Meet the Balikbayans
If you’ve heard of Filipina music icon Ruby Ibarra, you most likely have heard of the people behind her unique sound, The Balikbayans. Since 2018, the talented group of musicians have played alongside Ruby in almost every performance and recorded track. What started out as an idea to create a band for a live Circa91 performance, turned into a powerful band that embodies the Filipino-American spirit in so many ways. Let’s get to know them a little better!
Mikail "Mikey" Alejandro - Bass
Photo courtesy of Mikail "Mikey" Alejandro
Mikey’s love for music traces all the way back to 6th grade. After being chosen to play the bass for his middle school band, he found himself growing more and more in love with music, which not too long after brought him across the globe to perform in beautiful places like Prague, Vienna, and Munich.
When asked how he came to be part of the Balikbayans, he answered, “I took a chance and with help from my references (shoutout to Jaymar Elen and Louise Ramos!) they were able to connect me with Ruby. They were looking for a substitute bassist for a gig on March 25, 2022, as Angelo, the original bassist, was expecting a kid around that time. I ended up learning the majority of the CIRCA91 album within 3 weeks. After that, I continued to fill in for additional gigs. I officially became one of the Balikbayans on October 22, 2022 during a gig in Stockton.”
Growing up as a Filipino-American, he oftentimes felt limited to being hidden in the background. However, it was music, Ruby’s music in particular, that allowed him to feel seen, heard and empowered through his cultural identity. He now enjoys performing meaningful music that continues to speak about the immigrant experience.
His advice to those who wish to follow in his footsteps: “Balance and time management is key to doing what you love-- even if it isn't your career goal! I love music, but I wish to pursue science and medicine. Through a bit of organization, I am able to still play music, do a full-time job in research, volunteer at the Mabuhay Health Center (check them out and the amazing work they do for the Filipino community in the SoMA district!!!), work at the Diocese of Oakland, and study as a part-time student at UC Berkeley Extension.”
Christian “Monz” Manzana - Keyboards, Trombone, and music arranging
Photo courtesy of Christian “Monz” Manzana
Monz started playing piano at the young age of 10. After about a year on the keys, he decided to take a break and try his hand at playing the trombone. It wasn’t until high school that he picked up his keyboard and started playing again, due to his discovery of jazz and hip hop. Since then, his musical skills landed him opportunities many would only dream about, one of which was playing alongside the iconic Aretha Franklin’s band on one of the last shows she performed before she passed.
When asked how he came to be part of the Balikbayans, he answered, “I met Ruby at a music conference and I told her that I play keyboards and trombone and exchanged information with her. We both knew Charito and Chen so from there Ruby started putting together a band whose sole purpose at the time was to play the 1 year anniversary of “Circa 91”. We all clicked with one another and agreed that rather than stopping after the performance we should keep moving as a band because we all got along so well with one another.”
Monz finds joy in the tight bond the band holds and the role it plays in motivating him to be a better musician and the impact that they leave every performance.
His advice to those who wish to follow his footsteps: “Do not neglect your fundamentals (music theory and active practice). Do not be afraid to listen to different styles of music because all have something to offer and you don’t have to play that music to appreciate it.”
Angelo LASI Macaraeg - Bass, Kulintang
Photo courtesy of Angelo LASI Macaraeg
Angelo dove into the world of bass playing when his then-girlfriend, now wife, was learning to play it. Since then, music has taken him on quite a remarkable journey, connecting him with music gamechangers like Ruby, who he met through Balikbayans keyboard player Monz when they were playing in the San Jose circuit.
“Music has always been a part of my life. Even if I didn't produce music or play music professionally in a band, music has always been there for me. There is a lot of division in this world, but music is the common language we all share and is how we communicate. We don't need to take a music class to understand how music feels and impacts us,” shared Angelo.
Since joining the band, his favorite part of performing is seeing the crowd go crazy when they’re in action. Angelo was among the lucky band members who toured the Philippines in 2019, and took the stage in front of a sold out crowd in the walls of the iconic SaGuijo. They powered through humidity and barely any standing room to give the audience a night to remember.
His advice to those who wish to follow in his footsteps, “Be in the present moment both in music and in life. You'll realize they are one in the same.”
Mykho Earvin Magalong - Drums
Photo courtesy of Mykho Earvin Magalong
Mykho’s passion for playing the drums stems back to when he was 13 years old, when he would tag along with his kuya during his band's rehearsals. With a lot of patience, learning and practice, he was able to pick it up and put his own unique twist on his style of playing. Before he knew it, he was performing alongside fellow musicians, pursuing his passion in full force.
“I met Ruby at an event I was vendoring at for SFXDC. She bought merch and I introduced myself. Immediately when I heard Ruby was trying to start a band, for her upcoming Circa’91 Anniversary Show. I came up to see her and told her what I really do as a musician, from there on it’s history.”
Growing up, Mykho didn’t identify as a Filipino-American, having lived half his life in the United States. However, through the years, he’s gained a deeper understanding of the importance of finding your identity in America and why it means so much to so many people. He now proudly celebrates his roots through his craft and the work that he does alongside Ruby and his fellow Balikbayans.
His advice to those who wish to follow in his footsteps, “Music is my forever hobby. It was the talent that I found during the time when I was very young and it’s very important to me like my identity. Follow your dreams! Keep Going, You’re doing a Good Job! Sock-it-to-Me!”.
Eduardo Taylor aka ET IV - Turntable/ DJ
Photo courtesy of Eduardo Taylor aka ET IV
ET’s career started 13 years ago when he was taking ethnic studies classes in college. He grew up with a deep love and appreciation for hip hop, which ultimately led him to discover more of himself while diving into the music scene.
“It was a matter of being in the right place at the right time. I had slowly been developing relationships with different members of the band. There were a couple events where I would DJ for Ruby. I would either fill in as her DJ or I would be the house DJ at an event and end up playing her tracks and in time we developed a relationship. When the opportunity came, when they needed a DJ, Ruby reached out. And of course I was super ready and honored. I feel like it was just an opportunity that I didn’t realize I was looking for. I feel like it just aligned with who I am in so many ways. I am just really honored and thankful to be part of the band and to be on this journey with music,” he shared, recalling how he came to be part of the band.
Growing up as a Filipino American, ET appreciated his roots and the people who paved the way for him. From an early age, he was a hip hop enthusiast with a great love for DJs from all over, but an even deeper love for Filipino-American DJs. Little did he know that one day, he too would be one for young music lovers to look up to and inspire.
His advice to those who wish to follow in his footsteps, “Make your own path. If I’m able to inspire, that’s what it’s really all about. Not that I’m thinking about doing that consciously, but me seeing other DJs and other artists is what inspired me to pick up DJing and help me find my voice and outlet. So ultimately I would say stay true to yourself. Naturally, whatever you’re doing whether it’s music, painting, dance, you are naturally going to take after people who inspire you. That’s a natural thing. But the more that you practice and the more that you stay in your craft you’ll eventually start to develop your own sound where people will know who you are as an individual. A lot of it, as cliche as it sounds, is about the process and the journey. Really just dedicating time to your craft is where you get to know yourself.”
Written By Nico Belasco
Photographer, Writer, Speaker, Podcast Host, Creative
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