The roads are long and bumpy, but Dilaw keeps moving forward
It was only fitting that they unveiled their debut album where it all began. After spending the past two years based in Manila and touring around the country, the rock band Dilaw returned to their hometown in Baguio last August to perform all 10 tracks of “RARARA.”
And there, before an adoring public audience, they were reminded that the city isn’t just a place where memories are made, but a part of who they are.
“Malaki ang ambag ng Baguio sa kung nasaan kami ngayon. It’s where we grew up and where we realized what we wanted to do,” rhythm guitarist Vie de la Rosa tells Lifestyle Inquirer. “It’s where we draw our inspiration. Everyone is a product of their community, so it’s important that we stay connected with ours.”
Hit songs that hit home
Playing for fans, family, and friends—it doesn’t get any better than that, lead vocalist Dilaw Obero adds—if only to show them how much they have grown since their breakout hit, “Uhaw,” the second most-streamed track in the country on Spotify in 2023. “Baka kasi iniisip nila tumatambay lang kami sa Manila,” he says, laughing.
Dilaw—also composed of lead guitarist Leon Karlos Altomonte, bassist Wayne dela Rosa, keyboardist En Altomonte, and drummer Tobi Samson—wrote and produced “RARARA” in Baguio. Envisioned as a soundtrack for a road trip, the record, whose title a playful take on “tara na,” meaning “let’s go,” features songs of love and loss; songs about being far from home, coming home, and the people who greet you in your return.
“Flying Kiss” suggests that breakups can be surprisingly peaceful. “Black n’ White” brings color to the monotony of life, if only in a dream. “All In” rues the power of letting go and moving forward. “Amistad” is an ode to that old abode where Vie and Dilaw first started writing music. “! (Tandang Padamdam),” meanwhile, captures that familiar moment when you look in the side mirror to find everyone else in the car asleep, leaving you wrapped up in your own thoughts.
“This record sounds more optimistic than some of our past releases. You can play it on a drive through the mountains or along the sea,” Vie says. “You don’t have to be a literal vacation. An adventure can also mean a new job, a new business, a new path in life.”
All roads lead to Baguio
The album’s accompanying creative photos and music videos are just as much a reflection of Baguio as the music itself. Perhaps they’re an invitation for the listeners to hop on a bus and experience the city beyond its usual sights and sounds. And this visual storytelling also comes through in the cover art, which includes images of the band along the winding Loakan Road.
But really, Leon says, it’s through connection with the local community that the city feels most alive. This is especially true at nightfall, when one senses the pulse and energy of Baguio and its vibrant music scene.
“We all know that Baguio is a beautiful place with amazing things to see. But we want to showcase the place that in a way that isn’t just focused on the tourist attractions,” Leon says. “Take time to get to know the people, and they will take you where music thrives.”
If their career were an adventure, Vie jests, the road would be one laden with obstacles, or “lots of twists and turns… maraming humps!” as he puts it. Creative, and sometimes personal, differences are par for the course among band members, especially within a group with such diverse tastes and perspectives. In fact, it’s a wonder they didn’t end up fighting while making this new album. “A first [we did]!” they chorus.
But just as all roads lead to Baguio, disagreements are unfailingly resolved by returning to their shared passion and goal. The exact destination remains to be seen, Vie admits, but what keeps the proverbial car running couldn’t be clearer.
“We have all had our personal differences, but we talk it out and move past them. Besides, we all know our common ground: music,” Leon says. “So when things get rough, we know we can always fall back on something honest and real.”
