Seven Days: Pinoy band gaining popularity in China

While Seven Days is yet to ring a bell in the local music industry, the group has been making waves in China, especially after having been the only Pinoy band invited to perform on Chinese national television for a Spring Festival program on February 7. Seven Days, as its name suggests, is a band with seven members: vocalists, Ace Llorente, 27, Jennifer Rosal, 24, and Honey Alba, 19; guitarist Ariel Pambid, 29; bassist Allan Oliva, 27; drummer Moses Domingo, 29; and keyboardist Ronnie ‘Onnie’ Castillo, 30, also the band’s leader. While alluding to the Lord’s holy days of work (and rest), Onnie explained that the band’s name is really a reinforcement of one of the group’s core values. Formed in 2001, under the name “Zinjy," Seven Days is an “any day band," prepared to perform onstage with its compelling fusion of rock and R&B. “People say we were better than the original singers of the songs we cover," Onnie told GMANews.TV in an interview. And after performing in Yanji City’s Yanbian TV, it appears that Onnie’s boast has a ring of truth, at least in the Asian music scene where Pinoy talent has been unparalleled for years.

Pinoy support The group never imagined it would land on Chinese television first than in the Philippines. “We’re glad our dream to perform for television viewers was fulfilled," said Honey, “But we would be happier if we performed on Philippine television." Jennifer, who was plucked by Onnie after winning a local karaoke TV singing competition here (before Ethel Booba), is doubly glad with the overwhelming Pinoy support for Seven Days, especially since most Filipinos abroad are more discerning with homegrown talents. “Pinoys are harder to please. So an applause from them only confirms that you’re really good." Last September, the group flew to China for a regular gig in one of the clubs there. After being noticed for its soulful and electrifying covers, the band was invited to perform for the Spring Festival (often dubbed the Chinese Christmas) special show on television. Since 2006, the band has been performing from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia to Jilin, China wowing crowds with covers from the Beatles and Elvis Presley classics to more contemporary songs from Usher and the Black Eyed Peas. The band’s repertoire depends on what the audience likes. As Jilin closely borders North Korea, they need to know a few Korean songs. For its Yanbian TV performance, the band chose a popular Korean song to usher in the celebration of the Spring Festival. So far, Seven Days has been warmly received by the Chinese and Korean communities, not to mention its supportive Filipino fans. “As far as I know, there are only two kinds of Filipinos here [in Jilin City], those who work as entertainers, and the teachers," explained Onnie. The band has also done much to spark interest among the otherwise oblivious Chinese in Jilin City about the Philippines that has been known for its excellent English teachers. “We talked to a lot of people here who initially didn’t even have the slightest idea where the Philippines is. But when they saw us on TV, they went as far as searching for our country in the Internet, looking for pictures. They are now more interested in us." And what do they miss the most about the Philippines? “Eat Bulaga! We promise to watch our favorites, ‘Bossing’ (Vic Sotto) and Joey de Leon, in the studio when we come home," Onnie said. - GMANews.TV