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P.O.T. was a Filipino rock band, formed in 1994 and officially disbanded in 2005. The band was fronted by Karl Roy who also fronted the bands Advent Call and Kapatid. The group is famous for their 1997 remake of the song "Yugyugan Na", originally performed by The Advisors in 1977. The band held a reunion concert on July 22, 2006, at The 70's Bistro in Quezon City. On 1997, Harley Alarcon left the band and was replaced by Jay Alviar who also left a year later.[1] In 1999, Ian Umali left the band to go back to school and continue his studies.[2]

Key Information

In February 2005, EMI Philippines released a repackaged version of the first (and only) P.O.T. album. with an additional bonus tracks a new version of the song Ulitin", “Piece of This", and “Panaginip", as well as a brand new song.[3][4]

The initials of the band name P.O.T. is a pseudo-acronym, meaning it doesn't stand for anything at all or as what Karl Roy stated in an interview, fans of the band can freely decide in making up any meanings that fit the initials.

In the early morning of March 13, 2012, Karl Roy died due to cardiac arrest.[5]

Return

[edit]

P.O.T. performed again for the first time in almost 16 years on June 25, 2022, at The 70's Bistro with original members Paraguya and Umali, Red Dela Peña of Ojo Rojo (Red Eye) filling in for vocals, and Reli de Vera on drums.[6] The band is slated for another concert on July 16, 2022, at 19 East in Parañaque City.[7]

Members

[edit]

Current Members

[edit]
  • Mally Paraguya – Bass
  • Ian Umali – Guitars
  • Red Dela Peña – Lead Vocals
  • Les Banzuelo – Drums

Former Members

[edit]
  • Karl Roy† – Lead Vocals
  • Harley Alarcon – Drums
  • Francis Reyes – Guitars
  • Jeff Lima – Drums
  • Carol Hope Castillo – Drums
  • Jayman Alviar – Drums
  • Reli De Vera – Drums
  • JP Dela Rama – Drums

Session musicians

[edit]
  • Tom Vinoya – Keyboards
  • Jay Gapasin – Percussion
  • Jam Bumanlag – Guitars
  • Aldrin Asuncion – Drums

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
  • P.O.T. (1997; PolyEast Records)
  • Remastered (2005; PolyEast Records)

Singles

[edit]
  • "Yugyugan Na!"
  • "Fishcake"
  • "F.Y.B."
  • "Hindi N'yo Alam"
  • "Overload"
  • "Love to See"
  • "Monkey on my Back"
  • "Posse-bility"
  • "Panaginip"
  • "Don't Blink"
  • "Ulitin"
  • "Piece of This"
  • "It Don't Matter"

Awards

[edit]
Year Award giving body Category Nominated work Results
1997 NU Rock Awards Best New Artist N/a Won[8]
Album of the Year "P.O.T" Won[8]
Bassist of the Year (for Mally Paraguya) Won[8]
Drummer of the Year (for Harley Alarcon) Won[8]
1998 "4th Katha Music Awards" Best New Artist N/a Nominated[9]
Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal "Yugyugan Na" Won[10]
Best Rock Album "P.O.T" Won[10]
1998 "11th Awit Award" Best Performance a New Duo or Group of Recording Artists "Yugyugan Na" Won[11]
Best Performance by a Duo or Group of Recording Artists "Yugyugan Na" Won[11]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
P.O.T. was a Filipino rock band formed in 1994 in , , and officially disbanded in 2005. Fronted by the late , the band was known for its energetic live performances and contributions to the scene during the 1990s alternative music boom. Core members included Roy on lead vocals, Ian Umali on guitars, and Mally Paraguya on bass, with a rotating lineup of drummers. P.O.T. gained prominence with their self-titled debut album in 1997, featuring the hit single "Yugyugan Na," a remake of a classic Filipino song that became an anthem in the local rock circuit. The band won several awards, including Best New Artist and Album of the Year at the 1997 NU Rock Awards. The band's music blended , , and elements of stoner metal, characterized by groovy basslines, heavy riffs, and Roy's charismatic vocals. Their sound drew influences from American acts while incorporating Filipino cultural themes. Other notable releases include the compilation Da Funk-n-Revelations (1995, early recordings) and the remastered album P.O.T. Remastered (2005), which revisited their original tracks. P.O.T. went on an indefinite hiatus in 2000 before briefly reforming in 2004 for a final tour and a 2006 , marking the end of their original run. Following 's death in 2012 from a brain aneurysm at age 43, the band remained inactive until a reunion in 2022 with a new lineup. Current members include Red Dela Peña on lead vocals (replacing Roy), Umali and Paraguya returning, and Les Banzuelo on drums. The reformed group performed at events like the Bandang X production on June 25, 2022, reviving classics and introducing new material. P.O.T.'s legacy endures as pioneers of in the , influencing subsequent generations of local musicians.

