Blue Ketchup

The Story of Blue Ketchup

Blue Ketchup is a Filipino pop band. It is one of the newest and hottest bands of the country. They were added in the rooster of bands trying to break the mainstream with their fresh, sincere and unabashed pop. Their compositions of unrequited love, reciprocating affections with light humor were blended with their signature style that bordered between pop and its own rhythm and blues.

The band was formed on July 2002. It was the nagging desire of Emil Miras who wanted to establish his own band. This pushed him to seek help with Darwin Hernandez who happened to be the cousin of the band manager. However, Darwin left Emil when his own band 6Cyclemind started to get off the ground. Through his friends and other connections, he met Gomer Sumilhig, a guitarist and vocalist who already had a collection of songs in his pocket.

After four years, Blue Ketchup became a proper band, solidifying its line up. Emil Miras as the lead vocalist, Gomer Sumilhig played the rhythm guitars at the same time also a vocalist, Pax Alcantara is the lead guitarist, Bombie Almendrala played the bass, Ronald Dizon on keyboards and Anthony Valderama on drums and percussions. The band was added in the roster of Darwin Hernandez under “Soupstar Entertainment” together with famous bands like 6Cyclemind, Imago and Sandwich.

They were able to break into the mainstream through their debut album entitled Kwento Pop. The album was released under the label of ”Viva Records”. Blue Ketchup has added a new ingredient to the Philippine mainstream music recipe. The carrier single of the album was titled Bro. It is a story of a guy who is in love with a girl who likewise fell in love with another man. It is a simple song but engaging and was done in a bossa nova genre which is quite fanciful for listeners nowadays.

Other songs from the album were feel-good, easy listening one., This included Indyanera- an almost bossa track with a twist, Basta’t Ikaw- a song of devotion, Bihag- a confusion brought by initial stirrings of the heart, Paano- a song performed by Emil and Rachelle Ann Go, Hairstyle- a song written by Gomer a long time ago in dedication to Barbie Almalbis and Ale- the ultimate song of heavenly hook-ups.

Blue Ketchup signed with ”Star Records” and became one of the newest artists of the label. They released its compilation album, performing with other two local bands: Brainwash and Milk ‘n Money. The album was named Graduation Day. The album served as a launching pad for the three hottest bands to fully break through the main stream of Philippine alternative music scene. It’s like graduating from being an amateur band to full-time bands with names established in the business.

Mountain Bike was the album’s carrier single. It climbed the charts of local radio stations such as Magic 89.9 and Sunday Sessions of 99.5 RT. The album of the single was able to penetrate the MYX OPM Countdown successfully. Asa Ka Pa, their second single was played in NU107 and Magic 89.9 which entered The Final Countdown. Their last single Sana Na Lang was chosen by Jam 88.3 to be part of their selection for Local Licks and landed on the third spot of the countdown. Basta and Sana Na Lang were first heard in RX 93.1 Band Breakout. It is a musical competition for new bands of the country. The singles and their performance brought them to grand finals.

Together with Callalily, Sandwich, Wake Up Your Seatmate and Manibela, Blue Ketchup sizzled the summer as they performed their hits at the launching of Nestea Beach 2008 held at the Market! Market! Activity Centre at the Fort.

Albums

• Kwento
• Graduation Days