Alternative rock band Five Fingers launches debut single 'Lakas Mo' with Star Music executive Jonathan Manalo. Josh Mercado

MANILA -- There was a time in the Philippines' music business when bands ruled the radio waves and their songs served as soundtracks for people's lives.

In today's digital age, musicians can simply identify themselves to the public and share their music using social media sites.

Sharing their voices, new alternative rock band Five Fingers, managed by DNA (a new label under Star Music) and Roly Halagao, hosted a launch party for their debut song “Lakas Mo,” attended by Star Music executive Jonathan Manalo, DNA executive Chuchay Salvador, and Star Music artists Nico Crisostomo, Kyle Velasco, and Brent Chavez. 

According to Paul Anthony Acuin (lead guitarist), Josh Christian Vicente (bassist), Lance Kerwin V Fajardo (drummer), and Jack Medina (lead vocalist), their music is for everyone, and they take great care with the lyrics they release because they have a responsibility to ensure that young fans can still listen to them.

“We have no problem with musicians who express their craft through sensitive or controversial lyrics, but we do have a responsibility to our young fans. We want everyone to feel like they belong when they listen to us,” the band’s drummer told ABS-CBN News. 

Halagao, who’s also a casting director, created the band in 2023. In one of his casting events, he met Medina, was impressed by his voice, and advised him to form a band.

“It all began when I met direk Roly (Halagao). He really inspired me and suggested that I should form a band. That’s when I had the incredible opportunity to meet Master Paul, and together we began searching for other members to join us,” Medina shared. 

When asked about how solid their group is, the 24-year old vocalist told ABS-CBN News, “Inspiration po talaga namin ang Parokya ni Edgar kasi hanggang ngayon ay intact sila at hindi sila naghihiwalay.”

Bassist Vicente also gave this thoughts: “Ang turingan po namin sa isa’t isa ay family na po talaga. And solid po talaga ang mga bonding namin.”

Drummer Fajardo, the band's "kuya," constantly ensures that they enjoy their time together, telling ABS-CBN News, “Kung may dapat pa kaming idagdag na kanta or dapat matutunan na kanta, ‘yun po ang bonding namin.”

Lead guitarist Acuin stated that anytime there is a problem in their group, they always find ways to overcome it while acknowledging the group's maturity.

“We always find solutions po sa problems namin. Nagkakaintindihan po kami. Ayaw po namin na nagtatalo kami nang husto. Gusto po namin na always settled ‘yung problems namin as a group,” Acuin said. 

During the launch party, the Five Fingers performed their debut single "Lakas Mo," dedicating it to listeners who have faced adversity and persevered.

The song is about the common agony and suffering of each individual who is facing their own particular struggles in their daily life and, as a result, feels discouraged. This song serves as a reminder that no one is alone, and that strength comes from solidarity.

“When one feels weak and hopeless, they can rely on the strength of others, for we are stronger together,” Medina said. 

Meanwhile, Salvador, DNA’s executive, concluded the presscon with his message to the band: “Marami pa tayong pagdadaanan. Alam ko na hindi lang ‘yung ‘Lakas Mo’ single, marami pa tayong ire-release, at marami pa tayong gagawin. Siyempre, abangan niyo rin po ‘yung mga songs na gagawin namin. Alam kong may other artists silang gustong maka-collab, ‘yun din ang prina-process namin.”