History

Formation and breakthrough

P.O.T. was formed in , , in 1994 by vocalist , guitarist Ian Umali, bassist Mally Paraguya, and drummer Harley Alarcon, emerging from the local scene as a supergroup of experienced musicians. , previously of Advent Call, brought charismatic and powerful vocals that became central to the band's energetic delivery, while Umali's riff-driven guitar work and Paraguya's groovy bass lines established their rhythmic foundation, with Alarcon providing solid percussion support during the initial phase. The lineup remained stable in its early years, allowing the founding members to hone their collaborative sound through local performances in Manila clubs and underground venues, building a following amid the mid-1990s Philippine rock revival. After two years of gigging, P.O.T. signed with on November 18, 1996, marking a pivotal step toward professional production and wider exposure. The band immediately entered the studio to record their debut material, produced by the group themselves with executive oversight from Chito Ilagan, at Audio Captain studios engineered by Arnold Jallores. Their breakthrough came with the release of the debut single "Yugyugan Na!" in 1997, a high-energy remake of The Advisors' 1977 disco-funk track that revitalized the original and quickly gained massive radio airplay across the , defining the band's accessible yet funky rock identity. The self-titled debut album P.O.T., released in May 1997 via PolyEast Records, captured this momentum with 12 tracks blending funk, rock, and alternative elements, including standout cuts like "Piece of This," "Fishcake," and "Panaginip" alongside the hit single. Notable production touches included keyboards by Butch Saulog on "Panaginip" and backup vocals by Cooky Chua on select tracks such as "Yugyugan Na!" and "F.Y.B." The album achieved strong commercial success, selling well upon release and earning acclaim for injecting creativity into the Philippine rock landscape, with "Yugyugan Na!" dominating airwaves and helping propel P.O.T. to prominence in the local scene. This early triumph laid the groundwork for their rising popularity in the late 1990s.

Peak years and disbandment

Following the breakthrough success of their debut single "Yugyugan Na" in 1997, P.O.T. entered a prolific phase marked by the release of their self-titled album that year on , which featured the hit track—a high-energy remake of The Advisors' 1977 song—and established the band as a staple in the scene during the late and early . The album showcased the band's funky rock sound, blending gruff vocals from frontman with kinetic rhythms, and included follow-up tracks like "Fishcake" and "Panaginip," which contributed to their radio presence and live appeal in the . Key live performances during this period highlighted their stage energy, including headlining slots at festivals such as the Puerto Azul , where they captivated audiences with improvisational sets and danceable grooves. Lineup instability emerged as an internal challenge, with original drummer Harley Alarcon departing in shortly after the album's release, leading to replacements like Alviar and later session musicians, which disrupted cohesion amid 's growing involvement in side projects. , known for his unpredictable and hard-living , pursued ventures like the supergroup Kapatid—formed with notable Filipino rock figures including J-Hoon Balbuena—further straining P.O.T.'s momentum through creative differences and scheduling conflicts. These tensions, compounded by 's emerging health concerns related to his lifestyle, culminated in the band's official disbandment announcement in 2005. In February 2005, EMI Philippines issued a remastered and repackaged edition of the band's sole , adding bonus tracks such as a new version of "Ulitin," "Piece of This," and "Panaginip," which served as a nod to their legacy. This release preceded a one-off reunion show on July 22, 2006, at the 70s Bistro in , where the original core members reunited for a nostalgic performance before entering full hiatus. Roy's death from in 2012, following a 2007 , later influenced decisions around the band's 2022 revival.

