By: AC Recio
Side A fans rejoice! Your favorite throwback pop band has returned for an online charity concert for the benefit of communities hit hard by recent typhoons.
Side A was formed in 1985 and is most well-known for their original pop ballad “Forevermore” and their cover of the David Pomeranz classic “Got to Believe,” both of which have been featured in numerous movie and series soundtracks in the Philippines. The original members of the band – brothers Naldy (keyboards) and Rodel Gonzales (lead vocals and saxophones), Joey Benin (bass), Pido Lalimarmo (guitar), Mar Dizon (drummer) and Kelly Badon (guitar) – will all make a comeback for the upcoming benefit concert entitled “Calesa: Side A Redux” three decades after they all parted ways.
The members of Side A (photo from Pido Lalimarmo Facebook page)
“Thirty years ago we were mainstays at Calesa Bar and now we’re back again, doing a Side A redux project,” said guitarist Pido Lalimarmo in a video promoting their upcoming reunion concert. “Here you will hear our first original songs, but with a new twist. So it’s all original versions, like ‘Di Pa Huli,’ ‘Eva Marie,’ ‘Windows of our Souls’ and many more,” Pido added. According to drummer Mar Dizon, “bibigyan namin kayo ng isang konsiyerto na hinding-hindi ninyo makaklimutan” (“We will give give you a concert you won’t forget”).
Proceeds from the upcoming concert will go to charities sponsored by Ateneo de Manila University Batch ’88 like Alpabasa, PJPS, Tanging Yaman Foundation, Inc., JesuitAid, Jesuit Volunteers Philippines, and other organizations that aid local communities in rebuilding after the recent typhoons.
“Calesa: Side A Redux” will have two screenings on January 30, 2021: one at 11:30 AM and the other at 9:30 PM. Tickets are available at carlopacific.com and KTX.ph so grab one now and get the chance to listen to the original Pinoy crooners while helping a worthwhile cause!