Eman Abatayo's Confessions
On his band and the PDA
The cover of the band's launching album.
Amidst the floods and the prevailing strong winds brought about by the storm, I stopped by to have a chat with one of today's Ilonggo breed of talent and charm, an young singer and songwriter hiking its way up to stardom. It was a brief conversation but there is not one interesting detail to miss. Emmanuel Abatayo, Kwatro Kantos' lead vocalist is now on TNT's hot seat, and for the first time reveals his dreams, his anticipation in releasing a new album, the thrills of conquering the airwaves with a number one song, his kicks on constantly being swarmed by adoring fans, and being in the middle of controversy after having been chosen as the only contender from Iloilo City in ABS-CBN's Pinoy Dream Academy reality show.
Eman started pursuing his love for music when he was in high school. Struggling to do well in academics and coping up with band practices never was a comfortable task, but his passion to do good with both is remarkable. Despite the constraints of time, he graduated with a degree in Accountancy at Western Institute of Technology and even pursued a post graduate short-term course as a Caregiver in Lifeline. Being the youngest from a brood of seven, his parents, Carmelina and Ireneo Abatayo could not have been anymore thankful that he acquired a diploma despite knowing that their son is involved with something, what they perceive as moral corruption.
Being in a band for four years, he understands the stigma that is often associated with it. Drug abuse, heavy drinking and engaging in promiscuous acts, go alongside with fame yet he deliberately refuses to get involve in any of it.
Kwatrokantos band, with Eman in front,
in one of their gigs.
Gradually his craft was molded at the time when he began joining musical sessions from other bands and musicians. After getting together with their drummer, Benji Palmes, they formed their first band named Demo Creep. Later, they were joined by guitarist John Nava and bassist Mario Carillo Lopez and the band's name was changed to Kwatro Kantos.
Before their number one single "Waiting List", dominated the hit charts, the Kwatro Kantos band predominantly covers rock songs and thus was labeled as a rock band. "We won several awards in various competitions like the Battle of the Bands and we mostly play heavy and extremely noisy songs," he reveals. But later had to alter their style and genre due to the limited market of rock music. "We decided to have our own trademark and level of originality by making an original composition," he says. It was a timely change because the moment they released their single, it was instantly embraced by listeners and became the number one song for five consecutive weeks in prominent radio stations in the city.
His involvement in the band does not only limit himself to being a vocalist, he also plays drums, bass and guitar, and writes the songs himself. "I can write two songs in a day. I am mostly inspired by other people's lives which I somehow incorporate into my own experiences and are mainly about love and complexities of emotions."
Shooting for the music video of their hit
single "Waiting List" directed by Oscar
Nava (right)
The success of their single comes with a music video, a collaboration between prominent Ilonggo talents. "We are very grateful for the help of Oscar Nava who directed our video and to Sophie Mol, our model, who never hesitated to be a part of it. They really had been a huge contribution to make our video possible."
For someone who's already accustomed to signing autographs and playing with famous celebrity bands in Manila, Eman is now in the middle of an indefinite storm being in the center of a controversy for being the only one from Illoilo City who was called to vie among contenders from NCR and the Regional areas for a spot in the Philippine Dream Academy, a reality television show for aspiring fame seekers, following right after the success of the reality show, Pinoy Big Brother. What sets PDA apart from PBB is that in PDA all competitors must possess a distinct well-rounded talent and skill, whether it be in music, dance, or acting performance.
He did not went for an audition but was personally hand-picked to do an impromptu singing performance while the scouting Directors of PDA was having dinner at Tijuana who at that time was with Oscar Nava, also a contender for Pinoy Big Brother. "The directors wanted to hear Oscar sing, and he picked our band to jam with him that night. When Oscar was finished, I sang and right after Mr. Dyogi (the show's director) approached me and asked if I already auditioned for PDA. I answered no." And so they say, the rest is history.
Kwatrokantos with Sophie, the beautiful
woman featured in their music video.
It might be called fate, or simply good fortune but Eman was not entirely overjoyed. Despite the rare opportunity, he is reluctant of the stroke of luck that came his way. "I never dreamed of being famous, or of being in television- I don't even watch this kind of shows. I only want to be known together with my band. My dream really is to make it big with them, but not get famous by myself." Still he admits it's something his parents look forward to as it can help the family at great length should he make it in the top 16. He says it will also be a helpful avenue for his band to be recognized on a wider market.
By the time you read this, Eman will already be in Cebu, being affronted with a tough competition to fight against. Who knows what awaits him there. But whether he makes it or not, he has something to come back and look forward to. Their second single "Too Late" is already due to come out in the coming months. "I am thrilled that our next single will be released soon. Part of my concern in getting into PDA is that I might not be around to promote it, but that doesn't mean I won't do my best."
Eman never expects or anticipates anything but he now confesses to be closer to the Lord. "It's a surprising change for me but through all the blessings, I can never thank him enough."
The journey to success may still be uncertain, but for him he is grateful for whatever it will be that comes his way.