Reunion and ongoing activities

In June 2022, P.O.T. officially announced their reunion with a performance at The 70's Bistro on June 25, marking their first show in nearly 16 years and featuring Red Dela Peña as the new lead vocalist, replacing the late . The band's return was emotionally charged, influenced by Roy's passing in 2012 from , which had left a profound void in their legacy. The reunion's first major post-announcement concert took place on July 16, 2022, at 19 East in , where the band delivered high-energy sets that rekindled fan enthusiasm despite the absence of . Subsequent performances included a live session on the Wish 107.5 Bus in January 2023, showcasing tracks like "Panaginip" and drawing praise for their enduring funk-rock groove. Later that year, P.O.T. appeared on Rakista Radio on January 20, 2023, premiering their new single "F.Y.B.," which blended original influences with fresh energy under Dela Peña's vocals. Reuniting without Roy presented challenges, as Dela Peña emphasized that no one could replicate the original frontman's charisma, requiring the band to navigate fan expectations while forging a new creative direction focused on authenticity and synergy. Fan reception has been largely positive, with audiences at early shows like the 70's Bistro gig responding with dance and applause, even as Dela Peña performed through a recent injury, signaling a warm embrace of the reformed lineup. In 2025, P.O.T. continued their momentum with a performance at Hoodlum's 14th anniversary event and new single launch on June 20 at TakeOver Lounge in , highlighting their ongoing collaboration within the OPM scene. Bassist Mally Paraguya led Yamaha Bass Clinics, including sessions on June 28 at in BGC and November 16 at Musar Music, demonstrating the band's technical prowess and commitment to mentoring emerging musicians. Looking ahead, P.O.T. performed at the Sound Summit: The Battle of the Bands on November 15, 2025, at the Convention Center, alongside emerging acts, further solidifying their role in revitalizing Filipino rock.

Musical style

Genre influences

P.O.T.'s sound was profoundly shaped by the Philippine rock scene, a period marked by the fusion of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with diverse international styles, fostering an explosion of alternative and acts. This environment allowed bands to blend local lyrical themes and cultural nuances with global rock subgenres, creating accessible yet innovative . The band's core genres encompassed , , and , delivering a high-energy fusion that highlighted funky rhythms alongside heavier, riff-driven elements. Influences from global acts infused P.O.T.'s with a playful yet aggressive edge. P.O.T.'s style featured a blend of funk-heavy tracks emphasizing groove-oriented compositions with elements, rooted in OPM while adapting to the Philippine scene. This approach underscored the band's role in bridging underground funk experimentation with broader rock accessibility.

Signature elements

P.O.T.'s sound is characterized by its funky rock foundation, driven by the prominent bass lines of Mally Paraguya and the sharp guitar riffs of Ian Umali, which form the rhythmic and melodic core of their compositions. These elements create a dynamic synergy, blending groove-oriented grooves with rock energy that ties into broader influences. Paraguya's bass work, often highlighted in tracking sessions for tracks like "Panaginip," provides a funky, propulsive undercurrent that anchors the band's improvisational feel. Karl Roy's raw and energetic vocals defined the band's vocal style during their original run, delivering powerful, emotive performances that conveyed themes of dreams, everyday Filipino experiences, and lighthearted humor through songs like "Panaginip" and the upbeat remake "Yugyugan Na!". His delivery added an authentic, visceral intensity, making the lyrics resonate with personal aspirations and relatable slices of life. Following Roy's death in 2012, reunion performances since 2022 feature vocalist Red dela Peña, who brings a vibrant, authentic style while honoring the band's legacy. The band frequently incorporated session musicians to enhance percussion variety, such as Butch Saulog on keyboards for "Panaginip" and Cooky Chua on backing vocals, allowing for flexible, improvisational arrangements during recordings and live sets. This approach, combined with a rotating roster of drummers, contributed to the evolving rhythmic textures in their music. Production on their 1997 self-titled emphasized a raw, style that captured the band's live-like energy, while the 2005 remastered edition introduced digital enhancements for clearer dynamics and fidelity. In live performances, P.O.T. exuded high energy, fostering crowd interaction through danceable tracks like "Yugyugan Na!," where audiences clapped and moved in unison, amplifying the band's vibrant, communal atmosphere.

Band members

Current lineup

The current lineup of P.O.T., active since the band's 2022 reunion, features founding members Mally Paraguya on bass and Ian Umali on guitars, alongside lead vocalist Red Dela Peña and drummer Les Banzuelo. Mally Paraguya has played bass continuously since the band's formation in 1994 as a founding member, providing the rhythmic foundation that defines P.O.T.'s funk-rock style. Ian Umali, also a founding member on guitars, serves as a key songwriter, contributing compositions such as those on the band's early albums and maintaining the intricate riffing central to their sound. Red Dela Peña joined as in 2022 for the reunion performances, bringing his experience from the band Ojo Rojo to infuse fresh energy into the group's vocals while respecting the original dynamic. Les Banzuelo took over on drums post-reunion in 2025, succeeding initial reunion drummer Reli de Vera and drawing from his prior work with various Filipino acts to deliver the tight, groovy percussion that supports 's live sets. This configuration preserves P.O.T.'s signature funk-infused through the enduring chemistry between Paraguya and Umali, allowing Dela Peña to adapt the vocal delivery to the classic material without replicating the style of former frontman , thus evolving the sound while honoring its roots.

