message is set to be viewed by “Public” and not just “Friends”. Your post must appear in Trails Unlimited’s Facebook wall to qualify. Only Philippine residents can join.

4. Deadline for posting of status messages will be at 12mn on November 20 (Sunday). Entries of Facebook users who did not like the Trails Unlimited page will be disqualified from the draw. One winner of the signed album will be drawn via random.org and announced the next day, November 21. CD will be sent through courier after the winner gives me his/her mailing address.

Nov. 21 edit: Winner of this giveaway has already been announced here. Congratulations! :)