“I am back." In what was billed by music fans and observers as one of the most anticipated comebacks of the year, the singer/songwriter Ebe Dancel, whose last major performance dates back to March of this year at the farewell show of his former outfit Sugarfree, emphatically declared his return to music with his first stint as a solo artist last September 29.
Three simple words assured fans of Ebe Dancel's return: I AM BACK.
The official launch party of his debut album
Dalawang Mukha ng Pag-ibig under Warner Music Philippines saw the 35-year old Dancel in stellar form. Backed by a formidable support band, Dancel wowed hundreds of fans and kept them hanging to his every word as he breezed through the live renditions of the songs found on his new opus. Also present were a number of artists such as guitar heroes Kakoy Legaspi and Francis Reyes -- the latter also serving as event host -- and Sitti, who took turns in joining Dancel on stage to lend him their skills. It was apparent to everyone in attendance at the Teatrino Theater in Greenhills, San Juan City that Ebe Dancel did not lose his touch at all despite staying below the radar in previous months.
Guitarist extraordinaire Kakoy Legaspi performing with Dancel at the album launch.
Ironically, the singer admitted that he “still has to get back into groove" despite a well-applauded performance. “I was missing cues," amusingly recalled Dancel after the show. “I’m gonna have to get used to this again." Regardless, people didn’t seem to mind or notice at all as the reception of the crowd was consistently strong throughout his hour-long set. After the show, the man of the night took time to interact with his supporters, talking and signing album copies and smiling endlessly as as flashes tripped from their cameras. Dancel stayed humble and expressed nothing but gratitude to those who have kept their faith in him and his music. “Not a lot of people get second chances. In this industry, it’s so hard to be gone and then people just will you back," he said. “That’s very special."
Music industry veteran Francis Brew lends his guitar skills for Dancel at the launch.
Asked what to expect from him next, Dancel says there are no definite plans for the immediate future yet. But he assures his fans, “It’s going to be one hell of a ride." He did express keenness about playing more shows in the near future. “I’m really looking forward to going back on the road and playing in front of my friends again… going back to schools, the provinces, bars.
Gapang ulit. That’s the only way to go.
Gapang ulit." The future seems promising for Dancel with everything falling into the right place at the onset of his second run. But it seems he’s not in a hurry to make things happen. Instead, he's taking his time. After all, he acknowledged the fact that “it’s almost back to square one for me." As far as he’s concerned though, he’s just thankful that he’s still doing what he does best. “The feeling is fantastic. It’s great to be back." -
YA, GMA News All photos by Niña Sandejas. To see more of her work, visit www.rosarioko.com/ 
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