Former members

served as the lead vocalist and frontman of P.O.T. from the band's formation in 1994 until its disbandment in 2005, providing the distinctive charismatic and energetic vocal style that defined the group's sound during its active years. Before joining P.O.T., had fronted the band Advent Call in the early , where he gained initial recognition in the Filipino music scene with tracks like "Puting Ilaw," showcasing his versatile range from soulful ballads to rock anthems. His contributions to P.O.T. included penning and delivering live performances that energized early breakthroughs, though the band's eventual hiatus in 2000 and full disbandment in 2005 were influenced by shifting creative pursuits among members rather than a specific departure by . passed away on March 13, 2012, at age 43 due to stemming from a heart ailment, leaving a void that notably impacted the band's 2022 reunion efforts. Harley Alarcon was the original for P.O.T., handling percussion duties from 1994 to 1997 and contributing to the band's foundational groove on their 1997 self-titled debut album, including tracks like "Yugyugan Na ()." Alarcon's rhythmic style supported the group's early live performances and helped establish their funky, danceable sound during the mid-1990s Manila rock scene. He departed the band in 1997 for unspecified personal reasons, after which P.O.T. cycled through several drummers to maintain momentum. Following Alarcon's exit, P.O.T. employed multiple drummers for brief periods, including Jay Alviar from 1997 to 1998, who added a steady backbeat to transitional recordings and shows before leaving amid lineup instability. Other session and short-term drummers, such as Jeff Lima and Carol Hope Castillo, filled in during the late and early 2000s, supporting sporadic live gigs and the band's brief 2004 reformation, often driven by members' individual creative explorations outside the group.

Timeline of changes

P.O.T. was formed in 1994 featuring its original core lineup of on vocals, Ian Umali on guitar, Mally Paraguya on bass, and Harley Alarcon on , a configuration that persisted through the band's early years until 1998. Between 1998 and 2004, the band navigated multiple drummer rotations alongside the inclusion of session musicians to accommodate intensive touring during their most active period. In 2004 and 2005, P.O.T. briefly reformed with varying drummers to complete a remastering project of their debut album, culminating in its release before the group's official disbandment later that year. From 2005 to 2022, the band remained in full hiatus with no alterations to its lineup. The 2022 reunion revived P.O.T. through the addition of Red Dela Peña on lead vocals and initial drummer Reli de Vera alongside surviving original members Umali and Paraguya. By 2025, Les Banzuelo had joined on drums, forming a stable configuration that has continued into November 2025.

Discography

Studio albums

P.O.T.'s debut studio , titled P.O.T., was released in 1997 through . Self-produced by the band with executive production by Chito Ilagan, the features 10 tracks blending and alternative elements, showcasing the band's energetic style. The tracklist includes:
  • "Monkey On My Back" (3:25)
  • "Yugyugan Na" (3:27)
  • "Ulitin" (3:11)
  • "Posse-bility" (4:41)
  • "Overload" (3:37)
  • "Piece Of This" (4:45)
  • "F.Y.B." (4:00)
  • "Love to Hate" (3:59)
  • "Hindi N'yo Alam" (3:46)
  • "Fishcake" (3:37)
The album gained notable traction in the Philippine underground rock scene, particularly through the hit single "Yugyugan Na," a remake of a 1977 track by The Advisors. In 2005, coinciding with the band's disbandment, EMI Philippines issued P.O.T. (Remastered), a reissue of the debut album featuring remastered audio, re-recorded versions of select hits, and additional bonus tracks for an expanded 16-song collection. This limited-edition release emphasized updated production to refresh the original material for contemporary listeners. Following the band's reunion in , no further full-length studio albums have been released as of 2025, with activities centered on live performances rather than new recordings.

Singles and compilations

P.O.T. released several non-album singles and appeared on various OPM compilations during their active years, with renewed activity following their reunion. Their debut single, "Yugyugan Na!" (), a high-energy of The Advisors' 1977 track, served as the lead single from their self-titled album and became a hit in the Philippine rock scene, winning Best Rock Performance at the 1998 Katha Music Awards. Subsequent singles like "" (1998) gained traction on radio stations, showcasing the band's fusion with its playful lyrics and groovy bassline, accompanied by a that highlighted their live performance energy. Similarly, "Panaginip" (2005), released as a bonus track in the remastered edition, emerged as a radio favorite, exploring themes of dreams and longing through introspective verses, and featured in a promotional that captured the band's evolving sound. The band also contributed tracks to OPM anthologies. Post-2022, they explored digital singles and potential EP formats through platforms like and , though specific releases remain tied to live events and streaming promotions.

