Towards the end of 2019, the vocal trio simply known as JBK (composed of Joshua Bulot, Bryan del Rosario and Kim Lawrenz Ordonio) surprised everyone, including themselves when their latest release, “Anestisya” became a huge radio hit for popular music stations like Barangay LS, Wish 107, MOR and Win Radio.
Since it was first uploaded in October 4, the piano-driven ballad’s lyric video has garnered over 285,000 views on YouTube as of this writing, making the song a certified hit on social media as well.
Composed by entertainment journalist Jojo Panaligan a.k.a. Yman, the ballad is about coping with heartbreak, something that resonates particularly with millennials.
Panaligan said the song was actually recorded way back in 2015 as a demo based on the inspiration “that guys often hide their true feelings especially when they’re broken hearted because that’s what society expects from them.”
“JBK recorded it with only guitar and vocals. They didn’t know I had it done in full arrangement. But I had no intention of releasing it. Eventually, they heard the song completely done and from then on, they have been asking it from me so they could release it as a single. I kept saying no, three years straight,” Panaligan recalled.
“It sounded even better, more polished and more relatable to young listeners when JBK recorded it!”
And when Panaligan finally relented for its release, “Anestisya” became an instant hit much to the delight of JBK which was formed six years ago while the trio were undergoing a workshop for their common love for music.
“We’re glad that Sir Jojo still chose us to do the final song,” said Bulot.
Del Rosario added that “Anestisya,” sung from the point of view of a guy is typical of how a man usually stays silent after a woman breaks his heart, as if he was given anesthesia to numb his pain and to make it appear to the world that he’s okay.
“Since anesthesia only temporarily numbs the pain and does not totally eliminate it, the man will still eventually feel it and he finally breaks down when no one is around to see him in pain,” Del Rosario added.
Just two years ago, the vocal trio was the toast of the UK-based reality talent search show, “The X Factor.” Their impressive run in the series got them as far as the semifinals.
They said they have learned a lot from their stint in London, one of which is it’s not enough to be merely good singers or performers. “It’s equally important that you also have your own original material. You can’t just do covers all the time.”
After their UK stint, JBK vowed to stick together as a group even though they have individual careers in showbiz. Del Rosario is doing some guest appearances on soap operas, Ordonio is part of Magnificat — a musical written by Ryan Cayabyab with its latest edition directed by Laurice Guillen, while Bulot has been doing Rak of Aegis as Tolits.
In the meantime, the boys are just too glad to be seen in TV shows and radio programs promoting “Anestisya.”
With more singing engagements now, JBK vows to release more new materials as they consider the likes of Ben&Ben, IV of Spades, Bruno Mars and even legends like the Apo Hiking Society and Tito, Vic and Joey as among their inspirations.
The group has recorded three new songs “that were written and composed by us and we will be releasing more songs next year.”
As for Panaligan, the composer vows to release more of his compositions that has yet to see the light of day. As for the artists that he would like to record his songs, JBK remains as a top priority.