𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐌usic

Before 1974, there was minimal interest in original Filipino pop music, whether in Tagalog or other Filipino languages. The music scene was largely dominated by foreign influences, with people listening, playing, singing, and dancing to popular tunes from abroad. While there were a few original recordings, they failed to garner significant influence and interest among the population. The lack of acceptance can be attributed primarily to partial acceptance from the C and D socioeconomic classes, while the AB class especially the youth largely did not embrace it.

In the late '73 to early '74, a new band was being formed by brothers Rene and Dennis Garcia, and I was among the first to be asked to join. Like any group, there were numerous members at the beginning who came and went as the band searched for the right combination. Eventually, we settled on the six original members who became the HOTDOG Band: Rene, Dennis, Jess Garcia, Mon Torralba, Ella del Rosario, and myself.

From the beginning, the band was determined to create original music. However, in an era dominated by foreign music, securing a recording deal proved to be challenging. Despite our best efforts to pitch the concept of original music to various recording companies, we were consistently met with rejection. It seemed nobody was willing to take a chance on us and on the idea of original pop music.

Our last resort was to approach Villar Records, a recording company located in Escolta, Manila but it was devoted to preserving and celebrating the essence of traditional Filipino music. At its helm stood Don Manoling Villar, a revered figure hailed as the patriarch of Philippine Traditional Music recording. The roster boasted luminaries such as Sylvia la Torre,  Pilita Corrales, Ric Manrique Jr., The Mabuhay Singers, Ruben Tagalog, and Diomedes Maturan, with original songs from composers Constancio de Guzman, Juan Silos, Mike Velarde, Levi Celerio, Tony Maiquez, and Restie Umali.

Despite the odds stacked against us—a band of long-haired musicians with pop "Pilipino" originals—it seemed improbable that we would succeed. However, with the assistance of Don Manoling's children—Ronnie Villar, Allan, and their sister, who also held a position in the company—we managed to secure our very first contract