Chapter 2 featured in the FILIPINO REPORTER. Excerpt below. ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Filipino/Pinoy Celebrities & Showbiz
Year 34, No. 30 / July 7-13, 2006 Opening a new chapter in band music Chapter 2 is the name of a band that’s making its musical presence felt in our Fil-Am community. We first heard the group two months ago at the Vina Morales show in Jersey City and was taken by its refreshing sound. Though it did only three numbers, Chapter 2 showed signs of versatility by tackling a difficult Pilipino song. Its best suit, however, is of course pop/acoustic fusion and that’s where the band really shines. The seven members of Chapter 2 are all accomplished performers. A promotional material says that the band members “sought to elevate their musical artistry by banding together and exploring the synergies of combining their wide ranging musical influences into one unique sound.” The magnificent seven are Cutuy Herrero (vox), Dennis Sy (vox), Noel Tampac (musical director, guitarist), Bong Llanto (guitarist), Wenchie Olitan (drums), Rolando Ramos (bass) and Marla Garcia-Villacorte (keyboards). Whenever Chapter 2 plays before a Fil-Am audience, it is always Cutuy who elicits a pleasant gasp. You see, this young lady looks anything but Filipino and audiences always assume she is either Caucasian or Latina. But when she begins speaking in Tagalog that’s when the audience lets out an amazed “ayyy, Pinay pala!” But of course. Notwithstanding her looks, Cutuy is Pinay and, what’s more, to show business born no less. She just happens to be the daughter of Subas Herrero, the veteran performer who we all remember as the other half of that 80s show “Champoy,” along with Noel Trinidad. Cutuy has the loveliest voice. She made her New York debut in 1997 in Noel Gamboa’s production of “Manila Nights.” She has since showcased her talent performing as lead vocalist in various bands all over New York and New Jersey. Dennis is a familiar name in the Fil-Am community. He was a member of the New York singing group Alibata before embarking on solo performances. He launched two solo concerts and was the front act of Banig at a concert in City Center some years back. He has performed as well with local talents Dawn Dineros and Jennifer Cuneta. He released a CD, “Colours,” in 1998. Chapter 2 last performed at the Perlas ng Silangan restaurant in Woodside June 3. More appearances are in the offing, especially in the coming summer weeks. |