Legacy

Awards and nominations

P.O.T. garnered significant recognition in the Philippine music scene during their late heyday, particularly for their debut self-titled and the hit single "Yugyugan Na!", which propelled their rise as a leading act. These accolades highlighted the band's innovative fusion of rock with Filipino cultural elements, establishing them as a fresh voice in OPM (Original Pilipino Music). The awards primarily came from major local ceremonies like the NU Rock Awards and Awit Awards, underscoring their commercial and artistic impact at the time. The band won Best New Artist at the 1997 NU Rock Awards. Individual members also shone, with Mally Paraguya earning Bassist of the Year and Harley Alarcon taking Drummer of the Year. These victories marked P.O.T. as the standout newcomer of the year, outpacing established acts and reflecting their rapid ascent following the album's release. In 1998, P.O.T. continued their success at the 11th Awit Awards, winning Best Performance by a New Duo or Group of Recording Artists for "Yugyugan Na!". This award celebrated the track's vocal delivery and group synergy, further cementing the song's status as a defining OPM . The band also won Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Yugyugan Na!" at the 4th Katha Music Awards that year, recognizing their and compositional strengths. Additional nods included various local radio awards for dominance of their singles.
YearAward CeremonyCategoryResultNotes
1997NU Rock AwardsBest New ArtistWonRecognized as top emerging group.
1997NU Rock AwardsBassist of the Year (Mally Paraguya)WonIndividual award.
1997NU Rock AwardsDrummer of the Year (Harley Alarcon)WonIndividual award.
1998Awit AwardsBest Performance by a New Duo or Group ("Yugyugan Na!")WonHighlighted vocal and group .
1998Katha Music AwardsBest Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ("Yugyugan Na!")WonAcknowledged rock production.
1998Local Radio Awards (various stations)Best New Group / Top WonMultiple stations honored hits like "Yugyugan Na!".
Post-reunion in 2006, P.O.T. has not secured major formal awards as of November 2025, amid sporadic performances and lineup changes. However, the band experienced a notable media revival in 2023, with increased engagement, features, and live shows reigniting fan interest in their legacy. As of November 2025, the band continues to perform live, including at the Sound Summit in on November 15 and Bar IX on November 24.

Cultural impact

P.O.T. played a pivotal role in popularizing funk rock within the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) landscape during the 1990s alternative music surge, blending groovy basslines and energetic rhythms with Filipino sensibilities to make the genre approachable for mainstream audiences. Their debut self-titled album P.O.T. (1997) exemplified this fusion, drawing from influences like Red Hot Chili Peppers while infusing local flair, which helped expand the boundaries of Pinoy rock beyond grunge and pop-rock dominance. The band's rendition of "Yugyugan Na!", originally by The Advisors in 1977, emerged as a defining cultural for Filipino youth in the early , capturing the exuberance of dance parties and social gatherings amid the millennium's transitional vibe. This track's infectious groove and Roy's soulful delivery turned it into a staple at events, symbolizing carefree rebellion and communal joy in Philippine pop culture. Following their 2005 disbandment, P.O.T.'s sound continued to resonate, inspiring covers and tributes that kept their music alive in the OPM ecosystem, with artists reinterpreting tracks like "Yugyugan Na!" to evoke the era's spirit. This enduring appeal influenced subsequent generations of Filipino musicians, evident in the playful, genre-blending approaches of bands navigating post-2000s rock scenes. The 2022 revival, featuring new vocalist Red dela Peña, reignited nostalgia among fans, aligning with broader retro trends that boosted P.O.T.'s visibility on streaming platforms through curated 90s OPM playlists on . This resurgence highlighted the band's timeless draw, as live performances and digital revivals drew in both longtime listeners and younger audiences discovering their catalog. Karl Roy's tenure as P.O.T.'s frontman cemented his status as an iconic figure in , revered as a "demigod" for his raw charisma, versatile vocals spanning to , and unyielding dedication to the genre despite personal struggles. His legacy, marked by high-energy shows and innovative songcraft, continues to inspire vocalists and performers in the Filipino music community long after his 2012 passing.

References

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